PATENT DOCUMENT

Abstract:
Devices, methods and systems disclosed herein relate to the application of a protective film on a surface of an electronic device that instantly reduces air bubbles and eliminates the waiting time usually required when using a wet fluid solution. In one embodiment, a flange may be configured to couple to the protective film. The flange may aid in the accurate application of the protective film to the electronic device.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/844,465 entitled “PROTECTIVE MATERIAL APPLICATOR DEVICE” filed on Mar. 15, 2013, which is in turn a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/361,562 entitled “PROTECTIVE MATERIAL APPLICATOR DEVICE” filed on Jan. 30, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,010,396, which is in turn a continuation-in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/208,264 entitled “PROTECTIVE MATERIAL APPLICATOR DEVICE” filed on Aug. 11, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,377, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/053,081 entitled “PROTECTIVE MATERIAL APPLICATOR DEVICE” filed on Mar. 21, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,905,107, which in turn claims the benefit of and the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/444,597 filed on Feb. 18, 2011. The entire contents of all of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an apparatus, method and/or system for applying a protective material or layer to a surface of a device. For example, the present invention may allow a user to apply a protective material or layer to the surface or screen of an electronic device. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Electronic devices such as cellular phones, portable tablet computers and the like are gaining widespread popularity. For example, the Apple® iPhone® is estimated to reach 100 million users by the end of 2011. In addition, almost 15 million Apple® iPads® have been sold to date. The sheer volume of electronic devices sold by other major competitors such as Motorola®, Samsung®, HTC®, etc. only further confirms that consumers find these products very desirable. It should not come as a surprise that these same consumers want to protect their products from accidental denting, scratching or otherwise damaging these electronic devices. Accordingly, manufacturers have produced different cases, protective films and the like to help the consumer keep their electronic devices safe. 
         [0006]    However, with the progress of touch-based screens for operating these electronic devices, thick cases might not be suitable, as these cases may prevent the user from operating the device. Accordingly, many manufacturers are now producing clear films that keep, for example, the display of the electronic device clean while at the same time protecting the screen from accidental damage such as scratching. 
         [0007]    Despite the benefits that these films or screen protectors provide, many drawbacks remain in this relatively new technology. For example, many of these protectors require the use of a wet fluid solution to enable the film to adhere to the electronic device. Using a wet fluid solution is messy, requires a lot of work by the user to “squeegee” the excess out, and might not eliminate all annoying air bubbles immediately. Indeed, many of these products warn that 24-48 hours may be needed before the user can effectively determine if the trapped air bubbles are going to disappear. In other words, some consumers may have to wait for days before determining if the film was applied correctly. To some consumers, this long wait is annoying and may reduce the enthusiasm of an otherwise exciting moment of obtaining a cutting-edge electronic device. Moreover, the electronic device might not be functional until the solution dries out in 24-48 hours. Alternatively, the consumer might not want to risk using the device in fear during this time period as he or she may believe that usage may impact the film prior to drying of the wet fluid solution. 
         [0008]    What is needed is an applicator that eliminates the drawbacks above and allows a user to apply the protective film effectively for use without waiting for the protective film to dry and/or waiting for the air bubbles to disappear. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Devices, methods and systems are provided to apply a protective film on a surface of an electronic device which reduces or eliminates air bubbles and eliminates the waiting time usually required when using a wet fluid solution. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, a roller apparatus may be used in a protective film application process to eliminate air bubbles and assist the user in applying the film to the electronic device correctly. The roller apparatus may include a carriage or housing, one or more rollers coupled to or integrated with the housing and a splitter configured to separate the protective film from a backing material during the application process. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the roller apparatus may be configured to be maneuvered into position with the splitter between the exposed portion of the protective film and the backing with the roller portion of the roller apparatus trailing behind. As the user pulls the roller apparatus from a first edge of the electronic device to a second edge of the electronic device, the protective film may be removed from the backing, applied to the device, and any air bubbles may be immediately squeezed out such that in one motion the protective film may be applied to the electronic device without the use of a wet fluid solution. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, a method of applying the protective film to an electronic device is provided. For example, first, a user may remove one edge of the protective film from a backing and line up the removed edge of the protective film with the corresponding edge of the electronic device. No wet fluid solution is sprayed on or applied to the surface or screen of the electronic device. Next, the roller apparatus may be maneuvered into position with the splitter between the exposed portion of the protective film and the backing with the roller portion of the roller apparatus trailing behind. As the user pulls the roller apparatus from a first edge of the electronic device to a second edge of the electronic device, the protective film may be removed from the backing, applied to the device, and any air bubbles may be immediately eliminated such that in one motion the protective film may be applied to the electronic device without the use of a wet fluid solution. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, for example, where the protective film includes an overlay portion intended to be pressed down on the sides perpendicular or orthogonal to the main surface, the user may press the protective film down on the intended, corresponding areas and use the roller portion of the roller apparatus to further press down on the protective film. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, a roller apparatus may include an integrated stand for propping up or holding the electronic device. In a first operational configuration, the roller apparatus may be used in a protective film application process to eliminate air bubbles and assist the user in applying the film to the electronic device correctly. In a second operational configuration, the roller apparatus may be used as a stand for propping up the electronic device. The roller apparatus may include a carriage or housing, one or more rollers coupled or integrated with the housing and a stand portion for propping up the electronic device. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, to further assist the user in applying the protective film, a roller apparatus guide may be used in conjunction with a roller apparatus. The roller apparatus guide may be a substantially rectangular block having three or more portions including an inner wall defining a cavity used to receive or mount a mobile communication device, a roller supporting surface configured to be flush with a mounted mobile communication device and a set of roller guiding rails which may be parallel to one another and raised above the roller supporting surface. In addition, the roller apparatus guide may include pressing portions to assist the user when applying the protective film. a film application system may include a roller apparatus, a roller apparatus guide, a mobile communication device, a protective film to be applied to a mobile communication device, and a wedge. Here, a wedge is incorporated to help the user apply the film to the mobile communication device. The wedge may be substantially triangular in shape, although minor variations are allowed provided that the functionality of the wedge remains. The wedge may comprise three adjacent, connected surfaces forming the structure of the wedge. The spacing created by the connecting of surfaces may be hollow or, in one embodiment, may be filled. The wedge may function to assist in removing the backing of the film during the film application process. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, provided is an apparatus graspable by a user&#39;s hand for receiving any of a plurality of mobile communication device inserts, each of the plurality of mobile communication device inserts having a mobile communication device receiving cavity of a different shape or size configured to receive a mobile communication device of a particular shape and size, the apparatus for applying a protective layer to surfaces of different mobile communication devices, the apparatus comprising: a body defining a well for receiving any of the plurality of mobile communication device inserts; and a pair of rails attached to the body portion for guiding a roller used to apply the protective layer. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment provided is an insert apparatus serving as a physical interface for a mobile communication device and a well apparatus to facilitate applying a protective layer to a surface of a mobile communication device, the insert apparatus comprising: a ring for receiving the mobile communication device, the ring including an outer wall having a perimeter sized to removably fit into a cavity of the well apparatus, and an inner wall defining a cavity sized to fit the mobile communication device. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, provide is a system for applying a protective layer to a surface of a mobile communication device, the system comprising: a roller for applying the protective layer to the surface of the mobile communication device; an insert for receiving and securing the mobile communication device; and a base apparatus configured to receive the insert and the mobile communication device, the base apparatus including: a body defining a well for receiving the insert, and a pair of rails attached to the body for guiding the roller for applying the protective layer to the surface of the mobile communication device. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, provided is a system for applying a first protective layer to a first surface of a first mobile communication device and a second protective layer to a second surface of a second mobile communication device, the system comprising: a first insert having a cavity sized to receive and secure the first mobile communication device; a second insert having a cavity sized to receive and secure the second mobile communication device; a base apparatus configured to receive the first insert and the first mobile communication device when the second insert and the second mobile communication device is not received by the base apparatus, and further configured to receive the second insert an the second communication device when the first insert and the first mobile communication device is not received by the base apparatus, the base apparatus including: a body defining a well for receiving the first insert and the first mobile communication device when the second insert and the second mobile communication device is not received by the base apparatus, and further configured to receive the second insert an the second communication device when the first insert and the first mobile communication device is not received by the base apparatus, and a pair of rails attached to the body for guiding a roller for applying the first protective layer to the first surface of the first mobile communication device when the first insert and the first mobile communication device are received by the base apparatus, the pair of rails further for guiding the roller for applying the second protective layer to the second surface of the second mobile communication device when the second insert and the second mobile communication device are received by the base apparatus. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, provided is a screen protector application system for applying a protective material to a surface of an electronic device, the system comprising: a roller apparatus configured to press the protective material against the surface of the electronic device; a base apparatus graspable by a user&#39;s hand for receiving the electronic device and for supporting the roller apparatus, the base apparatus including: a body having a roller-supporting surface for supporting the roller apparatus, the roller-supporting surface further defining a cavity configured such that when the electronic device is positioned within the cavity, a top surface of the electronic device is substantially planar with the roller-supporting surface, and a pair of parallel rails raised above the roller-supporting surface and separated from one another by at least the cavity, the pair of rails for aligning the roller apparatus. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, provided is a screen protector application system for applying a protective film to a surface of a mobile communication device, the system comprising: a body defining a cavity configured to receive the mobile communication device, the body having: a supporting surface defining an upper boundary of the cavity and being positioned outside of the cavity, and a pair of rails raised above the supporting surface and being separated from one another by at least the cavity; a protective film having an application portion and a backing portion, and a first end and a second end separated by a length of the protective film, the first end configured to couple to the body, with the length extending over the cavity; and a flange configured to couple to the protective film and being sized to fit between and abut each of the rails when the protective film is applied to the surface of the mobile communication device, to reduce movement of the application portion towards at least one of the rails when the protective film is applied to the surface of the mobile communication device. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, provided is a screen protector application system for applying a protective film to a surface of a mobile communication device, the system comprising: a body defining a cavity configured to receive the mobile communication device, the body having: a supporting surface defining an upper boundary of the cavity and being positioned outside of the cavity, and a pair of rails raised above the supporting surface and being separated from one another by at least the cavity; a protective film having a first end and a second end separated by a length of the protective film, the first end configured to couple to the body, with the length extending over the cavity; and a curved flange configured to couple to the protective film and deflect at least a portion of the protective film away from the surface of the mobile communication device when the mobile communication device is received in the cavity and the protective film is coupled to the body. