Patent Abstract:
A protective holder for the iPhone®, iPod Touch™, electronic books, electronic tablet computers and other portable devices having a frontal LCD, OLED, touch screen, or other display that employs a form-fitting backplate with corner frames for cradling the device while leaving the entire frontal aspect unobstructed is disclosed. The holder may include a series of contoured side grippers on each side of the backplate for clamping the device in place without obstructing the LCD screen (or access to it for cleaning or otherwise). The holder may include a fully-adjustable kickstand for upright hands-free viewing of the device at several landscape and portrait angles and the holder may also include a built-in moveable directional sound reflector and noise shield improves audio performance, and a detachable belt clip allows belt wearing. The holder has an extreme slimline folded profile to facilitate pocket insertion, minimize bulk and create an eye-catching aesthetic.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/191,454, filed Sep. 9, 2008, entitled “Versatile Hard-Shell Holder for Mobile Phones, PDAs and Portable Music/Video Players,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to cases or holders for cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable video/music players, electronic books, electronic tablets and other handheld devices, as well as the devices themselves. The present invention also relates to a versatile protective holder that can allow placement on any surface for hands-free viewing, with full adjustment of viewing angle in landscape and/or portrait orientations; directional sound reflecting and baffling; easier cleaning and viewing of the device&#39;s screen; easier grasping by the user; wearing of the device using a belt clip or waist band; as well as attachment to an automobile, bicycle, or other vehicle. 
         [0003]    In this new era of digital convergence, portable devices are increasingly being used for multiple tasks ranging from telephony to computing to video and audio entertainment. For example, Apple&#39;s iPhone® mobile digital device is a fully functional cell phone, image browser, video library and video-on-demand terminal. Apple also has a variety of iPod® portable video/music players and has recently introduced the new iPod Touch® mobile digital device which is the first-ever Wi-Fi iPod® that can download and play video in realtime on a 3.5-inch widescreen display. While some users prefer to carry such handheld devices in a shirt pocket, handbag or pants pocket, others prefer to clip the device to their belt. Regardless, there is often a desire to stand the device at an incline when watching video programming or viewing still images. In order to serve all viewing preferences and as well to protect their device, users often purchase protective holders with detachable belt clips and/or viewing stands. 
         [0004]    There are a variety of conventional hard-shell and soft-shell holders available for mobile phones, PDAs and portable video/music players, but these have rather limited functionality. Although they generally succeed in protecting the mobile phone/PDA/tablet/portable video/music player, they can detract from its portability, usability and/or aesthetic appearance, and fall short of the needs of the user in many other ways. The framework employed to restrain the PDA/cell phone/portable video/music player can make them unwieldy to slip into a shirt pocket. Moreover, the stand mechanisms currently in use often compel either landscape or portrait viewing, but not both. This limits versatility. None of these other holders attempt to directionally reflect and/or magnify sound from the devices speakers, or directionally block sound from a device&#39;s microphone. 
         [0005]    For example, the iPhone® and iPod Touch® mobile digital devices are smart terminals that automatically adjust their displays of still images to landscape or portrait viewing mode depending on the orientation of the device. On the other hand, when video is played back, the iPhone® device automatically rotates the display to landscape. While Belkin™ and other manufacturers produce a case for the iPhone® with a transformable belt clip or kickstand for video viewing, the belt clip/kickstand is bulky and prevents insertion into one&#39;s pocket. Moreover, the incline of the device cannot be adjusted. This problem becomes acute in certain situation such as on an airplane where placement of the device is limited to a tray over which the user is hunched, and the device is best viewed at a relatively flat incline to properly see the LCD screen. In addition, the case is a clamshell design that clamps over the iPhone® preventing it from being readily removed from the case. Both Scosche™ and Cover Case™ produce a case with a kickstand, however, the kickstand has only one extended position. In the case of Scosche™, the kickstand can be placed in a single extended position that provides for only one angle adjustment which severely limits the usability of the device. Gorilla™ makes a tripod without a protective holder that enables multi-angle viewing but it does not protect the device, nor retract into a flush position disposed within the body of the case. 
         [0006]    It would be greatly advantageous to provide a more functional holder for the iPhone®, iPod® line, and other PDAs, cell phones, electronic tablet computers, electronic books and portable video/music players. Such a holder could include one or more of the features of 1) resilient side grippers that clamp around the device to protect it without obscuring the display or controls; 2) all-around symmetric features that allow the device to be inserted in either 180 orientations without compromising usability; 3) an adjustable kickstand or support that allows adjustment of the viewing angle within a broad range, as well as landscape and/or portrait viewing; 4) an extremely low profile to facilitate pocket insertion; 5) a detachable belt clip for wearing; 6) directional sound deflector, 7) minimized screen blockage to enable easy one handed cleaning, 8) an automotive, bicycle or other vehicle attachment, 9) easy to hold finger depressions, 10) slim, low-profile design that does not adds minimal additional bulk, and 11) an eye-catching aesthetic. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a more versatile protective case especially suited for Apples&#39; iPhone® or iPod Touch® mobile digital devices, or any other portable device with a frontal LCD screen, organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) screen, touch-viewing screen, or any other type of viewing screen. In one embodiment, the case allows to provide a novel adjustable kickstand or support that allows adjustment of the viewing angle within a broad range, as well as landscape or portrait viewing, and yet folds flush to the holder without added thickness. In one embodiment, the support doubles as a shoulder support when hands-free speaking on a cell phone. 
         [0008]    It is another object to provide a protective holder as described above that employs resilient protective side grippers that clamp around the device without obscuring the display or controls at all, and thus making it easier for the user to clean the display surface and other useable areas by wiping it against a shirt using only one hand. 
         [0009]    It is another object to provide a protective holder as described above with novel multi-position directional sound reflector and noise baffle to improve speaker and microphone audio performance of the device contained in the protective holder. 
         [0010]    It is another object to provide novel finger tip shaped depressions to enable easier grasping by the user. 
         [0011]    It is another object to provide a connection on the holder that enables coupling to a belt clip for wearing on the belt or waist band. 
         [0012]    It is another object to provide all the foregoing features and yet retain an extremely slim, low profile to facilitate pocket insertion, reduce bulk and an eye-catching aesthetic. 
         [0013]    It is another object to provide an automotive, bicycle or other vehicle attachment means. 
         [0014]    In accordance with the foregoing objects, one embodiment of a protective holder for the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, other iPods®, and other handheld cell phones and portable video/music players having a frontal LCD, OLED, touch screen or other display includes a form-fitting backplate with corner frames for cradling the device while leaving the entire frontal aspect unobstructed. The holder includes a series of contoured side grippers on each side of the backplate for clamping the device in place without obstructing the LCD screen (or access to it for cleaning or otherwise). The holder also includes a novel and multi-position fully-adjustable kickstand or support for upright hands-free viewing of the device at several angles as well as landscape or portrait viewing, while also serving as a hands-free shoulder cradle for speaking into the phone. In one embodiment, the holder includes a detachable belt clip. The holder has an extreme slimline folded profile to facilitate pocket insertion, minimize bulk and create an eye-catching aesthetic. 
