Patent Publication Number: US-2018043840-A1

Title: Portable device holder

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This present application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/653,897, filed Jul. 19, 2017 and titled ADJUSTABLE PORTABLE DEVICE HOLDER, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/736,090, filed Jun. 10, 2015 and titled ADJUSTABLE PORTABLE DEVICE HOLDER (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,718,412), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/897,062, filed May 17, 2013 and titled ADJUSTABLE PORTABLE DEVICE HOLDER (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,080,714), which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/437,793, filed Nov. 20, 2012 and titled DASHBOARD VENT MOUNT FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE (issued as U.S. Pat. No. Des. 690,707). The present application is also a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/607,125, filed Jun. 9, 2017 and titled DASHBOARD VENT MOUNT FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE. The present application is also a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/607,126, filed Jun. 9, 2017 and titled DASHBOARD VENT MOUNT FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE. Priority is claimed to each of the above listed applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The present application is directed to adjustable portable device holder systems and methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various electronic and other device mounts are known in the art. Available device mounts have many drawbacks. For instance, suction cup mounts are typically large, bulky and require a large mounting surface such as a windshield. Device mounts often fail to properly and consistently attach to the mounting surface. Some device mounting solutions require adhesive to secure the mount to a vehicle dash, wearing off over time and leaving an undesirable residue on the mounting surface. Current device mounts also fail to effectively accommodate a broad range of devices or mounting surfaces. 
     Due to the deficiencies in the currently available device mounts, people choose not use electronic device mounts and often violate state and provincial hands-free driving laws. Other state and provincial laws prohibit objects mounted to the windshield to prevent obstruction of the driver&#39;s view. 
     This specification is directed to improved portable device holder systems and methods for manufacturing the same. 
     SUMMARY 
     Adjustable portable device holder systems and methods for manufacturing the same are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, an adjustable portable device holder includes an adjustable clamping element and a rotatable mounting element attached to the adjustable clamping element for removably securing a portable device to the adjustable portable device holder. The adjustable clamping element is capable of being biased into an activated state and unbiased into a deactivated state to secure one of a plurality of different size portable devices to the adjustable portable device holder. The rotatable mounting element, attached to the adjustable clamping element, includes a plurality of mounting arms each spaced a specified distance apart from one another and extending at a specified angle from a bottom surface of the rotatable mounting element. Each pair of the plurality of mounting arms forms a mounting slot therein between. The rotatable mounting element is capable of being rotated to position a first mounting slot in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation and a second mounting slot in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation to engage a first mounting surface in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation or a second mounting surface in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation. 
     In another embodiment, a process for manufacturing an exemplary adjustable portable device holder is disclosed. The process includes providing an adjustable clamping element capable of being biased into an activated state and unbiased into a deactivated state to secure one of a plurality of portable device sizes to the adjustable portable device holder. The process also includes providing a rotatable mounting element comprising a plurality of mounting arms each spaced a specified distance apart from one another and extending at a specified angle from a bottom surface of the rotatable mounting element. Each pair of the plurality of mounting arms form a mounting slot therein between. The rotatable mounting element is capable of being rotated to position a first mounting slot in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation and a second mounting slot in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation to engage a first mounting surface in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation or a second mounting surface in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation. The process also includes attaching the rotatable mounting element to the adjustable clamping element. 
     In accordance with certain embodiments, a portable device holder includes a device attachment element and a mounting element. The device attachment element is configured to be selectively attached to a portable device. The mounting element is rotatably and pivotable attached to a main body of the device attachment element. The mounting element includes first and second mounting arms extending in a direction away from the main body of the device attachment element and defining a mounting slot behind the main body of the device attachment element. The mounting slot is configured to accommodate engagement with an air conditioner vent of an automobile or some other mounting surface. The mounting slot is rotatable and pivotable relative to the device attachment element by rotating and pivoting the mounting element relative to the main body of the device attachment element thereby enabling the mounting slot behind the main body of the device attachment element to be selectively pivoted and selectively rotated between vertical and horizontal arrangements relative to the device attachment element. The device attachment element can include an adjustable clamping element. The device attachment element can alternatively include one or more magnets within its main body. In certain embodiments, the device attachment element and the mounting element are attached to one another by a ball and socket joint. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments as disclosed herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present application are described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an adjustable portable device holder in a retracted setting, also referred to as the deactivated state, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an adjustable portable device holder in an expanded setting, also referred to as the activated state, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an adjustable portable device holder in a retracted setting according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an adjustable portable device holder attached to a device and a mounting surface according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flow chart of a process for manufacturing an exemplary adjustable portable device holder according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevation view of the back of an adjustable portable device holder in a retracted setting; 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of the top of an adjustable portable device holder in a retracted setting; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevation view of left side of an adjustable portable device holder in a retracted setting; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevation view of the front of an adjustable portable device holder in a retracted setting; 
         FIG. 10  is an elevation view of the right side of an adjustable portable device holder in a retracted setting; 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of the bottom of an adjustable portable device holder in a retracted setting; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view, from the front right, of an adjustable portable device holder in a retracted setting; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view, from the back left, of an adjustable portable device holder  FIG. 14  is an elevation view of the back of an adjustable portable device holder in an expanded setting; 
         FIG. 15  is a plan view of the top of an adjustable portable device holder in an expanded setting; 
         FIG. 16  is an elevation view of left side of an adjustable portable device holder in an expanded setting; 