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    The features, obstacles, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates a roller apparatus, a protective film and an electronic device according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of a roller apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a perspective view of a roller apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a side perspective view of a roller apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2D  illustrates a front perspective view of a roller apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2E  illustrates a rear perspective view of a roller apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2F  illustrates a bottom view of a roller apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2G  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first roller according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a protective material set-up configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a roller apparatus set-up configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a roller apparatus operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of a roller apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0036]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a roller apparatus operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0037]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of a roller apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a roller apparatus operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0039]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a roller apparatus with an integrated stand, a protective film, a film tab and an electronic device according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0040]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a roller apparatus with an integrated stand in a first operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6C  illustrates a roller apparatus with an integrated stand in a second operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0042]      FIG. 6D  illustrates a side view of the roller apparatus of  FIG. 6C  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6E  illustrates a protective material set-up configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6F  illustrates a protective material set-up configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0045]      FIG. 6G  illustrates a roller apparatus operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0046]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective top view of a roller apparatus with an integrated stand according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0047]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a roller apparatus with an integrated stand according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0048]      FIG. 7C  illustrates a perspective side view of a roller apparatus with an integrated stand according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0049]      FIG. 7D  illustrates a perspective rear view of a roller apparatus with an integrated stand according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0050]      FIG. 7E  illustrates a perspective front view of a roller apparatus with an integrated stand according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0051]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a roller apparatus with an integrated stand in a first operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0052]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a roller apparatus with an integrated stand in a second operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0053]      FIG. 8C  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a roller apparatus with an integrated stand according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0054]      FIG. 8D  illustrates a roller apparatus operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0055]      FIG. 8E  illustrates a roller apparatus operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0056]      FIG. 8F  illustrates a roller apparatus operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0057]      FIG. 8G  illustrates a roller apparatus operation configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0058]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0059]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus with a film attached prior to mounting of the mobile communication device according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0060]      FIG. 9C  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus with the mobile communication device mounted according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0061]      FIG. 9D  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus with the mobile communication device mounted and with a roller applying a film on the mobile communication device according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0062]      FIG. 9E  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus with the mobile communication device mounted and with a roller almost completed with applying a film on the mobile communication device according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0063]      FIG. 9F  illustrates a film tab removal process according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0064]      FIG. 9G  illustrates removing the mobile communication device from the roller guiding apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0065]      FIG. 9H  illustrates reinforcement of the applied film by using the roller after the mobile communication device is removed from the roller guiding apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0066]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a roller apparatus, a mobile communication device, a film to be applied to the mobile communication device, a roller apparatus guide and a wedge according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0067]      FIG. 10B  illustrates the wedge of  FIG. 10A  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0068]      FIG. 10C  illustrates the wedge of  FIG. 10A  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0069]      FIG. 10D  illustrates the wedge of  FIG. 10A  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0070]      FIG. 10E  illustrates the wedge of  FIG. 10A  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0071]      FIG. 10F  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus with the mobile communication device mounted and with a roller apparatus initially positioned prior to the applying of a film on the mobile communication device with the assistance of a wedge according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0072]      FIG. 10G  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus with the mobile communication device mounted and with a roller apparatus initially positioned to apply a film on the mobile communication device with the assistance of a wedge according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0073]      FIG. 10H  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus with the mobile communication device mounted and with a roller apparatus being maneuvered to apply the film on the mobile communication device with the assistance of a wedge according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0074]      FIG. 10I  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus with the mobile communication device mounted and with a roller apparatus moving the wedge during the application of a film to the mobile communication device according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0075]      FIG. 10J  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus with the mobile communication device mounted and with a roller apparatus positioned to apply a film on the mobile communication device with wedge located at the bottom portion of the mobile communication device according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0076]      FIG. 11  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0077]      FIG. 12A  illustrates an insert for a mobile communication device configured to be removably insertable into the roller guiding apparatus of  FIG. 11  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0078]      FIG. 12B  illustrates an insert for a mobile communication device configured to be removably insertable into the roller guiding apparatus of  FIG. 11  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0079]      FIG. 13  illustrates a protective film removably attached to a tab and an accompanying wedge according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0080]      FIG. 14  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0081]      FIG. 15  illustrates an insert apparatus inserted into a roller guiding apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0082]      FIG. 16  illustrates an insert apparatus for a mobile communication device inserted into a roller guiding apparatus further shown with a protective film having a tab held in place within a tab receiving portion of the roller guiding apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0083]      FIG. 17  illustrates roller guiding apparatus further shown with a protective film having a tab held in place within a tab receiving portion of the roller guiding apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0084]      FIG. 18A  illustrates roller apparatus having a finger supporting platform according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0085]      FIG. 18B  illustrates a perspective view of the roller apparatus of  FIG. 18A  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0086]      FIG. 19A  illustrates a perspective view of the roller apparatus of  FIG. 18A  positioned on a roller guiding apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0087]      FIG. 19B  illustrates a top view of the system of  FIG. 19A  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0088]      FIG. 20A  illustrates a perspective view of a roller apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0089]      FIG. 20B  illustrates a side view of the roller apparatus of  FIG. 20A  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0090]      FIG. 20C  illustrates a front view of the roller apparatus of  FIG. 20A  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0091]      FIG. 21  illustrates a system utilizing a roller guide apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0092]      FIG. 22A  illustrates a top view of components of the system of  FIG. 21  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0093]      FIG. 22B  illustrates a top view of components of the system of  FIG. 21  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0094]      FIG. 22C  illustrates a top view of components of the system of  FIG. 21  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0095]      FIG. 22D  illustrates a side perspective view of a component of the system of  FIG. 21  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0096]      FIG. 22E  illustrates a side perspective view of components of the system of  FIG. 21  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0097]      FIG. 22F  illustrates a top view of components of the system of  FIG. 21  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0098]      FIG. 23A  illustrates a side perspective view of components of the system of  FIG. 21  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0099]      FIG. 23B  illustrates a side perspective view of components of the system of  FIG. 21  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0100]      FIG. 24A  illustrates a top view of a system using a roller guide apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
           [0101]      FIG. 24B  illustrates a side perspective view of components of the system of  FIG. 24A  according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0102]    Apparatus, systems and/or methods that implement the embodiments of the various features of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate some embodiments of the present invention and not to limit the scope of the present invention. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. 
         [0103]      FIG. 1  illustrates a roller apparatus  100 , an electronic device  135  and a film  150 . The roller apparatus  100  may be used to apply the film  150  to a surface of the electronic device  135 . The film  150  may protect the electronic device  135  from damage (e.g., scratches) and/or smudges. As shown, the roller apparatus  100  may have a width wider than the width of the electronic device  135  and the film  150 . In this manner, the roller apparatus  100  may be configured to apply films of varying sizes onto devices of varying sizes. In addition, the roller apparatus  100  may be configured to apply the film  150  to a device with a curved surface (not shown). In one embodiment, the roller apparatus  100  may be increased in size or decreased in size (along with the appropriate proportions) for usage with significantly larger films and devices (e.g., a tablet PC). 
         [0104]      FIG. 2A  illustrates one embodiment of a roller apparatus  200 . As shown, the roller apparatus  200  may include a roller base or carriage  205 , a first or front roller  210 , a second or back roller  215 , a mid-bar  220 , a first or left splitter  225  and a second or right splitter  230 . The roller base  205  may be constructed out of a rigid material such as a plastic, a metal, a wood and the like. The roller base  205  is configured to provide structural support for the roller apparatus  200 . In addition, the roller base  205  may be sized to be easily manipulated and graspable by a user&#39;s hand. The roller base  205  may be configured to hold the first roller  210  in place and allow the first roller  210  to “roll” or rotate about a longitudinal axis created by the roller base  205 . In one example, the roller base  205  may be structured to include a first rod member (not shown) spanning the entire length of the first roller  210 , thereby forming an axis for the first roller  210  to rotate about. The first roller  210  is configured to rotate and apply physical pressure on a film (e.g., film  150  of  FIG. 1 ) in operation. The first roller  210  may be separated from the mid bar  220  by a first roller gap  235  and may be further separated from the first splitter  225  and the second splitter  230  by a splitter gap  245 . These gaps (e.g., the first roller gap  235  and the splitter gap  245 ) may serve as structural openings to allow the first roller  210  to rotate freely. The second roller  215  may be a redundant pressure applicator and may be substantially the same size as, and substantially parallel to the first roller  210 . The first roller  210  and the second roller  215  may be separated by a mid bar  220 . The mid bar  220  may connect the two ends of the roller base  205  and provide the entire roller apparatus with stability. In addition, a gap  240  may exist between the mid bar  220  the second roller  215  to allow the second roller  215  to rotate freely. The first splitter  225  and the second splitter  230  may lie along the same plane and may be slightly curved. The splitters  225  and  230  may be configured to be rigid and may function to separate an adhesive portion of a film (e.g., film  150 ) from its non-adhesive backing during the application process. 
         [0105]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the roller apparatus  200 . In one embodiment, the roller apparatus  200  may be configured to function as a film applicator for phone-sized devices and may have a length of 1-2 inches, a width of 2-4 inches, and a height of 0.5-1 inch. In one embodiment, the roller apparatus  200  may be configured to function as a film applicator for tablet-sized devices and may have a length of 1-5 inches, a width of 8-12 inches, and a height of 0.5-2 inches. Other dimensions are also possible depending on the size of the device to be protected and/or depending on the size of the film to be applied. 
         [0106]      FIG. 2C  is a side perspective view of the roller apparatus  200 . As shown, the rollers  210  and  215  may include inner cores  255  and  260 , respectively. In addition, the rollers  210  and  215  may include outer cores  265  and  270 , respectively. In one embodiment, the outer cores  265  and  270  may be configured to “flatten” at the point of contact and thereby providing pressure in a more uniform and distributed manner, efficiently eliminating air bubbles. The outer cores  265  and  270  may be configured to return to its original configuration when not pressed to the surface of the device (e.g., electronic device  135 ). 