         [0015]    In addition, a sound reflector and noise shield/baffle is disclosed which improves the audio performance of a device contained in the protective holder. The noise shield slides outward to create a pocket at the bottom of phone. The pocket shields the device&#39;s microphone from surrounding noise, and it channels sound outward from the device&#39;s external speaker, bouncing it back towards the face of phone and making the external device&#39;s speaker or speakers sound louder from specific locations. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, a holder for a portable device includes a body including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members extending from the body, the coupling members being configured to couple a portable device to the body; and a support movably coupled to the body, the support being movable between a retracted position and at least two extended positions relative to the body, the at least two extended positions including a first extended position and a second extended position, the support being disposed within the body in its retracted position, the support extending from the body in its extended positions, the support being engageable with a support surface to support the body at least two desired angles relative to the support surface. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the body has an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, the support being disposed in the opening when the support is in its retracted position. The body has a thickness defined by the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface and the support has a thickness substantially the same as the thickness of the body when the support is in its retracted position. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the body includes a positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism defining a plurality of positions in which the support may be retained. In one embodiment, greater than three positions may be defined by the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism includes at least one slot and the support includes at least one pin or other similar engagement member, the at least one pin being slidably engaged with the at least one slot. 
         [0019]    In one implementation, the body includes a plurality of corners and each of the first and second coupling members is located proximate to one of the corners. The body includes a third coupling member and a fourth coupling member, each of the third coupling member and the fourth coupling member being located proximate to one of the corners of the body. The body may also include a sound reflector/baffle slidably coupled thereto, the sound reflector being movable between a retracted position and a reflecting/baffling position. 
         [0020]    In another implementation, a holder for a portable device includes a body including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members extending from the body, the coupling members being configured to couple a portable device to the body; and a support movably coupled to the body, with a thickness substantially the same as the thickness of the body, the support being movable between a retracted position and at least two extended positions relative to the body, the support being disposed within the body in its retracted position, the support extending from the body in its extended positions, the support being engageable with a support surface to support the body in at least two desired angles relative to the support surface. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the holder for a portable device includes a body including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members extending from the body, the coupling members being configured to couple a portable device to the body; and a sound reflector coupled thereto, the sound reflector being movable between a retracted position and a reflecting position. In one implementation, the sound reflector is made or coated by a material that is more sonically reflective than the material of the body. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, a holder for a portable device includes a front surface, a rear surface and a side wall extending between the front surface and the rear surface includes a mounting portion configured to be coupled to the portable device with the front surface of the portable device exposed, the mounting portion covering at least part of the rear surface of the portable device and portions of the side wall of the portable device; and a support portion movably coupled to the mounting portion, the support portion being disposable in a retracted position and in at least two extended positions relative to the mounting portion, substantially all of the support portion being disposed within the body when the support portion is in its retracted position, and substantially all the support portion extending from the body when the support portion is in its extended position. 
         [0023]    In one implementation, the support portion is disposed entirely within the mounting portion when the support portion is in its retracted position. The coverage of the side wall by the mounting portion is discontinuous. The support portion includes a first component having a first end and a second end and a second component having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first component is pivotally coupled to the mounting portion, the second end of the first component is pivotally coupled to the second component, and the first end of the first component is slidably coupled to the mounting portion. 
         [0024]    In one implementation, the first component includes a substantially planar portion configured to engage a support surface. The orientation of each of the first component and the second component varies when the support portion moves from its retracted position to its extended position. The angle between the first component and the second component varies when the support portion moves from its retracted position to its extended position. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, a holder for a portable device includes a front surface, a rear surface, a side wall extending between the front surface and the rear surface and a plurality of corners includes a base including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members extending from the base, the coupling members being configured to extend along the side wall of the portable device, the first coupling member being configured to cover a first corner of the portable device, the second coupling member being configured to cover a second corner of the portable device, each of the coupling members having a length such that the front surface of the portable device is not covered by either of the coupling members when the holder is coupled to the portable device; and a support movably coupled to the base, the support being movable between a retracted position and at least two extended positions relative to the base, the support being engageable with a support surface to support the base and the portable device at desired angles relative to the support surface. 
         [0026]    In one implementation, the first corner of the portable device is covered by the first coupling member and the second corner of the portable device is covered by the second coupling member. The portable device includes a third corner and a fourth corner, and the base includes a third coupling member that covers the third corner and a fourth coupling member that covers the fourth corner, each of the third coupling member and the fourth coupling member has a length such that the front surface of the portable device is not covered by either of the third or fourth coupling members when the holder is coupled to the portable device. The support extends from the base in its extended position and is disposed within the base in its retracted position. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a holder for an electronic device is disclosed. The holder includes a body and a support having a first support component and a second support component coupled to the first support component, the support being movable between a retracted position and at least two extended positions relative to the body, the support being disposed within the body in its retracted position and extending from the body in its extended positions, the first support component including a first connector and the second support component including a second connector. The method includes the steps of: forming the body with a first coupling member and a second coupling member, each of the coupling members extending from the body and collectively being configured to couple the body to the electronic device, the body including a notch formed therein and a slot formed therein; coupling the first support component to the body by engaging the first connector with the slot; and coupling the second support component to the body by engaging the second connector with the notch. 
         [0028]    In one implementation, the connection between the first connector and the slot is a slidable connection and the connection between the second connector and the notch is a pivotable connection. The slot can be a first slot and the body includes a second slot opposite to the first slot, with the step of coupling the first support component including engaging the first connector with the second slot. In addition, the notch can be a first notch and the body includes a second notch opposite to the first notch, with the step of coupling the second support component including engaging the second connector with the second notch. In one embodiment, the first connector has a first end and a second end, the first end of the first connector being inserted into the first slot before the second end of the first connector is inserted into the second slot. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment, a method of adjusting a holder for an electronic device is disclosed. The holder includes a body configured to be coupled to the electronic device, the holder including a support movable between a retracted position and at least two extended positions relative to the body, the support being disposed within the body in its retracted position and extending from the body in its extended positions, the first support component including a first connector coupled to the body and the second support component including a second connector coupled to the body. The method includes the steps of: moving the first connector along the body from a retracted position to an extended position, the first support component being disposed in a retracted position when the first connector is in its retracted position and in an extended position when the first connector is in its extended position; and moving the second support component about the second connector relative to the body from a retracted position to an extended position. 
         [0030]    In one implementation, the step of moving the first connector along the body from a retracted position to an extended position includes sliding the first connector along the body. The body includes at least one slot and the step of moving the first connector includes moving the first connector along the at least one slot. In on embodiment, the second connector is pivotally coupled to the body and the step of moving the second support component includes rotating the second support component about the second connector. In one embodiment, the extended position is a first extended position and the method includes moving the first connector along the body from the first extended position to a second extended position different than the first extended position. The second support component can be rotated about the second connector simultaneously with the movement of the first connector between its retracted position and either of its first extended position and its second extended position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the different embodiments and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a holder or case according to the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the hard case for the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, other iPods®, other handheld cell phones, electronic books, electronic tablet computers and other portable video/music players according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the case illustrated in  FIG. 2  with its support in a deployed configuration. 
