Patent Publication Number: US-2016230925-A1

Title: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for supporting electronic devices

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/147,697, filed Jan. 6, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/735,702, filed Jan. 7, 2013, and also a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/887,036, filed May 3, 2013. The entire content of each of the foregoing applications is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention relates generally to systems, apparatuses, and methods for supporting electronic devices. Embodiments of the present invention involve mounting or supporting apparatuses; electronic device cases, holders or enclosures; components of electronic device cases, holders or enclosures; or portions of any of the foregoing, including those that are integrated in, formed in one piece, or are part of the electronic device encasing itself, as well as those that are removably coupled to the electronic device holder, casing or enclosure (hereinafter “holder”). Non-limiting examples of electronic devices supportable by embodiments of the present invention include cell phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable video/music players, medical devices (e.g., physical fitness devices, monitoring or tracking, for instance) electronic tablets, GPS displays, and other portable or handheld electronic devices. Further, the electronic devices may have a frontal LCD, OLED, touch screen, or other display, and the electronic device cases or holders according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can provide unobstructed access to the entire frontal screen or display. Optionally, one or more embodiments of the present invention can provide unobstructed access to a portion or portions of a back side, sides, a top, and/or a bottom of electronic devices. 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a mounting apparatus is removably attachable or coupleable to an object, such as a portion of a person (e.g., an arm, a head, etc.), a portion of a vehicle (e.g., a portion of a dash, a fold-down blind, a back of a headrest, a bicycle handle bar, etc.), an accessory (e.g., a belt, a brief case, etc.), an appliance or structure (e.g., a refrigerator, a locker, a filing cabinet, etc.), a medical device (e.g., an IV pole or stand, a portable physical fitness device) or an article of clothing (e.g., pants or a jacket). An electronic device or electronic device holder according to an embodiment of the present invention is removably attachable to the mounting apparatus. A movable stand portion of the electronic device or electronic device holder can be the means by which the electronic device or electronic device holder is removably attached to the mounting apparatus. Optionally or alternatively, a portion of the electronic device or electronic device holder, such as a side or end portion thereof may be configured or constructed as the means by which the mounting apparatus can be removably coupled to the electronic device or electronic device holder. Optionally, an orientation of the electronic device or electronic device holder relative to the mounting apparatus may be changed. Optionally, an electronic device can be removably attached to the electronic device holder. Optionally, the electronic device holder may be attached to the mounting apparatus with the electronic device held or encased therein. Thus, the mounting apparatus can be used, worn, carried, hung or otherwise transported or supported, along with a corresponding electronic device, optionally held or encased by the electronic device holder, mounted to the mounting apparatus. Optionally, the mounting apparatus may replace a lid or cover for the electronic device or electronic device holder, or the lid or cover may be used as a mounting apparatus. 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention an electronic device holder has a movable stand portion, which may be moveable in more than one direction, such as extendable and optionally rotatable. Generally speaking, a portion or portions of the electronic device holder may be coupled to a corresponding mounting apparatus or directly to an object to support (e.g., hold, hang, etc.) the electronic device holder, and a portion or portions of the electronic device holder are movable relative to the mounting apparatus. The portion or portions of the electronic device holder coupled to the mounting apparatus or the object may remain stationary. 
     Optionally, the movable stand may have an elastic or stretchable strap wrapped therearound, entirely, substantially entirely, or partly. For example, the elastic or stretchable strap may wrap around the movable stand in a lengthwise direction of the movable stand, around the ends thereof, but may not extend over or cover the sides of movable stand. As another example, the elastic or stretchable strap may not extend over or otherwise cover the tip or end of the stand where the stand would contact a support surface and also not extend over or cover the sides of movable stand. In one or more embodiments, the elastic or stretchable strap may cover an entirety or substantially an entirety of the surface area of the movable stand, excluding the sides of the movable stand. Optionally, the elastic or stretchable strap may cover the surface area of the movable stand by an area of any of 20%-99% individually or as a range, exclusive of the sides but not the top and/or bottom ends. In its unexpanded form, the elastic or stretchable strap may fit tightly around the movable stand such that it takes the shape of or substantially takes the shape of the movable stand, for instance, without any space or almost without any space therebetween. In an expanded form the elastic or stretchable strap can extend from the movable stand to form one or more openings, on a first side only, on a second side only or on both the first side and the second side of the movable stand, for example, so a user may insert one or more fingers, a hand, an arm, a head, a leg or a torso, for instance, or so the elastic or stretchable strap can be affixed to an inanimate object, such as hook or other support mechanism. The elastic or stretchable strap can return to its original shape around the movable stand upon release of expanding or stretching forces that stretch or expand the strap from its original position. The elastic or stretchable strap may be permanently or removably affixed or coupled to the movable stand by one, two, three, four or more coupling, engagement, or connection points or portions. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device holder can have a cover to enclose a front, viewing or control side of an electronic device enclosed or held by the electronic device holder. Optionally, the cover can be detachable from the electronic device without the need of an electronic device holder. Optionally, the cover may be detachable from the electronic device holder, for example, via a connection mechanism or an adapter that itself optionally may be removable from the electronic device holder. Also, optionally, the cover may be removable from the adapter, the electronic device or the electronic device holder and replaced with another component compatible with the adaptor or the connection mechanism of the electronic device or electronic device holder, respectively, such as a cover with an integrated keyboard (e.g., musical or alphanumeric) or a connection portion for the keyboard, an electronic writing pad, etc. or a mounting apparatus, such as described herein. Thus, the component, such as a mounting apparatus or an object as described herein, may be directly connected to the electronic device, the electronic device holder and/or connected to the adapter connected to the electronic device or electronic device holder. Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover may act as a support surface for the movable stand. Optionally, the electronic device, the electronic device holder, and/or the cover itself may be configured as a mounting apparatus for mounting to an object, such as those discussed above. 