         [0107]    In one embodiment, the mid bar  220  may be curved or straight, and may have a length substantially equivalent to the length of the rollers  210  and  215 , thereby joining the two ends of the roller base  205 . Additionally, the mid bar  220  may be configured to have a width shorter than a diameter of the outer cores  265  and  270 . In this manner, the mid bar  220  provides structural support to the roller apparatus  200  without contacting the film (e.g., film  150 ) or the device (e.g., electronic device  135 ) during the application process. 
         [0108]    In one embodiment, the splitters  225  and  230  may be located adjacent to the first roller  210 . The splitters  225  and  230  may jut inward from the roller base  205  so as not to extend the footprint of the roller apparatus  200 . In addition, the splitters  225  and  230  may function to remove the non-adhesive backing from the adhesive portion of the film (e.g., film  150 ) during an application process. While shown to be two, distinct parallel elements, the splitters  225  and  230  may be joined together (e.g., by extending the splitters  225  and  230  towards one another) and/or may be constructed as one piece. The splitters  225  and  230  may be constructed out of any material with sturdiness sufficient enough to separate and remove the adhesive portion of the film (e.g., film  150 ) from a non-adhesive backing. In one embodiment, the splitters  225  and  230  may be curved and formed in the shape of a “C” as shown in  FIG. 2C . The curvature (“C” shape) of the splitters  225  and  230  may advantageously increase the ease of by which the non-adhesive backing from the adhesive portion of the film (e.g., film  150 ) is removed. However, other configurations are possible. For example, a “letter opener” configuration where the splitters  225  and  230  include tapered edges may be utilized. 
         [0109]    While described in  FIG. 2C  to have inner cores  255  and  260 , certain embodiments of the roller apparatus  200  might not include inner cores  255  and  260 . In one embodiment, the roller apparatus  200  may comprise any number of rollers (e.g., one roller—by removing the second roller  215 , three rollers—by extending the width of roller base  205  and adding a third roller, etc.) In one embodiment, the roller apparatus  200  may comprises two parts, a roller (e.g., the first roller  210 ) and a base (e.g., the roller base  205 ), wherein the base may include an integrated mid bar (e.g., mid bar  220 ) and a splitter (e.g., splitters  225  and  230 ). 
         [0110]      FIGS. 2D ,  2 E and  2 F show other various views of one embodiment of the roller apparatus  200 . 
         [0111]      FIG. 2G  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first roller  210 . All principles of the first roller  210  discussed herein may be equally applicable to the second roller  215 . As shown, the outer core  265  may wrap the entirety of the inner core  255 . In addition, the inner core  255  may have a substantially smaller diameter than the outer core  265 . In one embodiment, the inner core  255  may be constructed out of a rigid material such as metal, wood, a hard plastic, etc. The outer core  265  may be constructed out of a different, non-rigid or semi-rigid material such as a rubber, a soft plastic or a polymer. In one embodiment, the material used to construct the inner core  255  may be the same as the material used to construct the outer core  265 . However, in one embodiment, the densities of the material may be different. For example, the materials used to construct the outer core  265  may be less dense and/or have a lower durometer rating. By having a softer outer core  265 , the roller apparatus  200  may be able to press the film (e.g., film  150 ) onto the device (e.g., electronic device  135 ) without causing surface damage. The softer material of the outer core  265  also helps to more effectively and advantageously remove the air bubbles between the film  150  and the screen of the electronic device  135 . 
         [0112]    Turning to  FIG. 3A , an operation of the application process will now be discussed. As shown, a user may apply part of an adhesive portion  355  of a film  350  by removing a part of the backing portion  360  of the film  350  and lining up the adhesive portion  355  to a surface (e.g., a screen) of an electronic device  335 . The roller apparatus  300  might not be used in this initial set-up step. 
         [0113]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the roller apparatus  300  may be configured and placed into position for operation. More particularly, the roller apparatus  300  may be placed on top of the film  300  and electronic device  335  with the splitters  325  and  330  between the adhesive portion  355  and the backing portion  360 . 
         [0114]    Once the roller apparatus  300  is in position, the user may place one hand on the electronic device  335  (for stability) and use the other hand to push (and roll) the film  350  onto the surface of the electronic device  335  by moving the roller apparatus  300  in a downward direction  380 . As the roller apparatus  300  moves in the downward direction  380 , one or more rollers  310  and  315  press the adhesive portion  355  of the film  350  onto the electronic device  335  and squeeze out any air bubbles that may be trapped between the film  350  and the electronic device  335 . Contemporaneously, the splitters  325  and  330  provide a guide for the film  350  (i.e., “lead the way”) and remove the backing portion  360  of the film  350 , thereby progressively providing more of the adhesive portion  355  of the film  350  for the rollers  310  and  315  to press down on. 
         [0115]    After the roller apparatus  300  is pulled through, across or over the length of the electronic device  335 , the adhesive portion  355  of the film  350  may be pressed onto the electronic device  335  and the user does not have to perform any other functions with respect to the surface with the applied adhesive portion  355 . 
         [0116]    Depending on the design of the film  350 , this may conclude the application process. However, in certain embodiments, where the film  350  includes “overhanging” portions, the user may simply press these portions down onto the sides of the electronic device  335  to conclude the application process. 
         [0117]    In this manner, the user does not have to use a squeegee, wet solution, etc. to remove the air bubbles or to apply the adhesive portion  355  of the film  350  onto the electronic device  335  and the entire application process may be improved with respect to, for example, cleanliness, ease of use and convenience. 
         [0118]      FIG. 4A  illustrates one embodiment of a roller apparatus  400 . The roller apparatus  400  may include an apparatus body  405 , a first roller  410  inserted into the apparatus body  405  and held in place by via hole  425  (and its paired hole—not shown). The roller apparatus  400  may also include a second roller (not shown) held in place by hole  430  (and its paired hold—not shown). The roller apparatus  400  may also include a splitter bar  415  and a mid bar  420 . The mid bar  420  may be configured to span the length of the first roller  410  and may provide structural support to the roller apparatus  400 . 
         [0119]      FIG. 4B  illustrates how the roller apparatus  400  may be used to apply a protective material  450  onto a device  435 . The splitter bar  415  may be used to split or separate an adhesive portion of a protective material  450  from a non-adhesive backing during the application process. As shown, the roller apparatus  400  may be placed on the device  435  with the protective material  450  wedged between the first roller  410  and the electronic device  435 . As the roller apparatus  400  is moved along the surface of the electronic device  435 , the splitter bar  415  exposes the adhesive portion of the protective material  450  prior to the first roller  410  pressing the adhesive portion of the protective material  450  down onto the surface of the electronic device  435 . In addition, the non-adhesive backing is removed during this process. 
         [0120]      FIG. 5A  illustrates one embodiment of a roller apparatus  500 . The roller apparatus  500  may include a body  505 , a first roller  520 , a second roller  515 , a splitter  510 , a first pressing surface  525  and a second pressing surface  530 . In one embodiment, the roller apparatus  500  may be constructed as one integrated piece. By integrating the first roller  520  and the second roller  515 , along with the splitter  510  into the body  505 , additional structural components may be eliminated. In one embodiment, the first roller  520  and the second roller  515  may be rod members that might not rotate. In another embodiment, the first roller  520  and the second roller  515  may be rotatable members. 
         [0121]      FIG. 5B  illustrates how the roller apparatus  500  may be used to apply a film  550  onto a device  535 . As shown, the roller apparatus  500  may separate a top non-adhesive portion of the film  550  from the adhesive bottom portion of the film  550  as the user presses on the first pressing surface  525  and the second pressing surface  530  while moving the roller apparatus  500  along the length of the device  535 . During such an operation, the splitter  510  may separate the adhesive and non-adhesive portions of the film  550  while the rollers  520  and  515  may apply the adhesive portions of the film  550  to the surface of the device  535 . In this embodiment, the device  535  may be sandwiched or be located between the first roller  520  and the second roller  515 . The first roller  520  may contact the film  550  (as shown in  FIG. 5B ) on a first surface (e.g., a screen) of the device  535  while the second roller  515  may contact a second surface (e.g., a backing) of the device  535 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a roller apparatus  600 , an electronic device  635 , a film  650  and an optional film tab  695 . The roller apparatus  600  may be used to apply the film  650  to a surface of the electronic device  635 . In one embodiment, the film tab  695  may be used to improve the ease of applying the film  650  as further discussed below. 
         [0123]      FIG. 6B  illustrates one embodiment of how the roller apparatus  600  may appear when mounted on the electronic device  635 , for example, during a film application process. As shown, the roller apparatus  600  may have a width wider than the width of the electronic device  635 . In this manner, the roller apparatus  600  may be configured to apply films of varying sizes onto devices of varying sizes (e.g., a tablet PC). In addition, the roller apparatus  600  may be configured to apply the film  650  to a device with a curved surface (not shown). 
         [0124]    However, distinct from the first operation configuration, the roller apparatus  600  may be utilized in a second operation configuration to hold, secure, prop or otherwise position the electronic device  635  such that it may be easier for a user to view and/or use the electronic device  635 . For instance, the roller apparatus  600  may be flipped over to a second operation configuration and rest on a flat surface and the like to prop up the electronic device  635  and improve viewing angles of the electronic device  635  to a user. In this manner, the roller apparatus  600  may have continued utility even after a film (e.g., film  650 ) is applied by the roller apparatus  600  to the electronic device  635 . As shown in  FIG. 6C , the electronic device  635  sits in an upright manner within a cavity of the roller apparatus  600 . In one embodiment, the cavity is defined to be a space between a front bar and a first roller. 
         [0125]      FIG. 6D  illustrates a side view of the roller apparatus  600  with the electronic device  635  held in an upright manner. As shown in  FIG. 6D , the electronic device  635  may sit angled while still being upright. By varying the width of the cavity (i.e., distance between the front bar and the first roller), the positioning of the stand edge and the like, the viewing angle may be adjusted between 90 degrees and 135 degrees. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6D , the electronic device  635  may be held at an angle of 120 degrees as measured between a table surface and a viewing surface of the electronic device  635 . 