           [0035]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 3  with its support in a deployed configuration. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 3  with its support in another deployed configuration. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the case illustrated in  FIG. 2  with its support in a retracted configuration. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the case illustrated in  FIG. 4  with its sound reflector extended. 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  illustrates a front perspective view of the case illustrated in  FIG. 5  with an electronic device coupled thereto. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a holder with an optional built-in cord management feature. 
           [0041]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 7  with a cord coupled thereto. 
           [0042]      FIG. 9  illustrates rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a holder. 
           [0043]      FIG. 10  illustrates a front view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 11  illustrates a rear view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a support component of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of another support component of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 15  illustrates another side view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 11  taken along the line “ 16 - 16 .” 
           [0050]      FIG. 17  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 11  taken along the line “ 17 - 17 .” 
           [0051]      FIG. 18  illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 9  with its support in a deployed configuration. 
           [0052]      FIG. 19  illustrates a close-up view of some of the components of the holder illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 18 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 20  illustrates a rear view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 21  illustrates a front view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 22  illustrates a side view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 23  illustrates another side view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 24  illustrates an end view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 25  illustrates another end view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 26  illustrates a cross-sectional end view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 20  taken along the line “ 26 - 26 .” 
           [0060]      FIG. 26A  illustrates a partial cross-sectional end view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 20 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 26B  illustrates a partial cross-sectional end view of an alternative embodiment of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 20 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 26C  illustrates a partial cross-sectional end view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 20 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 27  illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 9  with its support in another deployed configuration. 
           [0064]      FIG. 28  illustrates an end view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 27 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 29  illustrates a cross-sectional end view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 27  taken along the line “ 29 - 29 .” 
           [0066]      FIG. 30  illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a holder. 
           [0067]      FIG. 30A  illustrates a partial perspective view of some components of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 30 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 30B  illustrates a view of a surface of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 30 . 
           [0069]      FIG. 30C  illustrates a view of an alternative embodiment of a surface of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 30 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 30D  illustrates a perspective view of the surface illustrated in  FIG. 30C . 
           [0071]      FIG. 31  illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a holder with its support in a retracted configuration. 
           [0072]      FIG. 32  illustrates a rear perspective view of the holder illustrated in  FIG. 31  with its support in a deployed configuration. 
           [0073]      FIG. 33  illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a holder with its support in a deployed configuration. 
           [0074]      FIG. 34  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an attachment mechanism for coupling a support to a surface. 
           [0075]      FIG. 35  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the attachment mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 34  being coupled to the support. 
           [0076]      FIG. 36  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an attachment mechanism for coupling a support to a surface. 
           [0077]      FIG. 37  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the attachment mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 36  being coupled to the support. 
           [0078]      FIG. 38  illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mounting structure useable with a holder. 
           [0079]      FIG. 39  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting structure useable with a holder. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0080]    The term “electronic device” is used to include any type of electronic device, including those identified above as examples of electronic devices with which the holder can be used. The terms “support” and “support portion” may be used interchangeably herein along with the term “support assembly” to refer to a structure that can be used to prop up or stand up the holder and an electronic device coupled to the holder relative to a support surface. The terms “case” and “holder” may be used interchangeably herein to refer to a structure that can be coupled to an electronic device and facilitate the transportation, use or support of the electronic device and in addition, provide protection for the electronic device. The term “pin” is used to include any type of protrusion that can be used to engage a slot, including a metal, plastic or other pin, as well as a simple bump of material that juts out from one component of a holder to engage with another component part of the holder. The term “connector” can be used interchangeably with the term “pin.” As used herein, the term “pin” includes a single connector or a set of corresponding connectors that can be used to couple one component to another component. The term “LCD” is used to include any type of display or screen of the device, including an OLED screen. 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a holder or case for an electronic device according to the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder  100  includes a body or body portion  110  that has a coupling member or mechanism  120 . The coupling mechanism  120  can be used to couple the body  110  to an electronic device  150 . The body  110  can be configured to provide protection to at least part of the electronic device  150 . In different embodiments, the coupling mechanism  120  includes one or more coupling members that engage the electronic device  150 . In one implementation, the coupling mechanism  120  may include two coupling members that engage different portions of the electronic device  150 . In another implementation, the coupling mechanism  120  may include four coupling members that engage different portions, such as the corners, of the electronic device  150 . 
         [0082]    In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism  120  is integrally formed with the body  110  of the holder  100 . However, in alternative embodiments, the coupling mechanism  120  is formed separately from the body  110  and subsequently coupled to connected thereto. 
         [0083]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the holder  100  includes a support  130  that is coupled to the body  110 . The support  130  is engageable with a support surface, such as a table, counter, tray, desk, etc., and is configured to support the body  110  and the holder  100  via the support surface when the electronic device  150  is coupled to the body  110 . The support  130  is movable relative to the body  110  and disposable in several different positions relative to the body  110 . The support  130  may be slidable and/or pivotable relative to the body  110 . 
         [0084]    The support  130  can be placed in an extended position  132  in which the support  130  extends outwardly from the body  110  and is engageable with a support surface. The support  130  can also be placed in a retracted position  134  in which the support  130  is disposed within the body  110  (shown in phantom). The body  110  has a thickness and a profile in which the support  130  is contained or located when the support  130  is in its retracted position  134 . The support  130  in its retracted position  134  has a collapsed thickness that is the same or substantially the same as the thickness of the body  110 . 
         [0085]    For example, in one embodiment, the body  110  has an opening formed therein. The support  130  is dimensioned to fit within the opening of the body  110  when the support  130  is in its retracted position  134 . By disposing the support  130  within the body  110  or the profile of the body  110 , the support  130  does not extend from the body  110  in its retracted position  134 . Accordingly, a smooth and non-obtrusive profile for the body  110  is achieved. In the event that the body  110  has a curved configuration, the support  130  has a similarly curved configuration. In an alternative embodiment, substantially all of the support  130  is placed within the body  110  and only a very minor portion extends therefrom. 
         [0086]    In one embodiment, the holder  100  includes a sound or audio reflector  140  coupled to the body  110 . In different embodiments, the holder  100  may not include the reflector  140 . Referring to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the reflector  140  is coupled to and movable relative to the body  110 . The reflector  140  is shaped or configured so that audible output from the electronic device  150  is reflected off of a surface of the reflector  140  and in a direction desired by the user. In many implementations, the electronic device  150  includes a speaker or transducer proximate to its rear surface along which the body  110  of the holder  100  is placed. Typically, the user is located on the front of the device  150  when viewing the screen of the device  150 . Accordingly, it is desirable that the audible output of the device  150  be reflected toward the front of the device  150  toward the user. 