     According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a system to support an electronic device, comprises an electronic device holder to hold the electronic device; and a movable stand arranged on a back side of said electronic device holder, the movable stand being movable to at least one holdable position to support the electronic device holder at a corresponding angle, where the movable stand includes an elastic strip coupled thereto, for example, fixedly. 
     Optionally, the elastic strip is fixedly coupled to the movable stand at only position. The only one position may not be at a hinge or pivot portion for movement of the movable stand from a retracted position to the at least one holdable position, or it may be at an end of the movable stand opposite an end thereof for movement of the movable stand from a retracted position to the at least one holdable position. Alternatively, the elastic strip is fixedly coupled to the movable stand at a plurality of spaced apart positions. In one or more embodiments, the elastic strip is fixed to only one side of the movable stand. Optionally, the one side of the movable stand is a side of the movable stand facing away from an internal volume of the electronic device holder to hold the electronic device when the movable stand is in a fully retracted position. Alternatively, the one side of the movable stand is a side of the movable stand facing toward an internal volume of the electronic device holder to hold the electronic device when the movable stand is in a fully retracted position. 
     Optionally, the electronic device holder includes a connection mechanism formed in one piece therewith that is configured to be removably coupled to one or more different mounting apparatuses that are connected to corresponding objects, or directly to a plurality of different objects. The system may further comprise a mounting apparatus, where the mounting apparatus is removably coupled to the electronic device holder. 
     Embodiments of the present invention also include an electronic device holder configured to support an electronic device, comprising: a body portion including a connection mechanism formed in one piece therewith; and a movable stand portion connected to the body portion, wherein the connection mechanism is configured to be removably coupled to one or more different mounting apparatuses that are connected to corresponding objects or directly to a plurality of different objects to support the electronic device such that a user can access and operate an operational portion of the electronic device. 
     Optionally, the movable stand portion has a leg that is outwardly rotatable from the body portion and inwardly rotatable toward the body portion, the leg being settable in a plurality of different positions, including a fully extended position, a fully retracted position, and at least one position therebetween. The electronic device holder may also optionally comprise an elastic strap permanently coupled to a leg of the movable stand portion. The elastic strap, which may have a portion or portions that do not stretch, may be flush against the leg when the elastic strap is in an unstretched state, with no or nearly no space existing between the elastic strap and the leg, and the elastic strap may be formed around the leg of the movable stand portion in a length-wise direction such that no portion of the elastic strap covers length-wise sides of the leg when the elastic strap is in the unstretched state. Further, the elastic strap may be permanently or semi-permanently (i.e., removably) coupled to the leg at only one connection area. Alternatively, the elastic strap may be permanently or semi-permanently coupled to the leg at a plurality of different, spaced-apart connection areas. In one or more embodiments, the elastic strap is flush or does not extend from the body portion when the leg is in its fully retracted position. Optionally, the electronic device holder can comprise a connection portion; and an elastic strap permanently or semi-permanently coupled to a leg of the movable stand portion via a permanent or semi-permanent connection to the connection portion, wherein the connection portion is comprised of injection molded plastic and the elastic strap is comprised of a fabric material. Optionally, the connection portion is at a tip of an end of the leg opposite an end of the leg around a hinge or pivot of the leg relative to the body portion. Thus, in embodiments of the present invention, the elastic strap may be removed. Optionally, the removed elastic strap may be replaced with another elastic strap coupled to the leg. Such removal of the elastic strap can be, for example, by way of disconnecting the ends of the elastic strap from the connection point or area, disconnecting one end of the elastic strap from the connection point or area and disconnecting the connection point or area from the leg, or disconnecting the leg from the body portion and disconnecting the connection point or area from the leg. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system to support an electronic device comprises an electronic device holder to hold the electronic device; a movable stand arranged on a back side of the electronic device holder; and an elastic strap arranged around the movable stand. 
     An embodiment of the present invention also includes an electronic device holder to hold an electronic device that comprises: a body including a coupling mechanism on a front face thereof to receive and hold the electronic device; and one of an adaptor and a mounting apparatus removably coupled to the body. 
     Also, an embodiment of the present invention includes a system to support an electronic device that comprises an electronic device holder to hold the electronic device; and a movable stand arranged on a back side of the electronic device holder, the movable stand being configured to be releasably coupled to a mount and movable in at least three different directions, two of the three directions being outward from the electronic device holder and inward toward the electronic device holder. 
     In addition, in another embodiment of the present invention, a system to support an electronic device comprises an electronic device holder to hold the electronic device; and a movable stand arranged on a back side of the electronic device holder, the movable stand being configured to be releasably coupled to a mount and movable in at least three different directions, two of the three directions being outward from the electronic device holder and inward toward the electronic device holder, wherein the movable stand is configured to allow movement of the electronic device holder relative to the mount when the movable stand is releasably coupled to the mount. 
     In another embodiment, an electronic device holder to hold an electronic device comprises a body including a back side and a front side having a coupling mechanism to receive and hold a first portion of the electronic device; and an adaptor removably coupled to a side portion of the body, the adaptor being configured to receive and hold a second portion of the electronic device. 