         FIG. 17  is an elevation view of the front of an adjustable portable device holder in an expanded setting; 
         FIG. 18  is an elevation view of the right side of an adjustable portable device holder in an expanded setting; 
         FIG. 19  is a plan view of the bottom of an adjustable portable device holder in an expanded setting; 
         FIG. 20  is an isometric view, from the front right, of an adjustable portable device holder in an expanded setting; 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view, from the back left, of an adjustable portable device holder in an expanded setting; 
         FIG. 22  is a rear perspective view of an adjustable portable device holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention with its adjustable clamping element in a retracted setting, also referred to as the deactivated state, and its mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, in a closed position; 
         FIG. 23  is a rear perspective view of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention with its adjustable clamping element in an expanded setting, also referred to as the activated state, and its mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, in a closed position; 
         FIG. 24  is a rear perspective view of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention with its adjustable clamping element in the retracted setting, also referred to as the deactivated state, and its mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, in an open position; 
         FIG. 25  is a right elevation view of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention with its mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, in a closed position, also referred to as its deactivated position; 
         FIG. 26  is a right elevation view of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention with its mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, in an open position, also referred to as its activated position; 
         FIGS. 27 and 28  are respectively rear perspective and right elevation views of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention with the adjustable clamping element and the mounting element shown separate from one another; 
         FIG. 29  is a rear elevation view of the mounting element portion of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, is in a closed position, also referred to as its deactivated position; 
         FIG. 30A  is a cross-sectional side view of the mounting element portion of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention along the line A-A shown in  FIG. 29 , wherein the mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, is in a closed position, also referred to as its deactivated position; 
         FIG. 30B  is a cross-sectional side view of the mounting element portion of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention along the line B-B shown in  FIG. 29 , wherein the mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, is in a closed position, also referred to as its deactivated position; 
         FIG. 31  is a rear elevation view of the mounting element portion of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, is in a open position, also referred to as its activated position; 
         FIG. 32A  is a cross-sectional side view of the mounting element portion of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention along the line A-A shown in  FIG. 31 , wherein the mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, is in a open position, also referred to as its activated position; 
         FIG. 32B  is a cross-sectional side view of the mounting element portion of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention along the line B-B shown in  FIG. 31 , wherein the mounting element, also referred to in the second embodiment as its vent attachment jaws, is in a open position, also referred to as its activated position; 
         FIG. 33  is an exploded rear perspective view of the mounting element portion of the adjustable portable device holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a front perspective view of an adjustable portable device holder according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 35 and 36  are respectively rear perspective and right elevation views of the adjustable portable device holder according to the third embodiment of the present invention with the device attachment element and the mounting element shown separate from one another; and 
         FIG. 37  is an exploded front perspective view of the device attachment element of the adjustable portable device holder according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. 
     The adjustable portable device holders described in this specification can include an adjustable clamping element or other type of device attachment element attached to a rotatable mounting element. The adjustable portable device holder can be used to attach and mount a portable device to a mounting surface. The portable device can be any device that attaches to the device attachment element (e.g., fits into the adjustable clamping element) including, but not limited to a smartphone or other phone, a tablet, an e-reader, a powerbank, a speaker, a multimedia player, a flashlight or other light, a television or other display, a laser or radar detector, an air freshener, a fan, a beverage or other device that can fit into the adjustable clamping element. The adjustable portable device holder can be mounted to various mounting surfaces including, but not limited to an automobile air conditioner vent blade, an automobile dashboard, an automobile sun visor, a credit card, the brim of a hat, a counter, a tripod, a bicycle, a backpack, a utensil, a ledge or other surface. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an adjustable portable device holder  100  in a retracted setting according to one embodiment. The adjustable portable device holder  100  includes an adjustable clamping element  102  attached to a rotatable mounting element  104 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an adjustable portable device holder  100  in an expanded setting according to one embodiment. The adjustable portable device holder  100  includes an adjustable clamping element  102  attached to a rotatable mounting element  104 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an adjustable portable device holder  100  in a retracted setting according to one embodiment. The adjustable portable device holder  100  includes an adjustable clamping element  102  attached to a rotatable mounting element  104 . 
     The adjustable clamping element  102  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  can be expanded and retracted to attach devices of different sizes to the adjustable portable device holder  100 . A force can be applied to expand or bias the adjustable clamping element  102  into an activated state (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and the force can be released to retract the adjustable clamping element  102  into a deactivated state (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). An elastic retracting or biasing element (not shown), such as a compression or torsion spring can be incorporated into the adjustable clamping element  102 . The compression or torsion spring facilitates the expansion and retraction of the adjustable clamping element  102  upon applying or releasing an expansive force on a surface of the adjustable clamping element  102 . 
     The adjustable clamping element  102  can also include a gripping material on a surface of the adjustable clamping element  102  to provide a better grip, a better viewing angle or better attachment to a device secured within the adjustable clamping element  102 . The gripping material can be applied to a portion of the adjustable clamping element  102  or the entire adjustable clamping element  102  can be made of the gripping material. The gripping material can be any material that increases the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction between the gripping surface of the adjustable clamping element  102  and a surface of a device secured within the adjustable clamping element  102 . The gripping material can include, but is not limited to rubber, polymeric material or other plastic, metal, alloy, fabric, composite material or other material capable of increasing the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction between the gripping surface of the adjustable clamping element  102  and a surface of a device secured within the adjustable clamping element  102 . The gripping material and gripping surface can be textured and composed of the same or different material. 