         [0126]      FIGS. 6E-6G  illustrate one example of how the roller apparatus  600  may be utilized to apply the film  650  onto a surface of the electronic device  635 . As shown in  FIG. 6E , the film tab  695  may be applied (and may adhere) to the film  650  and held in a preliminary application position by a user&#39;s hand near the surface of the electronic device  635 . The film tab  695  may function to aid the user in lining up the film  650  with the electronic device  635  and simplifying the application process since the user may be able to handle a portion of the film tab  695  without worrying about whether the film  650  will adhere to the user&#39;s fingers during the application process. The roller apparatus  600  might not be engaged at this stage. In one embodiment, the film tab  695  may be pre-installed on the film  650  for the consumer&#39;s convenience. 
         [0127]    Next, as shown by  FIG. 6F , a portion of the adhesive portion  655  of the film  650  has been separated from a portion of the non-adhesive film backing  660 , and has been pressed onto the surface of the electronic device  635 . At this point of the film application process, the user may retrieve the roller apparatus  600 . The user may then utilize the roller apparatus  600  and press the adhesive portion  655  of the film  650  to the surface of the electronic device  635  with one hand while moving the roller apparatus  600  in a length-wise direction. Immediately proceeding the moment when the roller apparatus  600  presses one section of the adhesive portion  655  of the film  650  onto the surface of the electronic device  635  to remove any air bubbles, the user may remove a corresponding section of the non-adhesive film backing  660  with the other hand in preparation. In this manner, the adhesive portion  655  of the film  650  may be applied to the surface of the electronic device  635 . In addition, any air bubbles between the adhesive portion  655  and the surface of the electronic device  635  resulting from the application process may be removed or squeezed out by the roller apparatus  600  being pressed and maneuvered. 
         [0128]      FIG. 6G  illustrates an example of how the user may utilize the roller apparatus  600  to apply the film  650  to the surface of the electronic device  635  while removing any air bubbles. Once the adhesive portion  655  of the film  650  is applied to the surface of the electronic device  635 , the film tab  695  may be removed by peeling (not shown) it from the film  650 . In this quick and efficient manner, the application process may be completed. 
         [0129]      FIG. 7A  illustrates an embodiment of a roller apparatus  700  with an integrated stand. The roller apparatus  700  may be an embodiment of the roller apparatus  600  of  FIG. 6 . As shown, the roller apparatus  700  may be in a first operational position with rollers  710  and  715  in contact with the flat surface beneath it (e.g., table). The roller apparatus  700  may include a body or carriage  705  configured to provide structural support for the rollers  710  and  715 . The carriage  705  may include attached or integrated handle portions  775 , a mid bar  720  and two contact edges  780  and  785  separated by the rollers  710  and  715 . The rollers  710  and  715  may include inner and outer cores  755 ,  760  (shown in  FIGS. 7B and 7C ),  765  and  770 ). The carriage  705  may also include a device insertion portion  795  for insertion of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device  635 ). However, the device insertion portion  795  may be intended for usage when the roller apparatus  700  is flipped over, as shown in  FIG. 7B . 
         [0130]    In one embodiment, the handle portions  775  may be configured to allow a user to press down on the handle portions  775  to transfer pressure onto the rollers  710  and  715  during a protective film application process. When the user presses down on the handle portions  775  and maneuvers the roller apparatus  700  along the length of a protective film (e.g., film  650 ), a force may be transferred to the rollers  710  and  715 , which in turn applies a pressure to the protective film (e.g., film  650 ) resulting in adherence of the film (e.g., film  650 ) to a surface (e.g., a screen) of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device  635 ). In addition, any air bubbles may be eliminated due to the pressure applied by the rollers  710  and  715 . 
         [0131]    The carriage  705  may be constructed out of a rigid material such as a plastic, a metal, a wood and the like. In addition, the carriage  705  may be sized to be easily graspable and manipulated by a user&#39;s hand. The carriage  705  may be configured to hold the first roller  710  in place and allow the first roller  710  to “roll” or rotate about a longitudinal axis created by the carriage  705 . In one example, the carriage  705  may be structured to include a rod member (not shown) spanning the entire length of the first roller  710 , thereby forming an axis for the first roller  710  to rotate about. In another example, the carriage  705  may include two insertion portions opposite each other for inserting a rotational member of a first roller  710 . 
         [0132]    The first roller  710  may be configured to apply physical pressure on a film (e.g., film  650 ) in operation. The second roller  715  may be a redundant pressure applicator and may be substantially the same size as, and parallel to the first roller  710 . The first roller  710  and the second roller  715  may be separated by a mid bar  720 . The mid bar  720  may connect the two ends of the carriage  705  and provide the entire roller apparatus  700  with stability. In addition, gaps between the mid bar  720  and the rollers  710  and  715  may allow the rollers  710  and  715  to rotate freely without contacting the mid bar  720 . 
         [0133]    In one embodiment, the roller apparatus  700  may be configured to function as a film applicator for phone-sized devices and may have a length of 1-2 inches, a width of 2-4 inches, and a height of 0.5-1 inches. In one embodiment, the roller apparatus  700  may be configured to function as a film applicator for tablet-sized devices and may have a length of 1-5 inches, a width of 8-12 inches, and a height of 0.5-2 inches. Other dimensions are also possible depending on the size of the device to be protected and/or the size of the film to be applied. 
         [0134]    In one embodiment, the mid bar  720  may be curved or straight, and may have a length substantially equivalent to the length of the rollers  710  and  715 , thereby joining the two ends of the carriage  705 . Additionally, the mid bar  720  may be configured have a width shorter than a diameter of the outer cores  765  and  770 . In this manner, the mid bar  720  provides structural support to the roller apparatus  700  without contacting the film (e.g., film  750 ) or the device (e.g., electronic device  735 ) during the film application process. 
         [0135]    In one embodiment, the contact edge  780  may be raised and further away from the flat surface (e.g., the table) than, for example, the rollers  710  and  715  when the roller apparatus  700  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         [0136]    As shown in  FIG. 7B , when the roller apparatus  700  is flipped over, the contact edge  780  raises the rollers  710  and  715  off a flat surface (e.g., a table) and also orients the device insertion portion  795  such that insertion and propping of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device  635 ) is possible. As more clearly shown in  FIG. 7C , when the roller apparatus  700  is in this position, the second roller  715  may be raised off the table and may allow for the electronic device (e.g., electronic device  635 ) to rest on an outer core  770  of the second roller  715 . More particularly, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  635 ) may be contacted on a first surface by the second roller  715  and contacted on a second surface by the stand portion  790  as it sits within the insertion portion  795 . In one embodiment, the stand portion  790  may be a flat panel having a length substantially similar to a length of the first roller  710  and the second roller  715 . As shown, the stand portion  790  may be offset from the first roller  710  and the second roller  715 . In other words, the stand portion  790  may be separated from the first roller  710  and the second roller  715  by a gap constituting the device insertion portion  795 . 
         [0137]      FIG. 7C  is a side perspective view of the roller apparatus  700  in its second operation configuration. As shown, the rollers  710  and  715  may include the inner cores  755  and  760 , respectively. In addition, the rollers  710  and  715  may include the outer cores  765  and  770 , respectively. In one embodiment, the inner cores  755  and  760  may be constructed out of the same material (e.g., a rigid material such as metal, wood, and a hard plastic). Similarly, the outer cores  765  and  770  may be constructed out of the same material (e.g., rubber, a soft plastic, an encapsulated gel, etc.) or a softer material. In one embodiment, the material used to construct the inner cores  755  and  760  may be the same as the material used to construct the outer cores  765  and  770 . However, the densities of the material may be different. For example, the materials used to construct the outer cores  765  and  770  may be less dense and/or have a lower durometer rating. By having softer outer cores  765  and  770 , the roller apparatus  700  may be able to press the film onto the device (e.g., electronic device  635 ) without damaging the surface. In one embodiment, the outer cores  765  and  770  may be configured to “flatten” at the point of contact and thereby providing pressure in a more uniform and distributed manner, efficiently eliminating air bubbles. The outer cores  765  and  770  may be configured to return to its original configuration when not pressed to the surface of the device (e.g., electronic device  635 ). 
         [0138]      FIG. 7D  and  FIG. 7E  show other various views of one embodiment of the roller apparatus  700 . 
         [0139]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a roller apparatus  800  with an integrated stand in a first operation configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention. Generally, the roller apparatus  800  may function similarly to roller apparatus  600  and  700 . More particularly,  FIG. 8A  illustrates the roller apparatus  800  in position to perform a film application process to apply a film  850  to the top surface of an electronic device  835 . As shown, the roller apparatus  800  may have a width wider than the width of the electronic device  835 . In this manner, the roller apparatus  800  may be configured to apply films of varying sizes onto devices of varying sizes (e.g., a tablet PC). In addition, the roller apparatus  800  may be configured to apply the film  850  to a device with a curved surface (not shown). Here, in preparing to apply the film  850  to the electronic device  835 , the film  850  may be placed on the surface of the electronic device  835  with a film tab  896  positioned between the film  850  and the surface of the electronic device  835  to be protected. Further details of the structure of the roller apparatus  800  and the film application process are discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 8C-8G . 
         [0140]    However, as shown in  FIG. 8B , distinct from the first operation configuration, the roller apparatus  800  may be utilized in a second operation configuration to hold, secure, prop or otherwise position the electronic device  835  such that it may be easier for a user to view and/or use the electronic device  835 . For instance, the roller apparatus  800  may be flipped over to a second operation configuration and rest on a flat surface and the like to prop up the electronic device  835  and improve viewing angles of the electronic device  835  to a user. In this manner, the roller apparatus  800  may have continued utility even after a film (e.g., film  850 ) is applied by the roller apparatus  800  to the electronic device  835 . As shown in  FIG. 8B , the electronic device  835  sits in an upright manner within a cavity of the roller apparatus  800 . In one embodiment, the cavity is defined to be a space or opening within the roller apparatus  800 . 