     According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a support mechanism for a portable device comprises: a body including a coupling portion configured to couple a portable device to the body via a front face of the body; and a support rotatably coupled to the body such that the orientation of the support relative to the body is changeable to support the body and the portable device in a plurality of different orientations relative to a support surface, the support being movable between a retracted position and a fully extended position relative to the body, the support being fixable at the fully extended position and a plurality of positions between the retracted position and the fully extended position, the support being engageable with the support surface in any of its extended positions in any of its orientations, wherein the support includes a base, a coupler, and a stand, the coupler being coupled to the base and the stand, and the stand being coupled to the base and the coupler. 
     Optionally, the coupler is slidably and friction-fit coupled to the stand and rotatably coupled to the base, and the stand is rotatably coupled to the base. The plurality of positions between the retracted position and the fully extended position include any number of undefined fixable positions. Optionally, the coupler is slidably and friction-fit coupled to the stand so as to be movable between the fully extended position and the retracted position, the friction-fit coupling being provided by a friction sleeve of the stand through which a portion of the coupler traverses. In one or more embodiments, the coupler is a U-shaped pin, wire, or rod. Additionally, optionally, the fully extended position of the stand is greater than ninety degrees, and the support is rotatable relative to the body by more than 270 degrees. Optionally, the holder consists of three distinct plastic or rubber components and a metal component, the plastic or rubber components being the body, the base, and the stand, and the metal component being the coupler. In one or more embodiments, the stand is flush or substantially flush with an uppermost portion of the base in side, end, or cross-sectional view. 
     Additionally, in one or more embodiments, a method comprises: providing a holder for a portable electronic device, the holder including: a body having a coupling portion configured to couple the portable electronic device to the body via a front side of the body; and a support rotatably coupled to the body such that an orientation of the support relative to the body is changeable to support the body and the portable electronic device in a plurality of different orientations, the support including a base, a coupling mechanism in the form of a generally U-shaped metallic pin, and a stand, the coupling mechanism being pivotably coupled to the base about a first axis, the stand being pivotably coupled to the base about a second axis different from the first axis, the coupling mechanism being slidably coupled to the stand such that a portion of the coupling mechanism is always frictionally slidable from a first end to a second end of a hollow sleeve portion formed in the stand such that the stand is fixable at a fully extended position and a plurality of positions between a fully retracted position and the fully extended position, the stand being engageable with a support surface in any of its extended positions in any of its orientations, the hollow sleeve portion being without surface features, and the plurality of positions between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position being a plurality (e g, more than one, more than two, more than three, more than five, more than ten, more than twenty, etc.) number of undefined fixable positions. 
     Optionally, the method further comprises coupling the portable electronic device to the body via the front side of the body. In one or more embodiments, optionally, the hollow sleeve portion includes two separate sleeves. Alternatively, the hollow sleeve portion consists of a single sleeve. Further, optionally, of plastic components, the holder consists of three distinct plastic components, the three plastic components being the body, the base, and the stand. In one or more embodiments, a middle portion of the coupling mechanism in the form of the generally U-shaped metallic pin is slidably and pivotably coupled to the stand such that the middle portion of the coupling mechanism is always frictionally slidable from the first end to the second end of the hollow sleeve portion formed in the stand such that the stand is fixable at the fully extended position and the plurality of positions between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position, and ends of the coupling mechanism in the form of the generally U-shaped metallic pin are pivotably coupled to the base about the first axis. Alternatively, a middle portion of the coupling mechanism in the form of the generally U-shaped metallic pin is pivotably coupled to the base about the first axis, and ends of the coupling mechanism in the form of the generally U-shaped metallic pin are slidably coupled to the stand such that the ends of the coupling mechanism is frictionally slidable from the first end to the second end of the hollow sleeve portion formed in the stand such that the stand is fixable at the fully extended position and the plurality of positions between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position. 
     One or more embodiments of the present invention include a method of making a holder for an electronic device comprising only three plastic or rubber components and no more than two metallic components, the method of making comprising: providing a body portion that includes a coupling portion configured to couple a portable device to the body portion; providing a support portion adapted to be rotatably coupled to the body; providing a stand portion adapted to be pivotably coupled to the support; providing a coupling portion adapted to be pivotably coupled to the support portion and slidably coupled to the stand portion; coupling the support portion to the body portion; coupling the coupling portion to the stand portion; coupling the coupling portion to the support portion; and coupling the stand portion to the support portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, explain these embodiments. The accompanying drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Any values dimensions illustrated in the accompanying graphs and figures are for illustration purposes only and may or may not represent actual or preferred values or dimensions. Where applicable, some or all features may not be illustrated to assist in the description of underlying features. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of system for supporting an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a left rear perspective view of a system (or apparatus) for supporting an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom end view of the system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a left side perspective view of the system of  FIG. 2  with an elastic strap in an extended position. 
         FIG. 5  is a left rear perspective view of the system of  FIG. 2  with an elastic strap in a stretched or expanded state. 
         FIG. 6  is a left side view of the system of  FIG. 2  with a movable stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 7  is a left side cross-sectional view of the system of  FIG. 2  with a movable stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of a system (or apparatus) for supporting an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a left side perspective view of the system of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a left side perspective view of the system of  FIG. 8  with a movable stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 11  is a left side rear perspective view of the system of  FIG. 8  with a movable stand in an extended position to orient an electronic device holder and electronic device in a portrait orientation. 
         FIG. 12  is another left side rear perspective view of the system of  FIG. 8  with a movable stand in an extended position to orient an electronic device holder and electronic device in a portrait orientation. 