     The rotatable mounting element  104  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  can be directly or indirectly attached to the adjustable clamping element  102 . The adjustable clamping element  102  and the rotatable mounting element  104  can be one integral part or component parts that are attached together by any attaching means that allows the rotatable mounting element  104  to rotate. The rotatable mounting element  104  includes a base plate  106  and a plurality of mounting arms  108  extending from the base plate  106 . The base plate  106  and the plurality of mounting arms  108  can be one integral part or component parts that are attached together by any attaching means. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the base plate  106  can be a cylindrically shaped disc or other element that is capable of being rotated 360 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise. The base plate  106  provides a rotating platform from which mounting arms  108  extend. The mounting arms  108  are spaced a specified distance apart relative to one another on the base plate  106 . The mounting arms  108  also extend from the base plate  106  at a specified angle relative to the base plate  106 . The size of the mounting arms  108 , the distance between the mounting arms  108  and the angle at which the mounting arms  108  extend from the base plate  106  establish and define mounting slots  110 ,  112  between pairs of mounting arms  108 . The rotatable mounting element  104  can include any number of mounting arms  108  and any number of mounting slots  110 ,  112 . 
     The mounting arms  108  can also include a gripping material on a surface of the mounting arms  108  to provide a better grip, a better viewing angle or better attachment to a mounting surface secured between the mounting arms  108 . The gripping material can be applied to a portion of mounting arms  108  or the entirety of the mounting arms  108  can be made of the gripping material. The gripping material can be any material that increases the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction between the gripping surface of mounting arms  108  and a mounting surface secured between the mounting arms  108 . The gripping material can include, but is not limited to rubber, polymeric material or other plastic, metal, alloy, fabric, composite material or other material capable of increasing the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction between the gripping surface of mounting arms  108  and a mounting surface secured between the mounting arms  108 . The gripping material and gripping surface can be textured and composed of the same or different material. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the rotatable mounting element  104  includes four mounting arms and four mounting slots. In another exemplary embodiment, the rotating mounting element  104  includes 6 mounting arms and six mounting slots. 
     The mounting arms  108  and mounting slots  110 ,  112 , can engage a mounting surface (not shown) to mount the adjustable portable device holder  100 . The adjustable portable device holder  100  is mounted to a mounting surface by positioning, press fitting or wedging a mounting surface within one or more mounting slots  110 ,  112  to engage two or more mounting arms  108 . The adjustable portable device holder  100  can be mounted to various mounting surfaces including, but not limited to an automobile air conditioner vent blade, an automobile dashboard, an automobile sun visor, a credit card, the brim of a hat, a counter, a tripod, a bicycle, a backpack, a utensil, a ledge or other surface that can be positioned, press fit or wedged within one or more mounting slots  110 ,  112  between two or more mounting arms  108 . 
     The rotatable mounting element  104  can include any number of mounting arms  108  forming and defining any number of mounting slots  110 ,  112 . As may be appreciated in at least  FIGS. 1-3, 7, 8, 10, 11 .  15 ,  16 ,  18  and  19 , the size and shape of the mounting slots  110 ,  112  formed between pairs of mounting arms  108  can be controlled by adjusting the size and shape of the paired mounting arms  108 , the distance between the mounting arms  108  and the angle at which the two mounting arms  108  extend from the base plate  106  and converge toward one another. As depicted, each mounting arm  108  and mounting slot  110 ,  112  tapers in a direction away from a bottom surface of the rotatable mounting element  104 . The rotatable mounting element  104  can include one or more different size mounting slots  110 ,  112  to accommodate different size mounting surfaces. For instance in  FIG. 3 , one mounting slot  110  having clearance A can be larger than another mounting slot  112  having clearance B. One or more of the mounting slots  110  formed on the rotatable mounting element  104  can accommodate a larger mounting surface than other mounting slots  112  formed on the rotatable mounting element  104 . 
     The rotatable mounting element  104  can be rotated to position the mounting arms  108  and mounting slots  110 ,  112  in a horizontal plane, vertical plane, diagonal plane, circular plane, concave plane, convex plane or any plane between vertical and horizontal planes relative to the force of gravity. The mounting arms  108  and mounting slots  110 ,  112  can be positioned to engage a mounting surface in any engagement plane within the 360 degree rotation of the mounting element  104 . The rotatable mounting element  104  can be rotated to position a relatively larger mounting slot  110  with clearance A in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave or convex plane to engage a relatively larger mounting surface in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave or convex engagement plane. The rotatable mounting element  104  can also be rotated to position a relatively smaller mounting slot  112  with clearance B in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave or convex plane to engage a relatively smaller mounting surface in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave or convex engagement plane. 
     The rotatable mounting element is capable of being rotated 360 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise to engage different size mounting surfaces in a horizontal plane, vertical plane, diagonal plane, circular plane, concave plane, convex plane or any plane between vertical and horizontal planes. A device attached to the adjustable portable device holder  100  via the adjustable clamping element  102  can also be rotated 360 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise while it is attached to the adjustable portable device holder  100  by rotating the rotatable mounting element  104 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an adjustable portable device holder  200  attached to a device  214  and a mounting surface  216  according to one embodiment. The device  214  is a smart phone and the mounting surface  216  is an automobile air conditioner vent blade. 
     Other portable devices can also fit into the adjustable clamping element including, but not limited to a tablet, an e-reader, a powerbank, a speaker, a multimedia player, a flashlight or other light, a television or other display, a laser or radar detector, an air freshener, a fan, a beverage or other device. The adjustable portable device holder  200  can also be mounted to other mounting surfaces including, but not limited to an automobile dashboard, an automobile sun visor, a credit card, the brim of a hat, a counter, a tripod, a bicycle, a backpack, a utensil, a ledge or other surface. 