         [0087]    The reflector  140  is located proximate to the location of the speaker on the electronic device  150 . The reflector  140  forms a part of the body  110  and is movable between an extended position  142  in which audible outputs are reflected off the reflector  140  and a retracted position  144  within the body  110  of the holder  100 . In its retracted position  144 , the reflector  140  is positioned within a recess or opening formed in the body  110  and disposed within the body  110 . 
         [0088]    In one embodiment, the body  110 , the coupling mechanism  120 , the support  130 , and the reflector  140  can be formed of a molded plastic material. In one embodiment, each of the support  130  and the reflector  140  is slidably coupled to the body  110 . In other embodiments, one or both of the support  130  and the reflector  140  is pivotally coupled to the body  110 . 
         [0089]    As described above, the invention includes a versatile hard case for cell phones such as the iPhone®, portable video/music players such as the iPod Touch® or other iPods®, and other handheld cell phones and portable video/music players. In one embodiment, the case allows wearing of the device on a belt clip as well as placement on any surface for hands-free viewing, with full adjustment of viewing angle in landscape orientation as well as viewing in portrait orientation with a more limited degree of angular adjustment. The hard case is especially suited for any handheld device with a frontal LCD, OLED, or other type of display including a touch-viewing screen. 
         [0090]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the hard case  2  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The hard case  2  is illustrated as being mounted to an electronic device  70  that has a front surface  72  with a display or display screen  74  and a side wall or portion  76  that extends around the perimeter of the front surface  72 . The electronic device  70  includes a rear surface (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) opposite the front surface  72 . The electronic device  70  includes one or more ports  80  that facilitate the connection of the electronic device  70  to other components. 
         [0091]    The hard case  2  includes a molded form-fitting backplate  10  with moderately raised upwardly curving edges  12  and four more pronounced and corner-positioned clamps  14  that furl over for cradling the device  70  at the corners of the device  70 . The edges  12  are interrupted as necessary by apertures  18  to provide access to input/output ports, power keys and other controls side mounted on the device  70 , such as port  80 . While the specific configuration of the apertures  18  may vary depending on the device  70  with which the hard case  2  will be used, in one embodiment, the apertures  18  are duplicated in mirror-image fashion on both sides to allow insertion and use of the device  70  in either 180-degree rotated orientations. 
         [0092]    Similarly, mirror-image apertures may be provided for device camera lenses. In addition to corner clamps  14 , an offset series of grippers  16  is positioned along each side of backplate  10 , likewise in mirror image fashion. Each gripper  16  comprises an upwardly furled oval flange defined by a central aperture. The grippers  16  may be integrally molded and impart a resilient sidelong bias against the device  70 , working in conjunction with the corner-positioned clamps  14  to securely seat the device  70  and clamp it in place within the backplate  10 . It is important that the grippers  16  and clamps  14  extend up to but not in advance of the device LCD  74  so as not to obstruct viewing and/or touch screen access, and also to allow the user to wipe the LCD  74  clean with a cloth or against a shirtsleeve. 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a rear perspective view of the case  2  and the electronic device  70 . The electronic device  70  has a rear surface  75  and an end  78  as shown. A major central portion of the backplate  10  is defined by a rear aperture  20 , here rectangular, that seats a folding kickstand assembly or support  30 . In other embodiments, the size and configuration of the aperture  20  can vary. 
         [0094]    The kickstand assembly or support  30  is a novel and fully-adjustable mechanism for upright hands-free viewing of the device  70  at any angle as well as landscape or portrait viewing, while also serving as a hands-free shoulder cradle for speaking into a cell phone contained therein. In  FIG. 3 , the support  30  is illustrated in a deployed or extended position or configuration relative to the case  2 . The kickstand assembly or support  30  further comprises a stand member  34  formed in the shape of an I (with opposing sidelong notches  35 A and  35 B) and pivoted at one end to the backplate  10 . The support  30  also includes opposing reinforcing struts  32  that fit within the sidelong notches  35 A and  35 B and thereby fold flat with the stand member  34  when the support  30  is placed in its retracted position. In the retracted position, the stand member  34  and struts  32  fit together flush within the aperture  20  of the backplate  10 . 
         [0095]    The stand member  34  is pivotally coupled to the backplate  10  on one side of the rear aperture  20  by a first pivot pin  36  that traverses the stand member  34 . The pin  36  enters notches  42  formed in the backplate  10  on opposing sides of aperture  20 . The reinforcing struts  32  are pivotally coupled to the stand member  34  on opposing sides by a second pivot pin  37  that traverses the stand member  34 , protruding outward into the sidelong notches on opposing sides of stand member  34  to anchor the reinforcing struts  32  therein. The other ends of reinforcing struts  32  are slidably anchored in channels  38  formed in the backplate  10  on opposing sides of aperture  20  by pivot pins  41 ,  43  that traverse the respective struts  32 , entering the slots or channels  38  formed in the backplate  10  on opposing sides of its aperture  20 . This way, the stand member  34  when folded inward seats within the aperture  20  in the backplate  10  and draws the reinforcing struts  32  down into the backplate aperture  10  for an entirely flush-folded slimline configuration. 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a flush-folded slimline configuration of the case  2  is illustrated. As shown, the components of the kickstand assembly or support  30  (including the struts  32  and the stand member  34 ) are disposed within the aperture  20  of the backplate  10  and within the profile of the backplate  10 . 
         [0097]    Conversely, when the stand member  34  is unfolded outward it angles away from the backplate  10  and draws the reinforcing struts  32  outward, thereby serving as a structurally sound kickstand for inclined hands-free viewing. The desired angle can be adjusted and fixed by the user. These opposing slots or channels  38  are internally indexed with a series of serrated notches  47  (see  FIG. 3 ) to provide an indexed sliding motion for pins  41 ,  43 . Thus, when the stand member  34  is unfolded outward, it draws the reinforcing struts  32  outward, and the opposing channels  38  provide an indexed adjustment feature that selectively locks the pins  41 ,  43  and hence the angle of the stand member  34  at any desired angle along the entire length of the opposing channels  38 . The user can set the viewing angle of the device  70  as desired. 
         [0098]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the holder  2  is illustrated with its support  30  in deployed configurations. The base plate  10  includes an edge  19  that defines the opening  20  through the plate  10 . The body  10  includes a coupling mechanism  11  that includes several wall portions that are configured to engage an electronic device. The edge  19  includes opposite side walls (only side wall  23  is shown). Side wall  23  includes the slot or channel  38  formed therein. The opposite side wall includes a corresponding slot. 
         [0099]    The support  30  can be placed in a retracted configuration (see  FIG. 4 ) and in extended positions  4  (see  FIG. 3A) and 6  (see  FIG. 3B ). The support  30  includes a support component  34  that has a body  35 A that has an end  35 B pivotally coupled to the body  10  by one or more pins (not shown). The body  35 A also includes an end  35 C that is used to contact a support surface  3  as shown. The body  35 A includes side walls  35 D and  35 E that define notches  35 F and  35 G. Located along side wall  35 D is a locking mechanism  35 H, which can be a projection or a recess. 