         FIG. 13  is a left side cross-sectional view of the system of  FIG. 8  with a movable stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 14  is a left side rear perspective view of the system of  FIG. 8  with an elastic strap in a stretched or expanded state. 
         FIG. 15  is a left side rear perspective view of the system of  FIG. 8  with an elastic strap in an un-stretched or unexpanded state. 
         FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of a movable stand portion according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a rear perspective view of the portion of the movable stand portion illustrated in  FIG. 16  with a leg or support portion of the movable stand portion in an extended position. 
         FIG. 18  is rear view of a system for supporting the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention, particularly illustrating an electronic device holder portion thereof. 
         FIG. 19  is a left side view of the system of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a right side view of the system of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is front view of the system of  FIG. 18 , particularly illustrating a cover or lid portion thereof. 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 18  when the cover portion is in an open state or position. 
         FIG. 23  is a rear view of the system of  FIG. 18  when the cover portion is in an open state or position. 
         FIG. 24  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 18  illustrating the slidable connectability of the electronic device holder and cover portions. 
         FIG. 25  is a rear view of the system of  FIG. 18  illustrating the slidable connectability of the electronic device holder and cover portions. 
         FIG. 26  is a rear view of the system for supporting the electronic device of  FIG. 18  showing the electronic device holder and cover portions separated. 
         FIG. 27  is a front view of the system for supporting the electronic device of  FIG. 18  showing the electronic device holder and cover portions separated. 
         FIG. 28  is a rear view of a movable stand portion and a mounting portion for an electronic device holder according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a front view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a rear view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 28  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 31  is a right side view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 28  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 32  is a front view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion  FIG. 28  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 33  is a bottom end view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 28  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 34  is a top end view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 28  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 35  is a left side cross-sectional view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 28  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 36  is a rear view of a movable stand portion and a mounting portion for an electronic device holder according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 37  is a left side cross-sectional view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 38  is a front view of the portion of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 39  is a rear view of the portion of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 36  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 40  is a right side view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 36  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 41  is a front view of the portion of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 36  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 42  is a bottom end view of the portion of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 36  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 43  is a top end view of the portion of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 36  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 44  is a left side cross-sectional view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 36  with the stand in an extended position. 
         FIG. 45  is a left side cross-sectional view of the movable stand portion and the mounting portion of  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 46  is back perspective view of a system for supporting the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 47  is a front perspective view of the system of  FIG. 46 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the invention and is not necessarily intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In certain instances, the description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the disclosed subject matter. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Additionally, it must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. That is, unless clearly specified otherwise, as used herein the words “a” and “an” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more.” Further, it is intended that the present invention and embodiments thereof cover the modifications and variations. For example, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like that may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation. 
     As noted above, embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, apparatuses, and methods for supporting electronic devices. One or more embodiments of the present invention involve mounting apparatuses, electronic device holders, components of electronic device holders, and/or portions of any of the foregoing. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of support system  100  for an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
     System  100  can include a mounting apparatus  110  and an electronic device holder  140 . The mounting apparatus  110  is removably attachable or coupleable to an object  1 , such as a portion of a person (e.g., an arm, a head, etc.), a portion of a vehicle (e.g., a portion of a dash, a fold-down blind, a back of a headrest, a bicycle handle bar, etc.), an accessory (e.g., a belt, a brief case, etc.), an appliance or structure (e.g., a refrigerator, a locker, a filing cabinet, etc.), a medical device (e.g., an IV pole or stand, a physical fitness device, etc.), or an article of clothing (e.g., pants, a jacket, etc.). Optionally, the mounting apparatus  110  can be an arm band or strap and corresponding attachment mechanism, such as that illustrated and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/735,702 filed Jan. 7, 2013 or a coupling member such as described and illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/887,036 filed May 3, 2013. The electronic device holder  140  is removably attachable or mountable to the mounting apparatus  110  via a mounting portion of the mounting apparatus  110 . For example, the mounting apparatus  110  may be removably coupled to the electronic device holder  140  by a connection mechanism of the electronic device holder, such as a movable stand portion thereof or a side, back or end connection mechanism portion of the body of the electronic device holder. Optionally, the mounting apparatus may be connected to the electronic device holder via an adapter (not expressly shown), or the mounting apparatus may be considered an adapter for connection to the object. Optionally, the connection mechanism of the electronic device holder may be considered the mounting apparatus. Thus, optionally or alternatively, the electronic device holder  140  may be removably attachable directly to the object  1 , without providing the mounting apparatus  110  for the system  100  or without the mounting apparatus  110  being attached to the object  1 . An electronic device  2  can be removably attached or coupled to the electronic device holder  140  via a coupling mechanism included on an open or front face or side of the electronic device holder  140 . 
       FIGS. 2-7  illustrate a system  200  for supporting an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, system  200  may be considered a holder  200 , as defined herein, for an electronic device. Holder  200  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2-7  as being sized, shaped and configured for a particular electronic device, but electronic device holder  200  can be sized, shaped and/or configured to hold any suitable electronic devices without departing from the essence, spirit, or scope of the present invention. Optionally, holder  200  can be substantially the same as the holders described and illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/887,036 filed May 3, 2013, modified, if necessary, to accommodate one or more parameters, such as thickness, of an elastic or stretchable strap formed around or coupled to a stand or leg of holder  200 , which will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Electronic device holder  200  can include a body portion  210  and a base or support portion  250 . Base or support portion  250  can be located such that it is not centrally arranged in a length-wise direction of the body portion  210 . For example, base portion  250  may be arranged at a bottom or a top third of the body portion  210  in a length-wise direction of the body portion  210 . 