     The adjustable portable device holder  200  includes an adjustable clamping element  202  attached to a rotatable mounting element  204 . The adjustable clamping element  202  can be expanded and retracted to attach different size smartphones to the adjustable portable device holder  200 . A force can be applied to expand or bias the adjustable clamping element  202  into an activated state and the force can be released to retract the adjustable clamping element  202  into a deactivated state to clamp around the smartphone  214 . An elastic retracting or biasing element (not shown), such as a compression or torsion spring can be incorporated into the adjustable clamping element  202  to facilitate the expansion and retraction of the adjustable clamping element  202  and to accommodate different size smartphones. 
     The adjustable clamping element  202  can also include a gripping material on a surface of the adjustable clamping element  202  to provide a better grip, a better viewing angle or better attachment to the smart phone  214  or other device secured within the adjustable clamping element  202 . The gripping material can be applied to a portion of the adjustable clamping element  202  or the entire adjustable clamping element  202  can be made of the gripping material. The gripping material can be any material that increases the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction between the gripping surface of the adjustable clamping element  202  and a surface of a device secured within the adjustable clamping element  202 . The gripping material can include, but is not limited to rubber, polymeric material or other plastic, metal, alloy, fabric, composite material or other material capable of increasing the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction between the gripping surface of the adjustable clamping element  202  and a surface of a device secured within the adjustable clamping element  202 . The gripping material and gripping surface can be textured and composed of the same or different material. 
     The rotatable mounting element  204  can be directly or indirectly attached to the adjustable clamping element  202 . The adjustable clamping element  202  and the rotatable mounting element  204  can be one integral part or component parts that are attached together by any attaching means, such as a screw, ratchet, pin, rod or friction or other device that allows the rotatable mounting element  204  to rotate. The rotatable mounting element  204  includes a base plate  206  and a plurality of mounting arms  208  extending from the base plate  206 . The base plate  206  and the plurality of mounting arms  208  can be one integral part or component parts that are attached together by any attaching means. 
     The base plate  206  can be a cylindrically shaped disc or other element that is capable of being rotated 360 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise. The base plate  206  provides a rotating platform from which the mounting arms  208  extend. The mounting arms  208  are spaced a specified distance apart relative to one another on the base plate  206 . The mounting arms  208  also extend from the base plate  206  at a specified angle relative to the base plate  206 . The size of the mounting arms  208 , the distance between the mounting arms  208  and the angle at which the mounting arms  208  extend from the base plate  206  establish and define mounting slots  210 ,  212  between pairs of mounting arms  208 . The rotatable mounting element  204  includes four mounting arms  208  and four mounting slots  210 ,  212 . 
     The mounting arms  208  and mounting slots  210 ,  212 , can engage and attach to an air conditioner vent blade  216  to mount the adjustable portable device holder  200 . The adjustable portable device holder  200  is mounted to the air conditioner vent blade  216  by positioning, press fitting or wedging a surface of the air conditioner vent blade  216  within one or more mounting slots  210 ,  212  to engage two or more mounting arms  208 . 
     The mounting arms  208  can also include a gripping material on a surface of the mounting arms  208  to provide a better grip, a better viewing angle or better attachment to the air conditioner vent blade  216  secured between mounting arms  208 . The gripping material can be applied to a portion of mounting arms  208  or the entirety of the mounting arms  208  can be made of the gripping material. The gripping material can be any material that increases the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction between the gripping surface of mounting arms  208  and an air conditioner vent blade  216  secured between the mounting arms  208 . The gripping material can include, but is not limited to rubber, polymeric material or other plastic, metal, alloy, fabric, composite material or other material capable of increasing the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction between the gripping surface of mounting arms  208  and the air conditioner vent blade  216  secured between the mounting arms  208 . The gripping material can be and gripping surface and composed of the same or different material. 
     The rotatable mounting element  204  includes two different sizes of mounting slots  210 ,  212  to accommodate different size air conditioner vent blades  216  or other mounting surfaces. Two mounting slots  210  having clearance A are larger than the other two mounting slots  212  having clearance B. 
     The rotatable mounting element  204  can be rotated to position the mounting arms  208  and mounting slots  210 ,  212  in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave, convex or any plane between vertical and horizontal planes to engage air conditioner vent blades  216  oriented in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave, convex or any plane between vertical and horizontal planes. The mounting arms  208  and mounting slots  210 ,  212  can be positioned to attach to an air conditioner vent blade in any engagement plane within the 360 degree rotation of the mounting element  204 . The rotatable mounting element  204  can be rotated to position the larger mounting slots  210  with clearance A in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave, convex or any plane between vertical and horizontal planes to engage or attach to larger air conditioner vent blades  216  oriented in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave, convex or any plane between vertical and horizontal planes. The rotatable mounting element  204  can also be rotated to position the smaller mounting slots  212  with clearance B in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave, convex or any plane between vertical and horizontal planes to engage or attach to smaller air conditioner vent blades  216  oriented in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave, convex or any plane between vertical and horizontal planes. 