         [0100]    The struts  32  of the support  30  can be referred to alternatively as support components. One strut includes ends  32 A and  32 B that are coupled to the support component  34  and the body  10  by pins  37  and  43 , respectively. Similarly, the other strut  32  includes ends  32 C and  32 D that are coupled to the support component  34  and the body  10  by pins  37  and  41 , respectively. 
         [0101]    If a user decides that he or she prefers to wear the device on their belt rather than in a pocket, the stand member  34  may be formed with a central recess configured for latching a belt clip (not shown) in place, so that the belt clip can be externally attached when the stand member  34  and reinforcing plates or struts  32  are fully folded inward (both seated flush within the aperture  20  in the backplate  10 ). This allows the flush-folded case  2  to be worn on the belt. 
         [0102]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , note that the bottom of the stand member  34  is formed with an arch  39  designed to conform to the shoulder of a user. This allows the case  2  to be used as a hands-free shoulder support when using the device as a cell phone. The arch  39  conforms to the user&#39;s shoulder, and allows the device to be cradled between the head and shoulder when speaking. 
         [0103]    As seen in the lower inset of  FIG. 2 , notches  42  are formed in the stand member  34  on opposing sides for ingress and receipt of pivot pin  36 . These notches  42  are specially-formed quick-release notches having a keyslot cross-section with a forwardly protruding notch. This facilitates assembly of the pin  36  into notch or slot  42  inasmuch as the pin  36  can be angled into the notch  42  more easily and snapped in place. It also avoids breakage of the kickstand assembly or support  30  since upon severe shock the kickstand  30  will simply dislodge at the pin  36  (rather than breaking), and can then be reassembled. 
         [0104]    It should now be apparent that the above-described hard case  2  is highly versatile inasmuch as the side grippers  16  clamp around the device without obscuring the display or controls, the case  2  allows the device to be inserted in either 180 orientations without compromising usability, and the adjustable kickstand or support  30  allows adjustment of the viewing angle within a broad range, as well as landscape or portrait viewing. When standing on end the kickstand assembly or support  30  protrudes rearwardly enough to still support the device at an incline. 
         [0105]    Given the angular adjustment shown in  FIG. 3  the hard case  2  can be supported at an 80 degree (offset from horizontal) viewing angle, presenting the user with a perfect frontal perpendicular view of the LCD  74 . If, on the other hand, the user is seated on an airplane and is peering down to the device  70  seated on an airline tray from above, the kickstand assembly  30  can be readjusted to provide a more appropriate viewing angle, such as a 20 degree (offset from horizontal) viewing angle. Despite this versatility, the hard case  2  can be folded flat into an extremely low profile to facilitate pocket insertion, or for use with a detachable belt clip for wearing. 
         [0106]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the case  2  includes a slide-panel or noise shield  49  that is movably coupled to the backplate  10  of the case  2 .  FIG. 4  is a side perspective view, and  FIG. 5  is a top perspective view, of the back of the hard case  2  illustrating a slide-panel  49  that serves as a noise shield. Since both the microphone and the speaker for an iPhone® mobile digital device, and other electronic devices, are located on bottom of phone or device, it can be difficult for these phones to pick up the user&#39;s voice, yet easy to pick up room noise. This is especially true when using the external speaker of an iPhone® mobile digital device, and the sound tends to seem low unless you hold bottom of phone directly at you. The noise shield  49  is a sliding panel that extends endwise outward from the bottom of phone. In one embodiment, the noise shield  49  extends about one-half inch (A″). The noise shield or panel  49  is curved to conform to the contour of the bottom end of the hard case  2 . In this embodiment the panel slides between a retracted position and an extended position. In other embodiments, this movement could be accomplished by twisting, flipping, pivoting, or bending the slide-panel  49  between one position and the other. Further, there could be multiple extended positions. 
         [0107]    Thus, in its closed position the iPhone® mobile digital device will function normally and can even be docked. To open, the noise shield  49  slides outward in an arc creating a pocket from the bottom of phone about one-half inch (½″). The pocket channels sound, in one sense to reduce ambient room noise by shielding the microphone from surrounding noise. In addition, the pocket deflects sound outward from the iPhone&#39;s external speaker, bouncing it back towards the front face of phone instead of straight out the bottom of phone. This makes the external speaker sound appear louder, while also deflecting the user&#39;s own voice back into the microphone. In alternative embodiments, the shield or panel  49  extends a distance different than one-half inch from the device  70  and case  2 . 
         [0108]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the shield or panel  49  is disposed in its retracted position  50  relative to the backplate  10 . Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the shield or panel  49  is disposed in an extended or reflecting position  52  relative to the backplate  10 . In this position, an outer edge or end  51  of the panel  49  extends beyond the end of the case  2 . 
         [0109]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an alternative embodiment of a case is illustrated.  FIGS. 7 and 8  are views of an alternative embodiment of a hard case  200  similar to the foregoing case  2  but with an optional built-in cord management feature. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the cord management feature or mechanism  210  includes four outwardly-pivoting corner tabs  220  installed into apertures  230  in each of the four corners of the hard case  200 . Each of the apertures  230  is formed in a corner of the hard case  200  and simply conforms to the body of each corresponding tab  220 , thereby providing a flush seating. Each of the tabs  220  conforms outwardly to the contours of the hard case  200  so as to provide a seamless aesthetic when folded. Each tab includes opposing coaxial pins (which may be integrally molded) that pivotally attach inside corresponding holes in the apertures  230 . This way, a user can on demand flip the tabs  220  outward from a stowed/flush position to a deployed position (as shown), whereupon they collectively serve as a cord storage reel as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0110]    Standard audio output cords or power cords can be conveniently wound to avoid clutter. Furthermore, channeled ribs  240  may be provided as shown at the top center and/or bottom center (other at other locations) of the hard case  200  to channel the cord  250  and releasably secure it in place by a press-fit. As an alternative to the foregoing, cord management can also be obtained by pre-forming a recessed channel that runs about the edges of the hard case  200 , thereby allowing a cord to be wrapped inside. Note that this same channel in the manner of a picture frame might be hinged at one point (e.g., at one corner) and also serve the purpose of an adjustable kickstand. 
         [0111]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-17 , an alternative embodiment of a case or holder is illustrated. Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , a rear perspective view of the case or holder  300 , a front view of the case, and a rear view of the case, respectively, are illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder  300  includes a body or base  310  that is molded using a plastic material. In an alternative embodiment, the base  310  of the holder  300  can be formed of metal. The body or base  310  can be referred to alternatively as a mounting portion. The body  310  has opposite ends  312  and  314  and opposite sides  316  and  318 . The body  310  includes a rear plate or base plate  320  that has an inner surface  322  (see  FIG. 10 ) and an outer or rear surface  324  (see  FIGS. 9 and 11 ). The inner surface  322  and the outer surface  324  of the plate  320  define a thickness therebetween. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the plate  320  includes an opening  317  formed therethrough that is aligned with a camera eye or opening on the electronic device coupled to the holder  300 . 