     An electronic device  2  can be removably coupled to the electronic device holder  200  by way of a front face  202  of the electronic device holder  200 . More specifically, the electronic device  2  can be inserted into the electronic device holder  200 , via the front face  202 , such that the edges or sides of the electronic device  2  are completely or partially surrounded or covered by the body portion  210  (e.g., a frame portion) of the electronic device holder  200  and held by friction fit and/or snap fit, for example. Portions of the body  210  can cover or surround a front face portion of the electronic device (not expressly shown) and, optionally, such portions do not cover an access or operation portion of the electronic device, such as a touch screen, display, or keypad area of the electronic device  2 , so a user may access or operate these portions. Optionally, body portion  210  can have access portions  212  to access or provide access to portions, buttons, interfaces, vents, etc. on the edges or sides of the electronic device. The access portions  212  can include, but are not limited to, parts with no material or holes, clear portions, preformed “buttons,” or the like. 
     Body portion  210  also includes a mounting portion  214  constructed to rotatably connect to and house a base portion  260  of support portion  250 , for example, as shown and illustrated in  FIGS. 2-7 . Mounting portion  214  can have a thickness to allow a stand or leg  270  (to be discussed in more detail below) to be fully recessed within an opening formed in base portion  260  such that the stand  270  is flush or substantially flush with the top of the mounting portion  214  and the base portion  260 . Optionally, the top of the mounting portion  214  (e.g., by one millimeter in the thickness direction of the mounting portion  214 ) may exceed in height slightly the base portion  260  and the stand  270  when the stand is fully retracted in the opening discussed above, with the base portion  260  and the stand  270  being flush or substantially flush with each other and with the top of the mounting portion  214 . Though not so limited, the rotatable connection and housing of the base portion  260  by the mounting portion  214  can be based on or as set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/758,377 filed Apr. 12, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,059); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/345,345 filed Jan. 6, 2012; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/745,693 filed Jan. 18, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/735,702 filed Jan. 7, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/735,702 filed Jan. 7, 2013; or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/887,036 filed May 3, 2013. The entire content of each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     As alluded to above, rotation positions of the support portion  250  around its central axis (i.e., center portion of the circle defined by the support portion  250 ) relative to mounting portion  214  can be undefined, and thus the support portion  250  can be rotated, clockwise and/or counterclockwise, to any orientation, including 0 degrees from any starting point, 90 degrees from the starting point, 180 degrees from the starting point, 270 degrees from the starting point, 360 degrees or greater from the starting point, or anywhere in between. Alternatively, support portion  250  can be rotated to preset or predefined positions, such as some or all of those expressly set forth above. Optionally, portions of undefined positions and defined support portion  250  orientations can be implemented, such as orientations non-orthogonal or non-parallel to landscape or portrait orientations. 
     As noted above, support portion  250  can include base portion  260 , stand or leg portion  270 , a first coupler, coupling mechanism, or fastener  280 , and a second coupler, coupling mechanism, or fastener  290  that rotatably couples the stand  270  to base portion  260  such that the stand  270  can be rotatably retracted and extended inwardly and outwardly, respectively, about a rotational axis of the second coupler  290 . First coupler  280  can be rotatably coupled to base portion  260  such that first coupler  280  can be rotatably retracted and extended inwardly and outwardly, respectively, about a rotational axis at which the first coupler  280  is rotatably coupled to base portion  260 . Further, first coupler  280  can be frictionally and slidably coupled to stand  270  such that the stand  270  can be fixed in a plurality of different positions, including fully extended, fully retracted, or anywhere in between. Base portion  260  can also include notches (not expressly shown). Thus, an electronic device  2  may be mounted or supported, by way of the electronic holder  200 , to an object or mounting apparatus as described herein. 
     First coupler  280  can be a U-shaped or generally U-shaped pin or wire (e.g., metallic) having ends, for example bent ends, that can be coupled to respective inner sides of base portion  260  such that the pin  280  can rotate about an axis running between the two points at which the ends are coupled to respective retaining mechanisms of inner sides of base portion  260 . For example, the ends may be rotatably coupled to the inner sides of base portion  260  via respective holes. Optionally, the ends may be removably coupled to the respective holes in the inner sides of base portion  260 , for example, by forcing the ends inwardly toward each other such that they become free of their respective retaining mechanisms (e.g., the respective holes). 
     A middle portion  282  of the pin  280  can extend through an elongate sleeve  271  formed in stand  270 , from one side of the stand  270  to another side of the stand  270 . The sleeve  271  is elongate in both width- and length-wise directions of the stand  270 . The elongate sleeve  271  can be a tight sleeve and can act on the middle portion  282  of pin  280  in a sliding friction fit manner, without the use of notches, grooves, or some other recessed or protruding members, for example, such that the pin  280  and thus the stand  270  can be held or fixed in any of a plurality of positions, for example, from a fully extended position of the stand  270  to anywhere in between the fully extended position and a fully retracted position of the stand  270 . Thus, middle portion  282  of pin  280  can move from one end of the sleeve  271  to the other end of sleeve  271  (in a length-wise direction of the stand  270 ) such that the stand  270  can be frictionally held in a fully retracted position, a fully extended position, or any number of positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position. Put another way, other than the fully extended position and the fully retracted position, one or more embodiments of the present invention do not include predetermined or predefined set positions to which the stand  270  can be extended or retracted, because the sleeve  271  may not include notches, grooves, or some other recessed or protruding members. When the stand  270  is fully retracted (i.e., fully seated in its opening in base portion  260 ), the pin  280  is not exposed to view from a back side of the electronic device holder  200  and is hidden beneath ledges of stand  270 . 