     The rotatable mounting element  204  is capable of being rotated 360 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise to engage different size mounting surfaces in a horizontal, vertical, diagonal, circular, concave, convex or any plane between vertical and horizontal planes relative to the force of gravity. The smart phone  214  attached to the adjustable portable device holder  200  can be rotated into a portrait orientation (shown in  FIG. 4A ) and a landscape orientation (shown in  FIG. 4B ) by rotating the rotatable mounting element  204 . The smart phone  214  attached to the adjustable portable device holder  200  can be rotated 360 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise while it is attached to the adjustable portable device holder  200  by rotating the smart phone  214  and adjustable clamping element  202 , while the rotatable mounting element  204  is secured to a mounting surface. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a flow chart of a process for manufacturing an exemplary adjustable portable device holder according to one embodiment. At step  301 , the process includes providing an adjustable clamping element for removably securing a portable device to the adjustable portable device holder. The adjustable clamping element is capable of being biased into an activated state and unbiased into a deactivated state to secure one of a plurality of different size portable device to the adjustable portable device holder. 
     As an example and as depicted in  FIGS. 2, 14, 15, 16 and 19-21 , to manufacture the adjustable portable device holder, two stainless steel rods can be inserted into an expandable arm cavity of a double injection mold. PC/ABS is injected into the cavities of the mold to hold the rods in place and to produce an expandable arm, main body and cover of an adjustable clamping element. The mold is then rotated and injected with TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) to form side grips of the expandable arm and body of the adjustable clamping element. A stainless steel spring is inserted over each rod and held in place by a stainless steel screw affixed to the end of the rods. Grease is added to the lower portion of the spring and rods (near the screw head). The expandable arm is inserted into the body and the springs are lowered and held in place within the body of the adjustable clamping element. The cover is then slid on to the body to hold the adjustable arm in place. 
     The adjustable clamping element or a surface thereof can also be formed from rubber, polymeric material or other plastic, metal, alloy, or composite material that is rigid, semi-rigid or textured. 
     At step  302 , a rotatable mounting element is provided, which can be attached to the adjustable clamping element via screw, ratchet, pin, rod or friction or other attachment means. The rotatable mounting element includes a plurality of mounting arms each spaced a specified distance apart from one another and extending at a specified angle from a bottom surface of the rotatable mounting element. Each pair of the plurality of mounting arms form a mounting slot therein between. The rotatable mounting element is capable of being rotated to position a first mounting slot in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation and a second mounting slot in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation to engage a first mounting surface in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation or a second mounting surface in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation. 
     For example, a rotatable mounting element can be formed in whole or part from stainless metal or other metal, alloy or plastic sheet stamped to form a clip or base plate with four arms extending from the base plate, spaced a specified distance apart and bent to a desired angle. If metal or other heat treatable material, the rotatable mounting element can be heat treated to form a rigid structure. The rotatable mounting element or a surface thereof can also be formed from rubber, polymeric material or other plastic, metal, alloy, or composite material that is rigid, semi-rigid or textured. 
     A zinc-alloy nut or other alloy or material can be formed using a die-cast mold to attach the rotatable mounting element to the adjustable clamping element. Glue is added to the cavity of the nut. The rotatable mounting element is affixed to the main body of the adjustable clamping element via the nut and a second stainless screw. A force gage is used to monitor the rotational force of the rotatable mounting element and the rotatable mounting element is adjusted if screw is too tight or loose. 
     TPE is injected into a mold to create a skirt and four socks. The skirt and four socks can also be formed from rubber, polymeric material or other plastic, metal, alloy, or composite material that is rigid, semi-rigid or textured. The skirt is assembled over the mounting arms of the rotatable mounting element. Glue is added to each mounting arm of the rotatable mounting element. A sock is inserted over each mounting arm, which holds the skirt in place. 
       FIGS. 22-26  illustrate an adjustable portable device holder  400  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The adjustable portable device holder  400  includes an adjustable clamping element  402  and a rotatable mounting element  404 , which are connected to one another. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 22-26 , the adjustable clamping element  402  and the rotatable mounting element  404  are connected to one another by a ball and socket joint  406 . As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , which show the clamping element  402  and the rotatable mounting element  404  separated from one another, the ball and socket joint  406  can include a ball  420  that extends from the rotatable mounting element  404  and a socket  422  that extends from and/or into a main body of the adjustable clamping element  402 . In an alternative embodiment, the ball and socket joint  406  can include a ball  420  that extends from a main body of the clamping element  402  and a socket that extends from and/or into a housing or collar  412  of the rotatable mounting element  404 . Where the rotatable mounting element  404  is also pivotable, it can also be referred to as a rotatable and pivotable mounting element  404 . The rotatable mounting element  404  can also be referred to more succinctly as the mounting element  404 , or alternatively, as mounting jaws  404 . In accordance with an embodiment, the socket  422  includes a silicone liner that provides for a low static friction (also known as stiction) between the ball  420  and the socket  422 , and thereby provides for smooth pivoting of the mounting element  404  and the adjustable clamping element  402  relative to one another. Instead of connecting the adjustable clamping element  402  and the rotatable mounting element  404  to one another using a ball and socket joint  406  such that they are both rotatable and pivotable relative to one another, they can be connected to one another such that they are just rotatable relative to one another (e.g., in a similar manner that the adjustable clamping element  102 ,  202  and the rotatable mounting element  104 ,  204  are connected to one another as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1-21 ). 