         [0141]      FIG. 8C  illustrates a perspective bottom view of the roller apparatus  800  with an integrated stand. One main difference between the roller apparatus  800  and the roller apparatus  600  and  700  is that the former further includes a slit or slot  825  for receiving and guiding the film (e.g., film  850  shown in  FIG. 8B ) during the film application process. As shown, the roller apparatus  800  may include a body  805  comprising a first side panel  806 , a second side panel  807  integrated with a stand portion  808  having the slit  825 . The first side panel  806  and second side panel  807  may be substantially parallel and include holes or openings to hold therebetween a first roller  815  and a second roller  820  and to allow the rollers  815  and  820  to rotate during usage to apply the film. The first roller  815  and the second roller  820  may be separated by a mid portion. The first roller  815  and the second roller  820  may be similar to the other first and second rollers described herein (e.g., first and second rollers  715  and  720 ). The side panels  806  and  807  may each integrate a pressing portion (e.g., pressing portion  876 —the other pressing portion is hidden from view) to allow the user to press on and thereby exert pressure on the rollers  815  and  820  during the film application process. The roller apparatus  800  may also include a contact edge  890  and a non-contact edge  895  to define how the roller apparatus  800  is positioned to be operable in the second operation configuration. The contact edge  890  is operatively configured to contact a table surface and position the roller apparatus  800  to be able to receive and hold upright the electronic device  835 . As is shown, the non-contact edge  895  might not contact either the electronic device or the table surface in the second operation configuration. 
         [0142]    The operational configurations and the structure of the roller apparatus  800  having been described, attention will now be turned to the film application process. As shown in  FIG. 8D , the user may position the film  850  having the backing still attached substantially in the position that the film  850  would be in after application. Here, the film  850  may be temporarily adhered to the electronic device  835  via a film tab  896 . When positioned as shown, the user may bend the non-adhered portion of the film and move it towards the slit  825  of the roller apparatus  800 . 
         [0143]      FIG. 8E  illustrates the film  850  as inserted through the slit  825 . As shown in  FIG. 8F , as the film  835  is inserted through the slit  825 , the film tab  896  becomes exposed to the user. With one hand holding the roller apparatus  800 , the user may use his or her other hand to begin pulling the film tab  896  in the direction shown by arrow  855  and separate the protective layer of the film from the backing. As shown in  FIG. 8G , as the user continues to pull the film tab  896  with one hand and exposes the protective layer of the film, the user may begin to move the roller apparatus  800  with the other hand also in the direction shown by arrow  855  to press the exposed portion of the protective layer to the electronic device  835 . In this manner, the user may progressively apply the protective layer to the electronic device  835  until the protective layer is completely separated from the backing and completely applied to the electronic device  835 . Optionally, the user may use the roller apparatus  800  to further redundantly press the protective layer to ensure a thorough application. As discussed above, even after the completion of the application process, the roller apparatus  800  may still retain utility as a device stand (e.g., described as the second operational configuration). 
         [0144]    Any of the roller apparatus as discussed herein may be used to apply a protective film onto the surface of a mobile communication device. However, to further assist the user in applying the protective film, a roller apparatus guide  900  may be used in conjunction with a roller apparatus (e.g., roller apparatus  800 ). 
         [0145]    As illustrated in  FIG. 9A , the roller apparatus guide  900  may be constructed out of materials such as polycarbonate, metal, wood (e.g., a cardboard or thick paper) or any combinations thereof. The roller apparatus guide  900  may be a substantially rectangular block having three or more portions including an inner wall  905  defining a cavity  925  used to receive or mount a mobile communication device, a roller supporting surface  910  configured to be flush with a mounted mobile communication device and a set of roller guiding rails  915  which may be parallel to one another and raised above the roller supporting surface  910 . In addition, the roller apparatus guide  900  may include pressing portions  920  to assist the user when applying the protective film. As shown, the roller apparatus guide  900  may be configured to fit a particular mobile communication device with a distinct length, width and height. However, one of ordinary skill will understand that the roller apparatus guide  900  may be designed to fit any mobile communication device of any length, width and height. Indeed, the cavity  925  formed by the inner wall  905  may be sized to be substantially the same as the mobile communication device to be protected. The fit of the mobile communication device within the cavity  925  may be important to ensure that the applied protective film is correctly positioned. 
         [0146]    In one embodiment, the cavity  925  formed by the inner wall  905  may be closed on a back side by a thin backing layer spanning the length and width of the cavity  925 . The thin backing layer may be integrated into the body of the apparatus guide  900  and constructed out of the same or different material. In this implementation, the cavity  925  may be formed by the inner wall  905  and the thin backing layer and the depth of the cavity  925  may be designed to maintain the feature of the mobile communication device being flush with the top surface of the apparatus guide  900  when placed into the cavity  925 . In this manner, the user may be able to use the apparatus guide  900  in various situations where a flat support surface is not readily available. 
         [0147]    In one embodiment, the roller apparatus guide  900  may include different removable and insertable portions to enable the roller apparatus guide  900  to fit multiple devices depending on which portions are inserted. For example, consider a first device having dimensions of 5 inches long by 4 inches wide by 1 inch thick and a second device having dimensions of 3 inches long by 2 inches wide by 1 inch thick. The cavity  925  of the roller apparatus guide  900  may initially be designed to fit the larger first device, but not the smaller second device. However, when a molded portion of 5 inches long by 4 inches wide by 1 inch thick having a cavity  925  that is 3 inches long by 2 inches wide by 1 inch thick is inserted in the cavity  925  of the roller apparatus guide  900 , the resulting roller apparatus guide  900  may then be utilized to fit the smaller second device. Other molded portions may be swapped in and out depending on the size and shape of the mobile communication device. Alternatively, the user may include further additional portions or remove inserted portions as desired to fit the particular devices. In this manner, roller apparatus guide  900  may be versatile and cater to different mobile communication devices of different sizes. 
         [0148]    The structure of the roller apparatus guide  900  having been described, attention will now be turned to the functionality as shown in  FIGS. 9B-9H . 
         [0149]      FIG. 9B  illustrates the roller apparatus guide  900 , a film  950  to be applied, and a mobile communication device  935 . The film  950  may be temporarily held to the roller apparatus guide  900  via an adhesive (not shown). As the film  950  is sized to correspond to the mobile communication device  935  (which is to be inserted or mounted by the roller apparatus guide  900 ), the film  950  may freely move in and out of the cavity  925  as shown. 
         [0150]      FIG. 9C  illustrates the roller apparatus guide  900  fully mounted on the mobile communication device  935 , and with the film  950  in a ready-to-be-applied position. While roller  700  is shown in  FIG. 9C , any roller may be used in conjunction with the roller apparatus guide  900 . The roller  700  may be placed at the top of the roller apparatus guide  900 , with the film-contacting outer cores held between the roller guiding rails  915 . The distance between the roller guiding rails  915  may be configured to be the same as the length of the roller  700  thereby forming a path for the movement of the roller  700  along a surface of the mobile communication device  935 . In other words, the roller guiding rails  915  create a pathway to prevents the roller  700  from veering off the intended positional direction of application, and thus ensuring that the film  950  is applied at a correct position and providing a simplified methodology for imparting the desired precision during the film application process. 
         [0151]    As shown in  FIG. 9D , after the user pulls a film tab  996  to expose the protective layer of the film  950  and as the user begins to move the roller  700  from one end of the mobile communication device  935  to the other end of the mobile communication device  935  in the direction of arrow  955 , the backing of the film  950  is automatically removed while the exposed protective film is applied to the mobile communication device  935 . 
         [0152]      FIG. 9E  illustrates the roller  700  as the user is about to conclude application of the film  950 . As shown, the film backing of the film  950  is substantially separated from the applied portion of the film  950 . As shown in  FIG. 9F , after the user finishes using the roller  700  to apply the film when the electronic device  935  is situated within the roller guide apparatus  900 , the user may remove any adhesive tabs that may have been used to attach the film  900  to the roller guide apparatus  900  for ease of positioning of the film  950  during the application process. 
         [0153]    As shown in  FIG. 9G , the user may remove the mobile communication device  935  from the roller apparatus guide  900  by simply popping it out or lifting the roller apparatus guide  900  off the mobile communication device  935 . If desired, the user may use the roller  700  and reinforce the applied film in the manner shown in  FIG. 9H . 
         [0154]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a system including a roller apparatus  1075  (which may be, for example, the roller apparatus  800 ,  700 ,  600 , etc.), a roller apparatus guide  1000  (which may be, for example, the roller apparatus  900 ), a mobile communication device  1035 , a protective film  1050  (with a backing portion  1060 ) to be applied to a mobile communication device  1035 , and a wedge  1080 . Unlike the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9G , a wedge  1080  is incorporated in  FIG. 10A  to help the user apply the film  1050  to the mobile communication device  1035 . While not drawn to scale, in one embodiment, a length  1081  of the wedge  1080  may be configured to fit within a distance  1001  between rails  1002 . 
         [0155]      FIG. 10B  illustrates the wedge  1080  apart from the previously described portions of the film application system. The wedge  1080  may be substantially triangular in shape, although minor variations are allowed provided that the functionality of the wedge  1080  remains (as described with respect to  FIGS. 10E-10I ). The wedge  1080  may comprise three adjacent, connected surfaces  1085 ,  1090  and  1093  forming the structure of the wedge  1080 . The spacing  1095  created by the connecting of surfaces  1085 ,  1090  and  1093  may be hollow or, in one embodiment, may be filled. As illustrated in  FIGS. 10C-10D , the surfaces  1085 ,  1090  and  1093  may be substantially flat and may have surface areas that are equal or different to one another (e.g., the surface area of the surface  1093  may be 50% smaller than the surface area of the surface  1085  and/or  1090 ). 
         [0156]    As shown in  FIG. 10E , the acute angle  1096  created between surfaces  1085  and  1090  may be in the range of 0-90°, but preferably between 5-15°. The angle  1096  is selected to allow the wedge  1080  to be manipulated by the roller  1075  during the application process. 
         [0157]    Any of a plurality of materials including paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, or combination thereof may be used to construct the wedge  1080  to facilitate the main functionality of the wedge  1080 . The user may initially separate the backing  1060  of the protective film  1050  by pushing the roller apparatus  1075  into the wedge. Advantageously, the user does not need to manually peel the backing  1060 , and instead may rely on the wedge  1080 , thereby simplifying the process for the user. In other words, the user can simply install the protective film  1050  by moving the roller apparatus  1075  in one smooth, continuous motion. 
         [0158]      FIGS. 10E-10J  illustrate how the wedge  1080  may be used with the roller apparatus  1075  and the roller guiding apparatus  1000  to apply the film  1050  to the mobile communication device  1035 . 