     Optionally, the interior of the sleeve  271  may taper in one or both directions (in a length-wise or width-wise direction of the stand  270 ), at one end, at both ends, in a middle portion, one the sides, or anywhere along its length or width, such that the friction force applied to the middle portion  282  of pin  280  varies as pin  280  slides within sleeve  271 . One advantage of implementing a tight sleeve without notches, grooves, etc., is because any position or positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position can be realized. Another advantage of implementing a tight sleeve without notches, grooves, etc, is because such sleeve can be relatively easier to manufacture without defects in the sleeve that might preclude any number of retracted/extended positions. Alternatively, one or a plurality of notches, grooves, bumps, some other recessed or protruding members, or some other semi-permanent engagement mechanism or combination thereof for engagement of the pin  280  in the sleeve  271  may be implemented to hold the stand  270  in a particular, predefined or predetermined position or positions. 
     The middle portion  282  of pin  280  can run in a straight line from one side of the stand  270  to the other side of the stand  270  parallel to a width-wise direction of the stand  270 , hence the aforementioned U-shape nomenclature. However, the middle portion  282  is not limited to such a configuration and may take other forms, such as a zig-zag, sinusoidal, “on-off” pattern, or arced in the width-wise and/or thickness direction of the stand  270  or sleeve  271  to create different frictional forces along sleeve  271 . Further, the middle portion  280  can have varying thickness across its length. 
     Second coupler  290 , as noted above, can rotatably couple the stand  270  to base portion  260  such that the stand  270  can be rotatably retracted and extended inwardly and outwardly, respectively, from and between the fully retracted and extended positions, about a rotational axis of the second coupler  290 . In one or more embodiments, second coupler  290  is a straight pin or wire that extends through a pin hole from one side of the stand  270  to the other side (in a width-wise direction of the stand  270 ), with ends of the pin  290  being rotatably coupled to respective retaining mechanisms (e.g., respective pin holes) in the inner sides of base portion  260 . Alternatively, the second coupler  290  can include individual pins or projections from the stand  270  that are rotatably coupled to respective retaining mechanisms (e.g., respective pin or projection holes) in the inner sides of base portion  260 . Optionally, the projections to be rotatably coupled to respective retaining mechanisms (e.g., projection holes) in the inner sides of base portion  260  may be formed in one piece with the stand  270 , of the same material as the stand  270  and in a same manufacturing process as the stand  270  (e.g., injection molding). Further, a plurality of pressure points, such as three pressure points, formed on a back side of base portion  260  can keep or bias the support portion  250  centered within the base portion, though a certain amount of play is acceptable. 
     Base portion  260  can include a recess portion  263 , which may extend from one side of the stand  270  to the other side of the stand  270 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Optionally, recess portion  263  can facilitate seating of the stand  270  in the corresponding opening and/or rotatable extension of the stand  270  from its fully retracted position to an extended position, for example, by a user finger, thumb, or some other object that fits within the recess portion  263  to pry or lift up the stand  270  from its fully seated or retracted position in the corresponding opening. 
     Optionally, an elastic or stretchable strap  295  may be formed around a portion of the stand  270 . The strap may be made of an elastic material, such as a woven fabric, synthetic material, or a polymer, for instance, and may have one or more portions along its length that do not stretch or do not stretch as much as the elastic material. As an example, strap  295  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2-7  as wrapping around the stand  270  in a lengthwise direction of the stand  270 , around the ends thereof, but does not extend over or cover the sides of the stand  270 . Thus, strap  295 , in this embodiment, covers the entirety of the surface area of the stand  270  excluding the sides of the stand  270 . In one or more embodiments, the elastic or stretchable strap may cover substantially an entirety of the surface area or a lesser amount of the movable stand, excluding the sides. Optionally, the elastic or stretchable strap may cover the surface area of the movable stand by any of 20%-99% individually or as a range, excluding the sides but not the top and/or bottom ends of the stand  270 . Alternatively, the strap  295  may cover some or all of only one side of the stand  270 . For example, the strap  295  may cover some or all of a back side of the stand  270  or some or all of a front side of the stand  270 . 