     The adjustable clamping element  402  illustrated in  FIGS. 22-26  can be expanded and retracted to attach devices (e.g., mobile phones or other mobile electronic devices) of different sizes to the adjustable portable device holder  400 , as was the case with the adjustable portable device holder  100 ,  200  discussed above. In  FIG. 22  the adjustable clamping element  402  is shown as being in a retracted setting, which can also be referred to as the deactivated state. By contrast, in  FIG. 23  the adjustable clamping element  402  is shown as being in an expanded setting, which can also be referred to as the activated state. A force can be applied to expand or bias the adjustable clamping element  402  into an activated state (shown in  FIG. 23 ) and the force can be released to retract the adjustable clamping element  102  into a deactivated state (shown in  FIGS. 22 and 24 ). One or more elastic retracting or biasing element (not shown), such as a compression or torsion spring(s), can be incorporated into the adjustable clamping element  402 . The compression or torsion spring(s) facilitates the expansion and retraction of the adjustable clamping element  402  upon applying or releasing an expansive force on a surface of the adjustable clamping element  402 . As can be appreciated from  FIG. 23 , as was the case with the embodiment described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-21 , two stainless steel rods  403  connect a movable arm of the adjustable clamping element  402  to the main body of the adjustable clamping element  402 . As was also the case with the embodiment described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-21 , a stainless steel spring (which cannot be seen in the FIGS.) can be inserted over each rod  403  and held in place by a stainless steel screw affixed to the end of the rods  403 . Grease can be added to the lower portion of the spring and rods (near the screw head). As was the case with the embodiment described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-21 , when the adjustable clamping element  402  is completely retracted the rods  403  are not exposed and are thereby not viewable, as can be appreciated from  FIG. 22 . As was also the case with the embodiment described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-21 , when the adjustable clamping element  402  is at least partially expanded there is a gap, between the main body and the adjustable arm of the adjustable clamping element  402 , with the rods  403  exposed and thereby viewable within the gap, as can be appreciated from  FIG. 23 . 
     The rotatable mounting element  404  includes mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b , which can be referred to individually as a mounting arm  408 , or collectively as the mounting arms  408 . Each of the mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b  is shown as including a respective mounting slot or notch  409   a  and  409   b , which can be referred to individually as a mounting slot or notch  409 , or collectively as the mounting slots or notches  409 . Additionally, a mounting slot  410  is defined between the opposing inner surfaces of the mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b . The mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b  are biased such that they normally are pushed towards one another and come into contact with one another when nothing is interposed between them. An elastic biasing element (not shown in  FIGS. 22-26 ), such as a compression or torsion spring, can be incorporated into the rotatable mounting element  404 , e.g., as described below with reference to  FIGS. 30B, 32B and 33 . As will be described in more detail below, the mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b  can be separated from one another by pressing or squeezing the push buttons  414   a  and  414   b  such that the push buttons  414   a  and  414   b  move towards one another. While the push buttons  414   a  and  414   b  are pressed, which causes the mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b  to be separated from one another, the portable device holder  400  (and more specifically, the mounting element  404  thereof) can be mounted to an air conditioner vent blade by inserting the mounting slot  410  over the vent blade. After the mounting slot  410  is inserted over the vent blade, the push buttons  414   a  and  414   b  can be released and the biasing element (e.g., the spring  417  shown in  FIGS. 30B, 32B and 33 ) will bias the mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b  such that they normally are pushed towards one another and come into contact with opposing surfaces of the vent blade, thereby gripping the vent blade and securely mounting the portable device holder  400  to the vent blade. It is also possible to mount the mounting element  404  to an alternative mounting surface besides a vent blade. 
     As shown for example in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  discussed above, an automobile may include both vertical and horizontal air conditioner vent blades that are perpendicular to one another. The mounting slots or notches  409   a  and  409   b  in the mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b  enable a vertical (or horizontal) vent blade to be grasped within the mounting slot  410  between the mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b  while a perpendicular horizontal (or vertical) vent blade rests within the mounting slots or notches  409   a  and  409   b.    
     The rotatable mounting element  404  includes a housing or collar  412  that supports push buttons  414   a  and  414   b , which can be referred to individually as a push button  414 , or collectively as the push buttons  414 . As will be described in additional detail below, initially with reference to  FIGS. 24-26 , pushing or pressing on the push buttons  414   a  and  414   b  causes the mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b  to move away from one another to thereby increase the size of the slot  410  defined between the opposing inner surfaces of the mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b . A recess  411   b  in an upper peripheral portion of the housing or collar  412  enables the upper push button  414   b  to extend beyond the housing or collar  412 . Similarly, a recess  411   a  in a lower peripheral portion of the housing or collar  412  enables the lower push button  414   b  to extend beyond the housing or collar  412 . Such recesses  411   a  and  411   b  can be seen best in  FIG. 33  discussed below. 
       FIG. 25  is a right elevation view of the adjustable portable device holder  400  with its mounting element  404 , which can also be referred to as vent attachment jaws  404 , in a closed position, which can also referred to as the deactivated position.  FIG. 25  is a right elevation view of the adjustable portable device holder  400  with its mounting element  404 , which can also be referred to as vent attachment jaws  404 , in an open position, which can also referred to as the activated position. In accordance with an embodiment, the vent attachment jaws  404  can be transitioned from the closed or deactivated position shown in  FIG. 25  to the open or activation position shown in  FIG. 26  in response to a person pressing on the push buttons  414  with at least a pair of their fingers, and more specifically, squeezing the push buttons  414  such that they move towards one another. 
       FIG. 29  is a rear elevation view of the mounting element  404  (which can also be referred to as the vent attachment jaws  404 ) in a closed position (which can also be referred to as the deactivated position).  FIGS. 30A and 30B  are cross-sectional side views of the mounting element  404  along the lines A-A and B-B, respectively, shown in  FIG. 29 , with the mounting element in a closed position (also referred to as the deactivated position).  FIG. 31  is a rear elevation view of the mounting element  404  (which can also be referred to as the vent attachment jaws  404 ) in an open position (which can also be referred to as the activated position).  FIGS. 32A and 32B  are cross-sectional side views of the mounting element  404  along the lines A-A and B-B, respectively, shown in  FIG. 31 , with the mounting element in an open position (also referred to as the activated position).  FIG. 33  is an exploded rear perspective view of the mounting element  404  of the adjustable portable device holder  400 . 