         [0112]    The plate  320  includes an edge  326  that defines an opening  328  (see  FIG. 18 ). In this embodiment, the opening  328  is substantially centrally located on the plate  320 . However, in other embodiments, the opening  328  may be offset along the plate  320  and may have a different shape or configuration than opening  328 . The plate also includes an edge  330  that defines a recess  332  (see  FIG. 9 ). The edge  330  and recess  332  are located proximate to end  312  of case  300 . 
         [0113]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the case  300  includes a sound reflector  340  slidably coupled to the body  310 . The reflector  340  is configured to be inserted into the recess  332  defined by edge  330 . The reflector  340  includes a body portion  346  and a curved portion  348  with a distal end or edge  350 . A series of grooves or ridges  356  form an engagement area  354  that can be engaged by a user&#39;s finger to move the reflector  340  relative to the body  310 . Each of the opposite sides and the end of the body portion  346  includes a groove or slot formed therein that facilitates the sliding of the body portion  346  along the side walls forming the edge  330  that defines the recess  332 . The friction fit of the reflector  340  in the recess  332  enables a user to position the reflector  340  in a desired position and have the reflector  340  remain in that position. 
         [0114]    The sound reflector  340  includes a surface that is used to reflect audible outputs. In one embodiment, the sound reflector  340  is made of a material that has a higher density than the material of the rest of the holder  300 . The higher density of the material increases the intensity at which sound is reflected off of the reflector  340 . In an alternative embodiment, the sound reflector  340  includes a surface with a piece or layer of material coupled thereto that has a higher density (and improved reflecting properties) than the rest of the sound reflector  340 . The additional piece of material can be adhered to or molded with the inner surface of the sound reflector  340 . Thus, by changing the material of the sound reflector  340  relative to the holder  300  or by using a piece of material, such as metal, coupled to the sound reflector  340 , the reflecting properties and characteristics of the sound reflector  340  are improved. In other words, the material used on the reflector  340  is more sonically reflective than the material of the body  310 . 
         [0115]    The case  300  also includes a coupling mechanism  360  that can be used to couple the case  300  to an electronic device. The coupling mechanism  360  is a releasable coupling mechanism so that a user can easily remove the case  300  from the electronic device when desired. The coupling mechanism  360  includes at least one coupling member. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism  360  includes coupling members  362 ,  364 ,  366 , and  368 , each of which is located near a corner of the case  300  and a corner of the electronic device. 
         [0116]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 15 , the coupling mechanism  360  includes a side wall  380  that is integrally formed with the base plate  320 . In this embodiment, the side wall  380  includes several gripping members that facilitate the gripping of the case  300  by a user. The gripping members include openings  410 ,  412 , and  414  that are defined by edges  400 ,  402 , and  414 , respectively, and surrounded by tapered surfaces  390 ,  392 , and  394 , respectively (see  FIG. 15  for greater detail). The openings and tapered surfaces are sized to be engaged by a user&#39;s fingers. In other embodiments, the side wall  380  may include fewer or more openings or the side wall  380  may be formed with no such openings at all. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the side wall  380  also includes an edge  382  that defines an aperture or notch  384  that facilitates access to one or more ports or features of an electronic device coupled to the case  300 . 
         [0117]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 14 , the coupling mechanism  360  includes a side wall  420  that is integrally formed with the base plate  320 . In this embodiment, the side wall  420  extends between coupling members or corner portions  366  and  368  along the length of plate  320 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the side wall  420  includes an edge  422  and several openings  450 ,  452 , and  454  that are defined by edges  440 ,  442 , and  444 , respectively, and surrounded by tapered surfaces  430 ,  432 , and  434 , respectively. The openings and tapered surfaces are configured to be engaged by one or more fingers of a user. In different embodiments, the quantity of openings formed in the side wall  420  can vary. 
         [0118]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , the holder  300  includes a support or support portion  500  coupled to the body  310 . The support  500  can be referred to alternatively as a stand or kickstand assembly. The support  500  is configured to be used to support the body  310  at one or more orientations relative to a support surface  301  (as shown in  FIG. 18 ). The support  500  includes two support components  520  and  600 . As discussed in detail below, support component  520  is coupled to the body  310  and to support component  600  and the support component  600  is coupled to the body  310  and to support component  520 . The support  500  is illustrated in a retracted or collapsed configuration  502  in  FIGS. 9-11 . 
         [0119]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the components  520  and  600  are visible and accessible from the inner side of the case  300 . When the support components  520  and  600  are moved to their collapsed or retracted positions, the support components  520  and  600  are substantially coextensive with the opening  328  in the plate  320  of the body  310 . The support components  520  and  600  are sized and configured to collectively mate with the opening  328 . 
         [0120]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , a perspective view of an embodiment of support component  520  is illustrated. In this embodiment, the support component  520  includes a base portion  536  and an extension  538  integrally formed with the base  536 . The support component  520  includes opposite ends or end portions  522  and  526  and an intermediate end or end portion  524 . Ends  522  and  524  correspond to the ends of the base portion  536 . The base portion  536  and extension  538  include an outer surface  530  that engages a support surface when the holder  300  is in use. The outer surface  530  forms a contact surface or area that engages a support surface and is used for support. In one embodiment, the outer surface  530  can be substantially planar. In another embodiment, the outer surface  530  can have a curved configuration. The base portion  536  and extension  538  include an inner surface  532  opposite to the outer surface  530 . 
         [0121]    As shown, the support component  520  includes edges  540  and  542  that define notches or recesses  544  and  546 , respectively. The base portion  536  includes side walls  537  and  535  and mounting portions  549  and  551  that include openings  552  and  550  therethrough, respectively, through which couplers, such as pins, are inserted to couple support component  520  and support component  600 . The base portion  536  also includes an opening  548  extending therethrough proximate to end  522  through which a pin or coupler can be inserted to couple the support component  520  to the body  310  of the case  300 . 
         [0122]    The extension  538  also includes an engagement portion  528  proximate to end  526 . The engagement portion  528  includes a tapered portion that facilitates engagement of the support component  520  by a user, as described below. In other embodiments, the particular configuration of support component  520  can vary. 
         [0123]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , a perspective view of an embodiment of support component  600  is illustrated. In this embodiment, the support component  600  includes a body  610  with side edges  612  and  614  and an inner edge  616  that defines a recess  618 . An engagement surface  620  is formed in the body  610  to facilitate access to the engagement portion  528  of support component  520  by a user to move the support  500  from its retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The body  610  includes an inner surface  622  and an outer surface  624  opposite to the inner surface  622  (see  FIG. 17 ) that define a thickness therebetween. 