     Strap  295  can be coupled, fixedly or removably, to stand  270  at one or more connection points. For example,  FIGS. 2-7  illustrate strap  295  being connected to stand  270  at connection point  296 , which may be of a different material than the strap  295 , such as a plastic piece connected at ends thereof to the strap  295  and coupled to (e.g., with adhesive or glue) the stand  270  or alternatively formed integrally with or in one piece with the stand  270 , for instance by injection molding or welding. The connection of strap  295  to stand  270  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-7  can be such that the strap provides the stretch value of both sides thereof, since only one connection point exists. Further, optionally, the connection point is not located on the side of the stand  270  where the second coupler  290  is located. Optionally, the connection point for the strap  295  can be located at a tip or end of the stand  270  where the stand will come into contact with a support surface (i.e., opposite the end of the stand where second coupler  290  is located). That is, optionally, any portion of the stand  270 , such as its tip, that is intended to come into contact with a support surface, for example, when the stand  270  is in any of its extended positions, may be the connection point  296  and, as such, may be formed of a material, such as hardened plastic or rubber, that would be more durable for abutting against a support surface than would a material of the strap  295 . The strap  295  may be flush or substantially flush with a top surface of the base portion  260 , or, optionally, strap  295  may project above the base portion  260 . The figures herein illustrate a connection point  296  facing inward toward where the electronic device  2  is arranged or is to be arranged in body portion  210  when the stand  270  is in a fully retracted state. However, a connection point may be arranged on the other side of stand  270 , alternatively on in addition to the connection point  296  facing inward. Connection of the strap  295  at an end or tip of the stand  270  as discussed above can prevent the strap  295  from sliding over or off the tip or end. Additionally, the strap  295  may be permanently or semi-permanently (i.e., removably) coupled to stand  270 . For example, strap  295  may be permanently fixed to the connection point  296 , and the connection point  296  can be semi-permanently connected to stand  270 , for instance, by snap fit, a sliding connection in a direction perpendicular to a length-wise direction of the stand  270 , a sliding connection in a direction perpendicular to a length-wise direction of the strap  295 , etc. As another example, both ends of the strap  295  can be disconnected from the connection point  296  or the stand  270  (in a case that the stand itself is considered the “connection point”). In another example, the stand  270  may be disconnected from body  210  and the connection point  296 , with the strap  295  coupled thereto, can be disconnected from stand  270 . Thus, in embodiments of the present invention, the strap  295  may be removed. Optionally, the removed strap  295  may be replaced with another elastic strap coupled to the stand  270  directly or via connection point  296 . 
     In its unexpanded form, the elastic or stretchable strap  295  may fit tightly around the movable stand  270  such that it takes the shape of the movable stand  270 , for instance as illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 7 . In an expanded form, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the strap  295  can extend from the movable stand  270  to form an opening  296 , for example, so a user may insert one or more fingers, a hand, an arm, a leg or a torso, for instance, or so the elastic or stretchable strap can be affixed to an inanimate object, such as hook or other support mechanism. The elastic or stretchable strap  295  can return to its original shape upon release of expanding or stretching forces that stretch or expand the strap from its original position. Though not expressly illustrated in the figures, strap  295  may be expandable or stretchable in any of the positions of the stand  270 , including when the stand  270  is fully retracted, fully extended, or any of the stand positions in between. Further, as noted above, more than one connection point may be employed in various embodiments, such as two, three, four or more. Additionally, in embodiments, strap  295  may be two comprised of two straps, distinct or as portions of one strap, connected to a same side or different sides of the stand  270 . For example, the strap  295  may have two or more separate or separated portions that run in a same plane (i.e., beside each other) in a length-wise direction of the stand  270 . Optionally, only one side of the stand  270 , i.e., the front side or the back side, may have a strap  295 . Also, optionally, strap  270 , based on its connection points, may form predetermined non-stretchable (or less stretchable) and/or stretchable or expandable portions for specific objects to be inserted through respective openings formed when stretched or expanded. For example, different portions of the strap  295  may be expanded to accommodate different fingers or finger combinations of a person wishing to hold the holder  200  via the strap  295 . Further, when stand  270  is in one of its extended positions, the strap  295  can be pulled or stretched from a side or sides of the stand  270  on or over which the strap  295  is arranged. For example, when strap  295  is on both sides of the stand  270 , the strap  295  can be pulled or stretched from both sides, for instance, so fingers or a hand can be slid under the strap  295  on the inside and/or outside of the stand  295 , thus allowing a plurality of holding or support positions. 
     Body portion  210  and support portion  250  can be made of the same material, for example, thermoplastic or rubber, or alternatively some portions of may be made of different materials. Further, body portion  210  and support portion  250  (and respective components thereof) can be formed by molding, for example, injection molding. Thus, electronic device holders  200  according to embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of only two or three separate plastic or rubber parts, for example, the body portion  210 , the base portion  260 , and the stand  270  in the case of three plastic or rubber parts. 
       FIGS. 8-15  are images of a system  800  for supporting an electronic device  2  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, system  800  may be considered a holder  800 , as defined herein, for an electronic device. Holder  800  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8-15  as being sized, shaped and configured for a particular electronic device  2 , but electronic device holder  800  can be sized, shaped and/or configured to hold any suitable electronic devices without departing from the essence, spirit, or scope of the present invention. Further, holder  800  is substantially as described and illustrated with respect to  FIGS. 2-7 , with the exception that holder  800  includes a coupling portion  860  that is constructed to have removably coupled thereto an object, a mounting apparatus, or an adapter as described herein. Thus, like items will not be described again and are labeled with the same reference numbers. 
     For instance, coupling portion  860  illustrated in  FIG. 8  may be connectable to an adapter, such as described and illustrated with respect to 6A-7B in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/735,702 filed Jan. 7, 2013. Alternatively, coupling portion  860  may be coupled to an object, via a mounting apparatus, such as a portion of a person (e.g., an arm, a head, etc.), a portion of a vehicle (e.g., a portion of a dash, a fold-down blind, a back of a headrest, a bicycle handle bar, etc.), an accessory (e.g., a belt, a brief case, etc.), an appliance or structure (e.g., a refrigerator, a locker, a filing cabinet, etc.), a medical device (e.g., an IV pole or stand, a physical fitness device, etc.), or an article of clothing (e.g., pants, a jacket, etc.). The coupling portion  860  may be removably attachable or mountable to the mounting apparatus, as described herein or in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/735,702 filed Jan. 7, 2013, or the coupling portion may be coupled directly to the object (excluding a portion of the body), without providing the mounting apparatus or without the mounting apparatus being attached to the object. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate rear perspective views of the support portion  250  with stand  270  and strap  295  in a closed or retracted position and in an open or extended position, respectively. 