     As can appreciated from  FIGS. 30A, 32A and 33 , the upper push button  414   b  is attached to the lower mounting arm  408   b  (which can also be referred to as the lower jaw  408   b ) by a post  415   b . More specifically, in accordance with an embodiment, the upper push button  414   b , the post  415   b , and the lower mounting arm  408   b  (which can also be referred to as the lower jaw  408   b ) are integrally formed (e.g., integrally molded), and thus, can collectively be referred to as an integrally formed button and arm structure  419   b . A spring peg  416   b  (for holding an upper end of the spring  417  in place) can also be part of the integrally formed button and arm structure  419   b , as shown in  FIGS. 30B and 32B . Similarly, the lower push button  414   a , the post  415   a , and the upper mounting arm  408   a  (which can also be referred to as the upper jaw  408   a ) are integrally formed (e.g., integrally molded), and thus, can collectively be referred to as an integrally formed button and arm structure  419   a . A spring peg  416   a  (for holding a lower end of the spring  417  in place) can also be part of the integrally formed button and arm structure  419   a , as shown in  FIGS. 30B and 32B . 
     As shown in  FIG. 33 , the integrally formed button and arm structure  419   a  includes ribs  418   a , and the integrally formed button and arm structure  419   b  similarly includes ribs  418   b . In accordance with an embodiment, the ribs  418   a  and  418   b  intermesh with one another to help keep the integrally formed button and arm structures  419   a  and  419   b  in proper alignment with one another as the slot  410  between the upper and lower mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b  is expanded and retracted in response to the push buttons  414   a  and  414   b  being selectively pressed and released. 
     Each integrally formed button and arm structure  419   a  and  419   b  can be molded. Where there is a desire to make each integrally formed button and arm structure  419   a  and  419   b  from more than one material, then a multi-material injection molding process (e.g., multi-component, multi-shot, or over-molding) can be used to manufacture each structure. For example, a majority of each structure can be made of a relatively hard plastic or other polymer, and opposing inner surfaces of the mounting arms  408   a  and  408   b  (that are intended to grip a mounting surface, e.g., an air conditioner vent blade) and/or portions of the push buttons  414   a  and  414   b  (that are intended to be pushed by a person&#39;s fingers) can be made of a softer gripping material. Such a gripping material can be any material that increases the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction between a gripping surface of the mounting arms or jaws  408   a  and  408   b  and a mounting surface, or between the push buttons  414   a  and  414   b  and a persons&#39; fingers. The gripping material can include, but is not limited to rubber, polymeric material or other plastic, fabric, composite material or other material capable of increasing the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction. A gripping material and a gripping surface can be textured and composed of the same or different material. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 33 , the housing or collar  412  is shown as including two internal screw holes  413  near its opposing sides, and a center through hole  425 . During assembly, a screw or other fastener  423  is inserted through the center through hole  425  and into an opening  421  in the ball  420  to thereby secure the ball  420  to the housing or collar  412 . In an embodiment, the ball  420  is already placed within the socket  422  before the screw or other fastener  423  is inserted into the opening  421  in the ball  420  to thereby secure the ball  420  to the housing or collar  412 . Thereafter, the integrally formed button and arm structures  419   a  and  419   b  are aligned with one another such that the ribs  418   a  and  418   b  intermesh with one another and the spring  417  is held between the spring pegs  416   a  and  416   b  (e.g., shown in  FIG. 30B ). Portions of the aligned integrally formed button and arm structures  419   a  and  419   b  are then placed within the housing or collar  412  such that the upper push button  414   b  is within the recess  411   b  and extends beyond an upper portion of the housing or collar  412  and the lower push button  414   a  is within the recess  411   a  and extends beyond a lower portion of the housing or collar  412 . An inner plate  430  is then placed over a back of the housing or collar  412  such that the upper mounting arm  408   a  extends through an upper opening  431   a  in the inner plate  430 , the lower mounting arm  408   b  extends through a lower opening  431   b  in the inner plate  430 , and the through holes  432  are aligned with the screw holes  413 . Alternatively, the inner plate  430  can be assembled onto the aligned integrally formed button and arm structures  419   a  and  419   b  (such that the upper mounting arm  408   a  extends through an upper opening  431   a  in the inner plate  430 , the lower mounting arm  408   b  extends through a lower opening  431   b  in the inner plate  430 , and the through holes  432  are aligned with the screw holes  413 ) prior to the integrally formed button and arm structures  419   a  and  419   b  being placed within the housing or collar  412 . A pair of screws  433  are then inserted though the through holes  432  of the inner plate  430  and screwed into the screw holes  413  of the housing or collar  412  to hold the integrally formed button and arm structures  419   a  and  419   b  and the spring  417  in their appropriate alignment within the housing or collar  412 . A double-sided adhesive tape  434  including an opening  435  (or an alternative adhesive, such as an epoxy or glue) is used to adhere an outer plate  436  including an opening  437  to the inner plate  430 , and thereby cover up the heads of the screws  433  so that they are not visible. The inner plate  430  can be made of a metal or plastic, but is not limited thereto. The outer plate  436  can be made of a metal, plastic or silicone, but is not limited thereto. 