         [0124]    The support component  600  includes an extension  640  with an end portion  642  with an opening  644  therethrough. The end portion  642  also includes a notch  646 . Along the inner surface of the extension  640  is a locking member  630  that is engaged with a corresponding locking member on support component  520  as discussed below. The support component  600  includes another extension  660  with an end portion  662  with an opening  664  therethrough. The end portion  662  also includes a notch  666  and a locking member (not shown). Couplers, such as pins, can be inserted through the openings  644  and  664  to couple support component  600  to support component  520 . As discussed in greater detail below, the body  610  has an end  602  slidably coupled to the body  310  of the holder  300  and an end  604  that is pivotally coupled to support component  520 . 
         [0125]    Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the support  500  is illustrated in its retracted position or configuration  502 . The support  500  has an outer surface  501  that together with the outer surface  324  of the body  310  forms a substantially continuous outer surface for the holder  300 . Support component  520  is illustrated in  FIG. 14  and support component  600  is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . As shown, coupling member  366  has a length that extends to an outer edge  376 . The coupling member  366  has a curved configuration that curves around an edge of an electronic device. The edge  376  is located proximate to the front surface of the electronic device, but does not cover any of the front surface. As a result, the coupling member  366  provides protection for the electronic device by being located in the corner area, which is the portion of the electronic device that has the highest incidence of contacting a surface or object when the electronic device is dropped. In addition, because the edge  376  extends slightly above the plane of the front surface of the electronic device, protection is provided to the electronic device in the event that the front surface of the electronic device is oriented downwardly when dropped. Since the edge  376  does not cover the front surface of the electronic device, a user has full access to the front surface and can easily wipe the front surface clean. Coupling members  362 ,  364 , and  368  are similarly configured to coupling member  366  and have edges  372 ,  374 , and  378 , respectively, that are configured the same as edge  376 . 
         [0126]    Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , cross-sectional views of the holder  300  taken along the respective lines illustrated in  FIG. 11  are shown. In  FIG. 16 , a length-wise cross-sectional view of the holder  300  is taken from end  312  to end  314 . In  FIG. 17 , a side-to-side cross-sectional view of the holder  300  is taken from side  316  to side  318 . 
         [0127]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , the support  500  is disposed within the body  310  of the holder  300 . In particular, the support  500  is disposed within the opening  328  defined by edge  326  in the plate  320  of body  310 . The support  500  includes the extensions  640  and  660  of support component  600  and extension  530  of support component  520  which are all located within the profile of the body  310  of the holder  300  and in particular, within the opening  328 . The outer surface  501  of the support  500  and its components is substantially continuous with the outer surface  324  of the body  310  and collectively, the surfaces  501  and  324  form a continuous or substantially continuous outer surface of the holder  300 . 
         [0128]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , a different view of the components of the support  500  is illustrated. The support component  520  has a thickness  508  that is defined by the inner surface  532  and the outer surface  530  of the support component  520 . The body  310  has a thickness  311 . The support component  520  is coupled to the plate  320  or body  310  by a pin  690  that is inserted through opening  548 . The pin  690  allows the support component  520  to move or pivot relative to the body  310 . Accordingly, the pin  690  defines an axis of rotation for the support component  520 . 
         [0129]    In  FIG. 17 , the proximity of the engagement surface  620  of support component  600  to engagement portion  528  of support component  520  is illustrated. The engagement surface  620  is recessed or has a concave configuration to allow a portion of a finger of a user to contact and engage portion  528  to move support component  520  along the direction of arrow “A” about pin  690  to an extended position. When the support  500  is to be collapsed, the support component  520  can be moved along the direction of arrow “B” about pin  690  to its retracted position  502  shown in  FIG. 17 . Support component  600  is coupled to the body  310  by a pin  680  that extends through an opening in the support component  600  and engaged with a slot in the body  310 , as discussed below. 
         [0130]    Referring to  FIGS. 18-26 , the holder  300  is illustrated in a deployed or use configuration. In this configuration, the support  500  of the holder  300  is placed in an extended configuration  504 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , each of the support components  520  and  600  has moved relative to the body  310  from the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 9-17 . In  FIG. 18 , the support component  520  is shown in an extended position  523 . The support component  520  is moved from its retracted position  521  (see  FIG. 17 ) around axis  580  defined by pin  690  along the direction of arrow “C” to its extended position  523 . When the support component  520  is in this position, the outer surface  530  of the support component  520  engages a support surface  301  to prop up and support the body  310  of the holder  300  and any electronic device coupled to the holder  300 . The range of motion of the support component  520  around axis  580  can vary. 
         [0131]    As the support component  520  pivots about axis  580 , the pivoting connection between the support components  520  and  600  results in support component  600  moving about axis  582  along the direction of arrow “D” relative to support component  520 . Axis  582  is defined by the pins that couple the support components  520  and  600  together. In an alternate embodiment, Axis could be defined by a living hinge that would mate support components  520  and  600  together. 
         [0132]    Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the edge  326  that defines opening  328  includes several side walls  462 ,  464 ,  466 , and  468  that define the opening  328 . The body  310  of the holder  300  includes a positioning mechanism that includes slots formed in side walls of the body  310 . As shown, side wall  462  includes a slot  470  with ends  472  and  474  and a surface  476  extending between the ends  472  and  474  defining the upper and lower sides of the slot  470 . Referring to  FIG. 19 , the surface  476  includes several projections or ridges  478  formed on the upper and lower portions of the surface  476 . Similarly, side wall  464  includes a slot (not shown) with opposite ends and several projections or ridges formed therealong. Each of the projections or ridges  478  defines a position for pin  690  and as a result, defines a position for the support  500 . As shown, more than three positions for the support  500  are defined by the quantity of the ridges  478 . The end  602  of support component  600  is slidably coupled to the plate  320  via pin  680  that engages slot  470  on side wall  462  and the corresponding slot on side wall  464 . The pin  680  engages the projections  478  which help retain the pin  680  in a particular location along the slot  470  along with the friction between the pin  680  and the surfaces of the slot  470 . Also shown in  FIG. 19  is the pin  690  that pivotally couples or mounts support component  520  to the body  310 . 
         [0133]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , as support component  520  rotates along the direction of arrow “C,” end  602  of support component  600  moves toward an extended position  603  along the direction of arrow “E” which is determined by the direction and configuration of the slots in the side walls  462  and  464 . In one embodiment, the slots in the side walls  462  and  464  have a slightly curved configuration. The curved configuration of the slots changes the frictional force that is applied to the pin  680 . The varying force and the projections in the slots enable support components  520  and  600  to be retained in a variety of positions relative to the body  310 , thereby enabling the support or support stand to support the holder  300  at different angles and orientations relative to a support surface. 
         [0134]    Referring to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , rear and front views of the holder  300  with the support  500  in its extended configuration  504  are illustrated, respectively. The pin  680  that engages the side walls  462  and  464  is shown and has been moved along the direction of arrow “F” in  FIG. 20  and the direction of arrow “G” in  FIG. 21 . When the support components  520  and  600  move to their positions associated with extended configuration  504 , a portion of the opening  328  is exposed as shown. Referring to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , left and right side view of the holder  300  with the support  500  in its extended configuration  504  are illustrated. 