       FIGS. 18-27  illustrate a system  2200  for supporting an electronic device  2  according to an embodiment of the present invention. System  2200  can be comprised of a cover or lid  2100  and a holder  1800 , which is the same as the holder  200  discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 2-7 , with the exception that holder  1800  is not illustrated as including strap  295 . Of course, optionally, holder  200  may be used with system  2200 . Incidentally,  FIGS. 18 and 21  illustrate the system  2200  from the holder side and cover side, respectively, when the cover  2100  is coupled to the holder  1800  and when the cover  2100  is closed (i.e., is folded over to cover a viewing and/or operational panel and/or screen of the electronic device). 
     Cover  2100 , via connection mechanism  2102 , may be removably coupled to a connection mechanism  1802 . Optionally, connection mechanism  2102  is slidably removably coupled to connection mechanism  1802  of holder  1800 . In one or more embodiments, connection mechanism  1802  is formed integrally with or formed in one piece with the body  210  of the holder  1800 . Connection mechanism  1802  can include a slot  1804 , and cover  2100  can include a corresponding rod portion  2104 , for example, formed in one piece with the cover  2100 , and insertable into the slot  1804  (e.g., by sliding) to form a hinge for the cover  2100 . Optionally, the rod portion  2104  can have formed therein one or more metal rods that run along its longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the rod portion  2104  may be formed of only plastic and may not have any materials encased therein. Thus, the cover  2100  may be inserted and removed from the connection mechanism  1802  via slot  1804 . The hinge provides a pivot so the cover  2100  may be rotated to cover and uncover a front portion of an electronic device, such as a display portion or control panel portion of the electronic device. Optionally, the cover  2100  may be rotatable to cover the back side of body  210 , over the stand  270 , etc. Optionally, connection mechanism  2012  of cover  2100  can be inserted into slot  1804  from only one side, and a stop may be provided at the end of the slot  1804  opposite the insertion side for the slot  1804 . Alternatively, connection mechanism  2012  of cover  2100  can be inserted into slot  1804  from either direction. 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention, cover  2100  can include a foldable portion  2175  so a first cover portion  2100   a  can be folded relative to a second cover portion  2100   b . The folding of the first cover portion  2100   a  relative to the second cover portion  2100   b , together with the pivoting of the cover  2100  via the hinge, can provide a stand for orienting the electronic device holder  1800  in landscape view, for instance. Optionally or alternatively, cover  2100  can have an integrated keyboard (e.g., musical or alphanumeric). 
     As noted above, cover  2100  can be removed completely, and the connection mechanism  1802  of the holder  1800  can be connected to an object  1 , via a mounting apparatus  110 , such as a portion of a person (e.g., an arm, a head, etc.) in the case of via the mounting apparatus, or directly or via the mounting apparatus to a portion of a vehicle (e.g., a portion of a dash, a fold-down blind, a back of a headrest, a bicycle handle bar, etc.), an accessory (e.g., a belt, a brief case, an arm band, etc.), an appliance or structure (e.g., a refrigerator, a locker, a filing cabinet, etc.), a medical device (e.g., an IV pole or stand), or an article of clothing (e.g., pants, a jacket, etc.). Optionally, the cover itself can be the mounting apparatus. For instance, the cover  2100  may have one or more magnetic portions (i.e., portions with one or more magnets) formed on an outside or inside of the cover and which are magnetically connectable to metallic objects, such as a refrigerator or a locker.  FIGS. 46 and 47  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a system for supporting an electronic device  2 , whereby a mounting apparatus  4600  is connectable to an electronic device holder  1800  via a connection mechanism  1802 , as described and illustrated herein, of electronic device holder  1800  (or of an electronic device), and to a metallic object, such as a refrigerator, a filing cabinet, a locker, etc. Mounting apparatus  4600  can include a coupling portion  4602  in the form of a magnetic portion having one or more magnets therein. Further, such coupling portion  4602  can have a rubber or plastic shell or cover covering the magnets. Optionally, more than one distinct magnetic portions may be used, each employing one or more magnets. 
       FIGS. 28-37  illustrate respective views of a movable stand portion to support an electronic device holder and thus an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Likewise,  FIGS. 38-45  illustrate respective views of a movable stand portion to support an electronic device holder and thus an electronic device according to one or more other embodiments of the present invention. The movable stand portions illustrated in  FIGS. 28-37  can be constructed and operate substantially as described above with respect to  FIGS. 2-7 , for instance. Further, though  FIGS. 28-37  are illustrated without an elastic or stretchable strap as described above, optionally, either or both embodiments may include a stretchable strap as described above. Notably regarding the embodiment in  FIGS. 28-37  versus the embodiment in  FIGS. 38-45 , the dimensions of the stand  270  are different. That is the stand  270  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 28-37  is longer and narrower than the stand  270  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 38-45 . Such configurations may be based on the size of the holder and/or shaped based on a desired visual style. For example, a holder to hold a relatively large electronic device, such as an electronic tablet, may use a longer narrower stand, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 28-37 , whereas a holder for a cellular telephone or PDA may use a shorter and wider stand, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 38-45 . 
     Having now described embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Thus, although particular configurations have been discussed herein, other configurations can also be employed. Numerous modifications and other embodiments (e.g., combinations, rearrangements, etc.) are enabled by the present disclosure and are within the scope of one of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated as falling within the scope of the disclosed subject matter and any equivalents thereto. Features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc, within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, Applicants intend to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.