         [0159]    As illustrated in  FIG. 10F , initially, the wedge  1080  may be positioned between the film  1050  and the mobile communication device  1035  after the mobile communication device  1035  is mounted by the roller guiding apparatus  1000 . Here, the roller apparatus  1075  is placed at the top of the roller guiding apparatus  1000 . As shown, in this position, the film  1050  is separated from the surface of the mobile communication device  1035  by the wedge  1080 . In this initial position, the surface  1090  of the wedge  1080  contacts the top of the mobile communication device  1035  and/or the top of the roller guiding apparatus  1000  while the other surface  1085  of the wedge  1080  contacts the film  1050 . In addition, the surface  1085  adheres to a backing of film  1050  which assists the film application process as illustrated in the following figures. 
         [0160]      FIG. 10G  illustrates the behavior of the wedge. As user moves the roller apparatus  1075  across the roller guiding apparatus  1000  in the direction shown by arrow  1095 , the roller apparatus  1075  places pressure on the film  1050  and/or the wedge  1080 . This in turn causes the surface  1090  to begin to move away from the top surface of the mobile communication device  1035  and/or the top of the roller guiding apparatus  1000 , while the surface  1085  continues to adhere to the backing of the film  1050 . Furthermore, the configuration of the wedge  1080  and the attachment to the backing portion  1060  of the film  1050  lends itself to be flipped upwards as shown in  FIG. 10G . 
         [0161]    As the user continues to move the roller apparatus  1075  in the direction of arrow  1095 , the backing portion  1060  of the film  1050  begins to separate from the portion of the film to be applied to the mobile communication device  1035  and at this position, the wedge  1080  is no longer in contact with the surface of the mobile communication device  1035 . Instead, the wedge  1080  is separated from the top of the mobile communication device by the backing of the film  1050  as shown in  FIG. 10H . 
         [0162]      FIG. 10I  illustrates how the wedge  1080  works with the roller apparatus  1075  to separate the backing portion  1060  of the film  1050  and applies the exposed protective portion of the film  1050  onto the mobile communication device  1035 . As the user continues to move the roller apparatus  1075  in the direction of arrow  1095 , the pressure exerted by the roller apparatus  1075  causes the wedge  1080  to “flip over” such that the backing portion  1060 , which still adheres on one side to the surface  1085  of the wedge  1080 , is pulled away from the protective portion of the film  1050 . In addition, the portion of the film  1050  that remains to be separated is kept out of the way by resting on the edge between the surfaces  1090  and  1093  of the wedge. 
         [0163]    As the user manipulates the roller apparatus  1075  from the position shown in  FIG. 10I  from the end proximal to the initial position and down through the rails  1002  of the roller apparatus guide  1000  to complete the film application process, the roller apparatus  1077  continues to apply force that moves the wedge  1080  away from its initial position as shown in  FIG. 10J . Eventually, the wedge  1080  and the attached backing portion  1060  of the film  1050  may be completely separated from the protective portion of the film  1050  applied to the mobile communication device  1035 , thereby completing the film application process. 
         [0164]    In the manner described, the wedge  1080  may be utilized to assist the user to apply a film  1050  to a mobile communication device  1035  in conjunction with the roller apparatus  1075  and the roller guiding apparatus  1000 . 
         [0165]      FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment of a roller guiding apparatus  1100 . In this embodiment, the roller guiding apparatus  1100  may include a well for receiving any of a plurality of inserts (e.g.,  FIG. 12A  or  12 B, described below). Each insert may be customized for a particular mobile communication device suitable for applying a protective film to that particular mobile communication device. Advantageously, by configuring the roller guiding apparatus  1100  to receive any of a number of inserts, the protective film application process may be customized to any number of mobile communication devices with differing dimensions, curves, etc. while requiring only one “universal” roller guiding apparatus  1100 . In other words, the user may swap in and swap out different inserts depending on the particular model of a mobile communication device. 
         [0166]    The roller guiding apparatus  1100  may have a body  1160  which include interior side surfaces  1105  and an interior bottom surface  1125 , which in turn, define a well for receiving an insert apparatus (e.g., insert  1201  of  FIG. 12A  or insert  1202  of  FIG. 12B ). The roller guiding apparatus  1100  may also include a pair of rails  1115  which may function similarly to the rails  915  of  FIG. 9A . The roller guiding apparatus  1100  may further include a tab receiving portion  1185  which may be an indented area sized to fit and hold a tab of a protective film. In one or more embodiments, the tab receiving portion  1185  may include one or more side engagement members  1187  which may protrude and engage a corresponding hole in a tab. The receiving portion  1187  may also include a middle engagement member  1188  which may protrude and engage a corresponding middle hole in a tab. As shown, the roller guiding apparatus  1100  may include a base  1120  integrated at the bottom portion of the body  1160 . The base  1120  may allow a user to press down on the different portions during a film application process to stabilize the roller guiding apparatus  1100 . 
         [0167]      FIG. 12A  illustrates one example of an insert  1201  having a ring  1250  defining a cavity  1260  for receiving a mobile communication device.  FIG. 12B  illustrates another example of another insert  1202  having a ring  1251  defining a cavity  1261  for receiving a different mobile communication device. As shown, the inserts  1201  and  1202  may have a similar or identical footprint. That is, the exterior surface of the ring  1250  and  1251  may be of the same shape and size, and configured to fit within a well of a roller guiding apparatus (e.g., roller guiding apparatus  1100 ). However, the interior surface of the ring  1250  and  1251  may be sized and shaped differently to fit and hold respective different models of mobile communication devices. In this manner, the user may desiring to apply a protective film to a Mobile Communication Device A fitting the interior cavity  1260  of the ring  1250  of  FIG. 12A  may swap in the insert  1201 . And, if the user then desires to apply a protective file to a Mobile Communication Device B fitting the interior cavity  1261  of the ring  1251  of  FIG. 12B  may remove the insert  1201  and replace it with the insert  1202 . Thus, by correlating (and designing) each insert to fit one model of a mobile communication device, a proper fitting and film application may be performed for any of a plurality of mobile communication devices by using only one “universal” roller guiding apparatus when the proper insert is used. 
         [0168]    While the respective cavities shown by  FIGS. 12A and 12B  extend throughout top and bottom surfaces of inserts  1201  and  1202 , in other embodiments, the bottom surface of the inserts may be closed. 
         [0169]      FIG. 13  illustrates a film  1350  (which may be the film  950  of  FIG. 9D ) attached to a tab  1396  (which may be a version of tab  996  of  FIG. 9D ). The tab  1396  may be insertable and held in place by a roller guiding apparatus (e.g., roller guiding apparatus  1100 ) and may further include a pair of cylinders  1397  for engaging side engagement members of the roller guiding apparatus. The tab  1396  may also include a larger hole between placement of the holes  1397  for engaging a middle engagement member of the roller guiding apparatus. In this manner, the tab  1396  may be held in place during a film application process. As shown here, a wedge  1380  may also be used during the film application process (e.g., similar to the functionality of the wedge  1080  of  FIG. 10B ). 
         [0170]    In one or more embodiments, the film  1350  having the tab  1396  may further be compatible with another roller guiding apparatus  1400 . In other words, the film  1350  may be compatible with roller guiding apparatus  1100  and/or the roller guiding apparatus  1400 . The roller guiding apparatus  1400  may differ from roller guiding apparatus  1100  in that it is configured specifically for a particular model (i.e., size and shape) of a mobile communication device without requiring an insert. In one embodiment, the roller guiding apparatus  1400  is constructed out of plastic. However, other materials may be used such a metal. 
         [0171]    As shown, the roller guiding apparatus  1400  may include a body  1460  having interior side surfaces  1405  and an interior bottom surface  1425 , which in turn, define a cavity or well  1461  sized and shaped for receiving a particular model of a mobile communication device. In this manner, the user may place the mobile communication device snugly fitting the cavity or well  1461  for the purposes of applying the film (e.g., film  1360 ) to the mobile communication device. The depth of the cavity  1461  is about the thickness of the mobile communication device. 
         [0172]    The roller guiding apparatus  1400  may also include a pair of rails  1415  which may function similarly to the rails  915  of  FIG. 9A . The roller guiding apparatus  1400  may include a roller guiding surface  1499 , which may include a top portion  1497  and side portions  1498 . The top portion  1497  may be a region for supporting the roller apparatus initially during the film application process. The side portions  1498  may sandwich (e.g., be located on either side of) the cavity  1461  and each of the two side portions  1498  may be adjacent to a corresponding rail  1415 . The side portions  1498  of the roller guiding surface  1499  function to support the roller during a film application process by providing a support surface on the outside of the cavity  1461  and inside the rails  1415 . The top portion  1497  and the side portions  1498  lie along the same plane. The interior bottom surface  1425  lies along a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the top portion  1497  and the side portions  1498 . 
         [0173]    The roller guiding apparatus  1400  may further include a tab receiving portion  1485  which may be an indented area sized to fit and hold a tab of a protective film. In one or more embodiments, the tab receiving portion  1485  may include one or more side engagement members  1487  which may protrude and engage a corresponding hole in a tab. The tab receiving portion  1485  may also include a middle engagement member  1488  which may protrude and engage a corresponding middle hole in a tab. Alternatively, the tab receiving portion  1485  may simply be a designated portion for attaching to a tab (which is attached, at least in part, to the protective film). In other words, the tab may be attached in part to the tab receiving portion  1485  and attached in part to the protective film. The tab receiving portion  1485  may function along with the tab to align the protective film for easier and more accurate alignment and application of the protective film to the screen of the electronic device. The protective film is generally a clear thin plastic material for protecting the screen of the electronic device. 
         [0174]    While not shown in  FIG. 14 , in one or more embodiments, the roller guiding apparatus  1400  may include a base integrated at the bottom portion of the body  1460 . The base may allow a user to press down on the different portions during a film application process to stabilize the roller guiding apparatus  1400 . 
         [0175]    The physical structure of certain components now having been described, attention will now be turned to how these certain components interact with each other to produce the desired effect of advantageously simplifying and making more efficient the process of applying a protective film on a mobile communication device. 
         [0176]      FIG. 15  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus-insert apparatus system  1570  shown with an insert  1501  (which, for example, may be insert  1201  of  FIG. 12 ) inserted into a roller guiding apparatus  1500  (which for example, may be roller guiding apparatus  1100  of  FIG. 11 ). 