     In the embodiments described above, the adjustable clamping elements  102 ,  202 ,  402  were described as being used to removably secure one of a plurality of different sized portable devices (e.g., mobile phones) to the adjustable clamping elements, and thereby, to a respective one of the portable device holders  100 ,  200 ,  400 . In such embodiments, the adjustable clamping elements  102 ,  202 ,  402  are examples of device attachment elements, which together with the respective mounting elements  104 ,  204 ,  404  are used to mount portable devices (e.g., mobile phones) of various different sizes to an air conditioner vent blade or other mounting surface. In accordance with alternative embodiments, other types of device attachment elements can be used in place of the adjustable clamping elements  102 ,  202 ,  402 . For example, in certain embodiments, a device attachment element can include one or more magnets (e.g., rare earth magnet(s)) that enable selective attachment of portable devices of various different sizes to the device attachment element. In order for a portable device to be attached to the device attachment element including one or more magnets, a metal plate should be secured directly to the back of the portable device by an adhesive or placed between a protective case (e.g., a mobile phone case) and the portable device (e.g., a mobile phone). It would also be possible for the metal plate to be build into a protective case (e.g., a mobile phone case) for a portable device. If a portable device already includes a surface made of a ferromagnetic metal, then there may be no need for the aforementioned metal plate. 
       FIG. 34  is a front perspective view of an adjustable portable device holder  500  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The portable device holder  500  is shown as including a device attachment element  502  and a rotatable mounting element  504  which are connected to one another by a ball and socket joint  506 .  FIGS. 35 and 36  are respectively rear perspective and right elevation views of the adjustable portable device holder  500  according to the third embodiment of the present invention with the device attachment element  502  and the mounting element  504  shown separate from one another. 
     The rotatable mounting element  504  is the same as the rotatable mounting element  404  described above with reference to  FIGS. 22-33 , and thus, components of the rotatable mounting element  504  are labeled the same as the components of the rotatable mounting element  404 , and need not be described again. The ball and socket joint  506  is substantially the same as the ball and socket joint  406  described above, e.g., with reference to  FIGS. 27 and 28 . As shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36 , which show the clamping element  402  and the rotatable mounting element  404  separated from one another, the ball and socket joint  506  can include a ball  420  that extends from the rotatable mounting element  504  and a socket  522  that extends from and/or into a main body of the device attachment element  502 . In an alternative embodiment, the ball and socket joint  506  can include a ball that extends from a main body of the device attachment element  502  and a socket that extends from and/or into a housing or collar  412  of the rotatable mounting element  504 . Where the rotatable mounting element  504  is also pivotable, it can also be referred to as a rotatable and pivotable mounting element  504 . The rotatable mounting element  504  can also be referred to more succinctly as the mounting element  504 , or alternatively, as mounting jaws  504 . In accordance with an embodiment, the socket  522  includes a silicone liner that provides for a low static friction (also known as stiction) between the ball  420  and the socket  522 , and thereby provides for smooth pivoting of the mounting element  504  and the device attachment element  502  relative to one another. Instead of connecting the device attachment element  502  and the rotatable mounting element  504  to one another using a ball and socket joint  506  such that they are both rotatable and pivotable relative to one another, they can be connected to one another such that they are just rotatable relative to one another (e.g., in a similar manner that the adjustable clamping element  102 ,  202  and the rotatable mounting element  104 ,  204  are connected to one another as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1-21 ). 
       FIG. 37  is an exploded front perspective view of the device attachment element  502  of the adjustable portable device holder  500 . The device attachment element  502  is shown as including a housing  530  having screw holes  531 , a socket liner  532 , a socket brace or spacer  534 , and a backer plate  536  including a pair of through holes  537  and six recesses or pockets  538  for holding magnets  540 . The device attachment element  502  is also shown as including a magnet tray  542 , an adhesive tape  544 , a bezel  546 , and a front plate  548 . In accordance with an embodiment, the housing  530  is molded from PC (polycarbonate) or some other plastic, but is not limited thereto. The socket liner  532  can be made of silicone, but is not limited thereto. The socket brace or spacer  534  can be molded from PC, PC/ABS (polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer blend), or some other plastic, but is not limited thereto. The backer plate  536  can be made of a plastic or a metal, such as stainless steel, but is not limited thereto. In accordance with certain embodiments, the backer plate  536  is made of a ferromagnetic metal, which helps keep the magnets  540  in place. Preferably, the backer plate  536  is relatively stiff so as to help put pressure on the socket  506 . During manufacture, a pair of screws  550  are inserted through the through holes  537  in the backer plate  536  and screwed into the screw holes  531  in the housing  530  with the socket brace or spacer  534 , the socket liner  532  and the ball  420  therebetween to thereby hold the socket liner  532  and the ball  420  in their proper positions. The magnets  540  are positioned in the recesses or pockets  538  and maintained in their spaced apart relationship by the magnet tray  542 . The magnets  540  can include Neodimium or some other rare-earth magnetic material that can be used to form a permanent magnet. The adhesive tape  544  (or an alternative adhesive, such as an epoxy or glue) is used to adhere the front plate  548  to the bezel  546 , and to adhere the magnet tray  542  and the magnets  540  to the bezel  546  and the front plate  548 . The bezel  546  can snap onto the backer plate  536  and/or be connected to the backer plate  536  using an adhesive, after the backer plate  536  has been screwed onto the housing  530 , to thereby connect the bezel  546  to the housing  530 . 
     Example embodiments have been described hereinabove regarding adjustable portable device holder systems and methods. Various modifications to and departures from the disclosed example embodiments will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art. The subject matter that is intended to be within the spirit of this disclosure is set forth in the following claims.