         [0177]      FIG. 16  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus-insert apparatus system  1670  with the protective film and tab in place, awaiting the insertion of the mobile communication device to be protected by the film. More particularly, an insert  1601  (which, for example, may be insert  1201  of  FIG. 12 ) inserted into a roller guiding apparatus  1600  (which for example, may be roller guiding apparatus  1100  of  FIG. 11 ), and a protective film  1650  having a tab  1696  is placed in position. In practice, mobile communication device designed to snugly fit within the insert  1601  may be inserted into the cavity of the insert prior to the placement of the protective film  1650  and the tab  1696  being placed in position. 
         [0178]    However, the mobile communication device in this instance has been removed for clarity. 
         [0179]    As is shown in  FIG. 16 , the roller guiding apparatus  1600  may include rails  1615  for guiding a roller used in the film application process. The roller guiding apparatus  1600  may also include a base  1620  for allowing a user to better grip and manipulate the roller guiding apparatus  1600  during a film application process. 
         [0180]    The interaction between the tab receiving portion  1686  and the tab portion  1696  is also illustrated in  FIG. 16 . Here, the tab  1696  may held in position by the tab receiving portion by substantially lining up the tab  1696  into the indent at the tab portion  1696 . Alternatively or in addition, a pair of side engagement members  1687  of the tab receiving portion  1686  and a middle engagement member  1688  may penetrate corresponding holes  1697  and  1698  for holding the tab portion  1696  in place and for accurately aligning the tab portion  1696  so that the protective film  1650  can be properly and accurately applied onto the mobile communication device. 
         [0181]    Once the mobile communication device is inserted in place, operation to apply the protective film  1650  may be similar to operations described herein (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 9B-9F ). 
         [0182]      FIG. 17  illustrates a roller guiding apparatus system  1770  with the protective film and tab in place, awaiting the insertion of the mobile communication device to be protected by the film. That is, instead of operating with roller guiding apparatus  1670 , the film  1650  may be used in connection with the roller guiding apparatus system  1770 . 
         [0183]    The protective film  1650  having a tab portion  1696  is placed in position as shown in  FIG. 17 . In practice, mobile communication device designed to fit within the roller guiding apparatus system  1770  may be inserted into the cavity of the prior to the placement of the protective film  1650  and the tab portion  1696  being placed in position. However, the mobile communication device in this instance has been removed for clarity. 
         [0184]    As is shown in  FIG. 17 , the roller guiding apparatus system  1770  may be constructed out of a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid plastic material for use in the film application process. The interaction between the tab receiving portion  1786  and the tab portion  1696  is also illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Here, the tab  1696  may be held in position by the tab receiving portion  1786  by substantially lining up the tab  1696  into the indent at the tab receiving portion  1786 . Alternatively or in addition, a pair of side engagement members  1796  and  1797  of the tab receiving portion  1786  may penetrate corresponding holes  1686  and  1687 , and a middle engagement member  1798  may penetrate corresponding middle hole  1688  for holding the tab portion  1696  in place and for accurately aligning the tab portion  1696  so that the protective film  1650  can be properly and accurately applied onto the mobile communication device. 
         [0185]    Once the mobile communication device is inserted in place, operation to apply the protective film  1650  may be similar to operations described herein (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 9B-9F ). 
         [0186]      FIG. 18A  illustrates one embodiment of a roller apparatus  1800 . The roller apparatus  1800  may be, for example, a variant of roller apparatus  200 ,  300 ,  400  and may be structured to accomplish substantially the same functions. One difference between the roller apparatus  1800  and other roller apparatuses whether disclosed herein or not, is that the roller apparatus  1800  may include the finger supporting platform  1825  having the plurality of indentations  1826 ,  1827  and  1828 . The finger supporting platform  1825  is substantially flat except for the areas of the plurality of indentations  1826 ,  1827  and  1828 . 
         [0187]    As shown, the roller apparatus  1800  may further include a roller base or carriage  1805 , a first or front roller  1810 , a second or back roller  1815  and a mid-bar  1820 . 
         [0188]    The roller base  1805  may be constructed out of a rigid material such as a plastic, a metal, a wood and the like. The roller base  1805  is configured to provide structural support for the roller apparatus  1800 . In addition, the roller base  1805  may be sized to be easily manipulated and by the user placing one of his or her fingers in each of the plurality of indentations  1826 ,  1827  and  1828 . 
         [0189]    The roller base  1805  may be configured to hold the first roller  1810  in place and allow the first roller  1810  to “roll” or rotate about a longitudinal axis created by the roller base  1805 . In one example, the roller base  1805  may be structured to include a first rod member (not shown) spanning the entire length of the first roller  1810 , thereby forming an axis or axle for the first roller  1810  to rotate about. The first roller  1810  is configured to rotate and apply physical pressure on a film (e.g., film  150  of  FIG. 1 ) in operation. The second roller  1815  may be an additional pressure applicator and may be substantially the same size as, and substantially parallel to the first roller  1810 . The roller apparatus  1800  may include a second rod member (not shown) spanning the entire length of the second roller  1815 , thereby forming an axis or axle for the second roller  1815  to rotate about. The first roller  1810  and the second roller  1815  may be separated by a mid bar  1820 . The mid bar  1820  may connect the two ends of the roller base  1805  and provide the entire roller apparatus  1800  with stability. 
         [0190]      FIG. 18B  is a perspective view of the roller apparatus  1800 . In one embodiment, the roller apparatus  1800  may be configured to function as a film applicator for phone-sized devices and may have a length of 1-2 inches, a width of 2-4 inches, and a height of 0.5-1 inch. In one embodiment, the roller apparatus  1800  may be configured to function as a film applicator for tablet-sized devices and may have a length of 1-5 inches, a width of 8-12 inches, and a height of 0.5-2 inches. Other dimensions are also possible depending on the size of the device to be protected and/or depending on the size of the film to be applied. As shown, each of the plurality of indentations  1826 ,  1827  and  1828  has a curved concave surface for easy manipulation by the user&#39;s fingers and for allowing stronger pressure to be applied for proper application (i.e., little to no air bubbles between the protective film and the electronic communication device) of the protective film. 
         [0191]      FIG. 19A  is a perspective view of a system  1900 , which may include the roller apparatus  1800  of  FIG. 18A , the roller guide apparatus  1400  of  FIG. 14 , the wedge  1380  (e.g., a triangular shaped wedge) of  FIG. 13B , and the protective film  1650  of  FIG. 16 . The roller guide apparatus  1400  is substantially rectangular in shape (e.g., with rounded edges) and the cavity  1461  is substantially rectangular in shape (e.g., with rounded edges) or shaped to allow the electronic device  135  to fit snugly therein. As shown, the electronic device  135  of  FIG. 1  in inserted into the cavity  1461  of the roller guide apparatus  1400  such that the top surface or screen of the electronic device  135  is flush with (i.e., lies along the same or substantially the same plane) or is slightly above the side portions or surfaces  1498  of the roller supporting surface  1499  of the roller guide apparatus  1400 . As shown, the roller apparatus  1800  is positioned between the rails  1415  at the top portion  1497  of the roller guide apparatus  1400 . The rails  1415  protrude or extend above the roller supporting surface  1499 . The rails  1415  are used to contain or guide the roller apparatus  1800  therebetween for moving the roller apparatus  1800  along or on the roller supporting surface  1499 . 
         [0192]    The wedge  1380  is attached to a backing of the protective film  1650 . The wedge  1380  is used to help pull the backing off the protective film  1650  when the roller apparatus  1400  is pushed against the tab  1696  and/or the protective film  1650 . Once the backing of the protective film  1650  is partially or fully separated from the adhesive portion, the roller apparatus  1400  may be moved in the direction of the arrows to perform both the application of the protective film  1650  and the removal of the backing of the protective film  1650 . Furthermore, the rails  1415  are substantially parallel and serve to align and guide the movement of the roller apparatus  1400 , thus the system  1900  may be considered to be self-aligning and air bubble-free. 
         [0193]      FIG. 19B  is a top view of the system  1900  of  FIG. 19A  and more clearly illustrates the top portion of the roller supporting surface  1499  on which the roller apparatus  1800  is shown positioned. The side portions  1498  of the roller supporting surface  1499  are shown on both sides of the electronic device  135  and function as portions of the roller guide apparatus  1400  which support the roller apparatus  1800  during the film application process. 
         [0194]    In one or more embodiments, the rails  1415  of the roller guide apparatus  1400  may be removed or eliminated to allow the user variations in control of the movement of the roller apparatus  1800 . 
         [0195]      FIG. 20A  illustrates another embodiment of a roller apparatus  2000  which may be used to apply a protective film to a surface of a mobile communication device. Here, the roller apparatus  2000  may include a roller  2005  attached to a body  2010 . The body  2010  may include a head  2015 , a curved neck  2025  and a shaft  2030  configured to be gripped by a user&#39;s hand for operation of the roller apparatus  2000 . The head  2015  may be attached to the roller  2005  via connectors  2020  which enable the roller  2005  to spin about an axis in a manner similar to the other rollers described herein to apply a pressure to a protective film (e.g., film  1650 ) during a film application process.  FIGS. 20B and 20C  illustrate a side view and a front view of the roller apparatus  2000 . The roller  2000  may be used as a stand alone device or as part of a system including a roller supporting apparatus (e.g., in place of roller  1800  as part of the system  1900 ). 
         [0196]      FIG. 21  illustrates a system  2100 , which may include the roller guide apparatus  1400  of  FIG. 14 , the wedge  1380  of  FIG. 13B , and the protective film  1650  and tab  1696  of  FIG. 16 . The system may also include a flange  2102  and an adhesive film  2104 , and may include a roller apparatus, for example the roller apparatus  1800  of  FIG. 18A  (not shown). 
         [0197]    The flange  2102  is configured to couple to the protective film  1650  to provide support for the film  1650 . The flange  2102  extends outward from the film  1650  when coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the flange  2102  may comprise a rigid structure, having a rigidity that is greater than the protective film  1650 . The rigidity of the flange  2102  may provide added strength to the protective film  1650  when the protective film  1650  is applied to a surface of a mobile communication device, for example the mobile communication device  135  of  FIG. 1 . The flange  2102  may also be shaped to apply a shape to the protective film  1650  when the flange  2102  is coupled to the protective film  1650 . The flange  2102  shown in  FIG. 21 , for example, has a curved shape (more clearly shown in  FIG. 22D ). The shape of the flange  2102  may deflect a portion of the protective film  1650  away from the mobile communication device that is positioned within the cavity  1461 . The protective film  1650  may more easily apply to a surface of the mobile communication device if the protective film  1650  is deflected away from the surface of the mobile communication device, prior to, or while being applied. 
         [0198]    The flange  2102  may have any shape that allows it to provide support for the film  1650 . For example, the flange  2102  shown in  FIG. 21  is u-shaped, as it has two parallel lengths connected by a transverse connecting length. When the flange  2102  shown in  FIG. 21  is coupled to the protective film  1650 , the protective film  1650  is bounded by the lengths of the u-shaped flange  2102 . 
         [0199]    The flange  2102  may be sized to fit between the rails  1415  of the roller guide apparatus  1400 . The flange  2102  may be sized to abut each of the rails  1415  when the protective film  1650  is applied to the surface of the mobile communication device. The abutment of the flange  2102  to the rails  1415  may serve to reduce movement of the protective film  1650  towards at least one of the rails  1415  when the protective film  1650  is applied to the surface of the mobile communication device. The protective film  1650  may accordingly be more accurately aligned and applied to the surface of the mobile communication device. 
         [0200]    The adhesive film  2104  may be configured to couple the flange  2102  to the protective film  1650 . The adhesive film  2104  may also join the protective film  1650  to the tab  1696 . The adhesive film  2104  may include adhesive that bonds to the flange  2102  and the protective film  1650 . A portion or the entirety of the adhesive film  2104  may include adhesive that bonds with any of the flange  2102 , protective film  1650 , or tab  1696 . In one embodiment, the adhesive film  2104  may extend outward from the protective film  1650 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , the adhesive film  2104  is configured to extend outward from the protective film  1650  to join with the flange  2102 . The flange  2102  couples to the protective film  1650  with the adhesive film  2104 . 
         [0201]    The adhesive film  2104  may be configured to be as rigid or flexible as the protective film  1650 . In one embodiment, the adhesive film  2104  may be less rigid than the flange  2102 . In one embodiment, the adhesive film  2104  may be as rigid as the flange  2102 . 
         [0202]    The components of the system  2100  may be provided as components that are coupled together, or may be provided as components to be coupled together by an individual. For example, the system  2100  may be provided as a kit that is assembled by an end-user. 
         [0203]      FIG. 22A  illustrates the protective film  1650  coupled to the wedge  1380 . The wedge  1380  is preferably positioned beneath the protective film  1650 . The wedge  1380  may be adhered to the protective film  1650  at an end of the protective film  1650 , through any suitable method or means discussed in this application. 
         [0204]      FIG. 22B  illustrates the adhesive film  2104  coupled to the protective film  1650 . The adhesive film  2104  is preferably positioned on top of the protective film  1650 . The adhesive film  2104  extends outward from the protective film  1650 . The adhesive film  1650  also couples the protective film  1650  to the tab  1696 . The adhesive film  1650  includes adhesive portions  2201  that include an adhesive, such as a glue, that is used to couple the flange  2102  to the protective film  1650 . Any other form of adhesive or other coupling method or means discussed in this application may be used by the adhesive film  2014  to couple the flange  2102  to the protective film  1650 . 
         [0205]      FIG. 22C  illustrates the flange  2102  coupled to the protective film  1650 . The flange  2102  couples with the adhesive portions of the adhesive film  2104  that extend outward from the protective film  1650  to couple to the protective film  1650 . The flange  2102  is preferably positioned on top of the adhesive film  2104 . As such, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22C , the flange  2102  surrounds the protective film  1650  without covering the protective film  1650 . 
         [0206]      FIG. 22D  illustrates a curvature of the flange  2102 . The curvature is represented by the arrows  2202 . The flange  2102  is curved from one end to the other such that the flange  2102  curves in a direction away from the cavity  1461  when the flange  2102  is coupled to the protective film  2104  and the protective film  2104  is coupled to the roller guide apparatus  1400 . The flange  2102  may have a uniform curve or may be variably curved or non-curved at portions of the flange  2102 . 
         [0207]      FIG. 22E  illustrates a side perspective view of the flange  2102  coupled to the protective film  1650 . The curvature of the flange  2102  applies a curvature to the protective film  1650  represented by arrows  2204 . The curvature of the protective film  1650  may substantially match the curvature of the flange  2102 . 
         [0208]      FIG. 22F  illustrates a top view of the flange  2102  and the protective film  1650  coupled to the roller guide apparatus  1400 . In this embodiment, the rails  1415  of the apparatus  1400  are separated from one another at a distance  2206 . The flange  2102  is sized to form a width  2208  that extends the distance  2206  of the rails  1415 , such that the flange  2102  fits between the rails  1415 . The width  2208  may be substantially identical to the distance  2206  such that the flange  2102  closely fits between the rails  1415  with a small amount, or no space therebetween. The flange  2102  may be sized in this manner such that the flange  2102  abuts each of the rails  1415  when the protective film  1650  is applied to the mobile communication device. The flange  2102  may contact the rails  1415  to reduce movement of the protective film  1650  transverse to the direction the film  1650  is applied, so that the film  1650  aligns and applies accurately to the surface of the mobile communication device. If a roller apparatus is used to apply the film  1650 , the flange  2102  may prevent the protective film  1650  from shifting transverse to the direction the roller apparatus is rolled, which may be caused be a user applying a transverse force to the protective film  1650  with the roller apparatus. 
         [0209]    The configuration of the flange  2102 , the protective film  1650 , the adhesive film  2104 , and the roller guide apparatus  1400  shown in  FIG. 22F  may be provided to an end-user, or an end-user may assemble the components  2102 ,  1650 ,  2104 ,  1400  into the configuration shown in  FIG. 22F . Each of the components  2102 ,  1650 ,  2104 ,  1400  may be configured to couple to each other prior to the end-user coupling the components to each other. Each of the components  2102 ,  1650 ,  2104 ,  1400  may be configured to removably couple to each other such that an end user may separate the components after use. 
         [0210]      FIG. 23A  illustrates a side perspective view of the flange  2102  and the protective film  1650  coupled to the roller guide apparatus  1400 . The flange  2102  has a curvature represented by the arrows  2302  and applies this curvature to the protective film  1650  to deflect the protective film  1650  away from the surface of the mobile communication device  135 . An end of the protective film  1650  that is positioned closer to the tab  1696  is positioned closer to the surface of the mobile communication device  135  than the opposing end of the protective film  1650 . 
         [0211]    The deflection of the protective film  1650  away from the mobile communication device  135  serves to allow a backing portion of the protective film  1650  to more easily separate from an application portion of the protective film  1650 . The deflection of the protective film  1650  may create space for the backing portion to pass away from the application portion in a direction away from the tab  1696 . In addition, in an embodiment in which the wedge  1308  is utilized, the wedge  1308  may more easily pass in a direction away from the tab  1696  if the opposing end of the protective film  1650  is elevated. 
         [0212]      FIG. 23B  illustrates the embodiment shown in  FIG. 23A  after the backing portion  1660  has been partially separated from the application portion  1655 . The wedge  1308  has passed in a direction away from the tab  1696 . The application portion  1655  is applied to the surface of the mobile communications device  135 . The flange  2102  abuts each of the rails  1415  when the application portion  1655  is applied to the surface of the mobile communications device  135 . The flange  2102  abuts an interior surface of each of the rails  1415  that faces towards the other rail  1415 . The interior surface contacts the flange  2102  to prevent or reduce the opportunity for the application portion  1655  to slide side to side and be improperly aligned on the surface of the mobile communications device  135 . The flange  2102  may be lowered while the application portion  1655  is applied, from the height shown in  FIG. 23A  to the height shown in  FIG. 23B . The lowering of the flange  2102  may be caused by the wedge  1308  being drawn out from beneath the protective film  1650 , and/or by the protective film  1650  being pressed downward during the application process. A roller apparatus may be used to apply the protective film  1650  in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 23A and 23B . The flange  2102  remains coupled to the application portion  1655  while the backing portion  1660  is separated from the flange  2102 . The flange  2102  may be removed from the application portion  1655  at a later time. 
         [0213]      FIG. 24A  illustrates an embodiment in which the flange  2402  is coupled to the protective film  1650  without use of an adhesive film. The flange  2402  in this embodiment may be directly adhered to the protective film  1650  through use of a suitable adhesive or any other suitable method or means disclosed in this application. A separate film  2497  may couple the protective film  1650  to the tab  1696 . The flange  2402  in this embodiment may comprise two separate pieces that extend outward from the protective film  1650 . The two pieces of the flange  2402  may combine to form a width  2404  that extends the distance  2206  of the rails  1415 , such that the flange  2402  fits between the rails  1415 . The width  2404  may be substantially identical to the distance  2206  such that the flange  2402  closely fits between the rails  1415  with a small amount, to no space therebetween, in an manner similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22F . The flange  2402  may similarly be sized such that the flange  2402  abuts each of the rails  1415  when the protective film  1650  is applied to the mobile communications device. 
         [0214]    The flange  2402  in this embodiment may not have a curve, or other deflected shape. The flange  2402  may comprise substantially straightened material. 
         [0215]      FIG. 24B  illustrates a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 24A . The flange  2402  in this embodiment does not apply a curvature to the protective film  1650 . 
         [0216]    In one embodiment, the flange  2402  may be sized to extend out further than the distance  2206  between the rails  1415 . In one embodiment, the flange  2402  may not abut the rails  1415 , but may provide rigidity and stability to the protective film  1650  during application to the mobile communication device by comprising a flanged structure extending from the protective film  1650 . Any of the components discussed in  FIGS. 21-24B  may be utilized or interchanged with any other component discussed in this application to produce a desired result. 
         [0217]    Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosed apparatus and/or methods. 
         [0218]    The previous description of examples is provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosed methods and apparatus. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed method and apparatus. The elements and uses of the above-described embodiments can be rearranged and combined in manners other than specifically described above, with any and all permutations within the scope of invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. In addition, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and all embodiments of the invention need not necessarily achieve all the advantages or purposes or possess all characteristics identified herein.