         [0135]    Referring to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , opposite end views of the holder  300  with the support  500  in its extended configuration  504  are illustrated. As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the support component  520  includes opposite side walls  535  and  537  for base portion  536  and opposite side walls  566  and  568  for extension  538 . The side walls  566  and  568  include locking members  560  and  562 , respectively. In this embodiment, each locking member  560  and  562  is a recess formed in the corresponding side wall  566  or  568 . Each of the recesses  560  and  562  is configured to receive a corresponding projection on support component  600  when the support components  520  and  600  are placed in their retracted positions. As shown in  FIG. 24 , the support component  520  is placed in its extended position  521 . The support component  600  is coupled to support component  520  by pins  570  and  572 . The outer surface  530  forms a contact area or surface  685  that contacts a support surface along with contact area or surface  695 . 
         [0136]    Referring back to  FIG. 18 , support component  600  includes a locking member  630  that engages with locking member  562  on support component  520  and an opposite locking member (not shown) that engages with locking member  560  on support component  520 . The locking members on support component  600  are projections that engage the recesses  560  and  562 . In an alternative embodiment, the structure and the configurations of the locking members on the support components  520  and  600  can be reversed so that support component  520  includes projections and support component  600  includes corresponding recesses. 
         [0137]    Referring to  FIG. 26 , a cross-sectional view of the holder  300  with the support  500  in its extended configuration  504  shown in  FIG. 20  is illustrated. In this view, the details of slot  470  are illustrated. Slot  470  has opposite ends  472  and  474  and a surface  476  extending therealong. The surface  476  includes several projections or ridges  478  disposed along the surface  476 . The pin  680  is moved along the slot  470  along the direction of arrow “H” as shown. At the same time, support component  520  moves about pin  690  along the direction of arrow “I.” In this view, locking member  630 , in this embodiment a projection, on support component  600  is illustrated. To collapse the support  500 , support component  520  is moved along the direction of arrow “J” about pin  690  and pin  680  moves along slot  470  along the direction of arrow “K.” 
         [0138]    Referring to  FIGS. 26A-26C , several different embodiments of a base plate  320  are illustrated and the assembly of the support  500  to the holder  300  is described. Referring to  FIG. 26A , the base plate  320  of the holder  300  including side walls  462 ,  466 , and  468  defining opening  328  is illustrated. As previously described, side wall  462  includes a slot  470  with opposite ends  472  and  474 . The side wall opposite side wall  462  includes a similar slot formed therein. Proximate to side wall  468 , side wall  462  includes an opening  696  that leads to a notch or receptacle  692 . The width of the opening  696  is smaller than the width of the notch  692 . In the embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 26A , the opening  696  leading to notch  692  is located on the outer surface  324  of the base plate  320 . The side wall  468  opposite to side wall  462  has a similarly configured opening and notch arrangement that is used in the same manner as opening  696  and notch  692 . 
         [0139]    When the support  300  illustrated in  FIG. 26A  is to be assembled, support components  520  and  600  are coupled together and moved proximate to the opening  328  in the base plate  320 . Initially, the pin  680  (or if more than one, the pins  680 ) coupled to support component  600  is connected to the base plate  320  and in particular, to the slots  470  in the base plate  320 . One end of the pin  680  coupled to support component  600  is inserted into the slot  470 . The support component  600  is moved at an angle relative to the base plate  320  so that the opposite end of the pin  680  can be inserted into the slot  470  formed in the opposite side wall  468 . After support component  600  is slidably coupled to the base plate  320 , support component  520  is then coupled to the base plate  320 . 
         [0140]    As previously described, support component  520  includes a pin  690  that is coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the pin  690  extends outwardly from opposite sides of the support component  520 . The pin  690  can be inserted or snapped into the opening  696 , which is sized slightly smaller than the diameter of the pin  690 , and then moved into the notch  692 . The pin  690  is retained in the notch  692  due to the smaller width of the opening  696 . However, if sufficient force is applied to the support  500 , the pin  690  can be dislodged and separated from the base plate  320  by moving through the opening  696  without damaging the base plate  320 . Similarly, the opposite end of the pin  690  is inserted or snapped into an opening corresponding to opening  696  and moved to a notch corresponding to notch  692  formed in side wall  468 . 
         [0141]    Thus, when the support components  520  and  600  are coupled to the base plate  320 , the connection between the connector or pin  680  is a slidable connection along the slot  470 . As a result, the second support component  600  is slidable along the base plate  320  with some rotational movement about pin  680  as well as the connector  680  slides along the body  310 . In addition, the connection between the connector or pin  690  is a pivotable connection. The first support component  520  rotates about the connector or pin  690  simultaneously as the connector  680  slides in the slot  470 . 
         [0142]    Referring to  FIG. 26B , the coupling of the support components  520  and  600  to the base plate  320  is similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 26A  except that the opening  696  and notch  692  are oriented so that the opening  696  is located along the inner surface or face  322 . In this embodiment, pin  690  can be moved proximate to the inner surface  322  and inserted or snapped into place in the notch  692 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 26C , a separate wall  698  can be formed along a portion of the side wall  462 . In this embodiment, the opening  696  and notch  692  are oriented so that the opening  696  is located along that wall  698 . In this coupling implementation, the pin  690  is moved proximate to wall  698  and inserted into the opening  696  and the notch  692 . 
         [0143]    In each of the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 26A-26C , the support component  600  is initially coupled to the base plate  320  via the slots  470  and the support component  520  is subsequently coupled to the base plate  320  via notches  692 . 
         [0144]    Referring to  FIGS. 27-29 , the holder  300  is illustrated in a different deployed or use configuration. In this configuration, the support  500  of the holder  300  is placed in an extended configuration  506 . Compared to extended configuration  504  illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the support  500  is positioned so that it extends outwardly less than extended configuration  506  and as a result, the angle between front surface of the electronic device on holder  300  and the support surface  301  is different. 
         [0145]    As shown in  FIG. 27 , each of the support components  520  and  600  has moved relative to the body  310 . The support component  520  is shown in an extended position  525  and support component  600  is shown in an extended position  625  (see  FIG. 28 ). When the support  500  is in this extended configuration  506 , the contact areas or surfaces  685  and  695  (see  FIG. 28 ) are positioned to engage the support surface  301  at a different angle than in extended configuration  504 . Referring to  FIG. 29 , the support component  520  is moved from its retracted position  521  around axis  580  defined by pin  690  along the direction of arrow “L” to its extended position  525 . 
         [0146]    Referring to  FIG. 29 , a cross-sectional view of the holder  300  with its support  500  in its extended configuration  506  shown in  FIG. 27  is illustrated. The pin  680  moves along the slot  470  along the direction of arrow “M” when the support component  520  moves along the direction of arrow “L.” To collapse the support  500 , support component  520  is moved along the direction of arrow “N” about pin  690  and pin  680  moves along slot  470  along the direction of arrow “O.” Axis  694  in  FIG. 29  is the axis about which support components  520  and  600  move relative to each other. 
         [0147]    Referring to  FIG. 30 , an alternative embodiment of a holder is illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder  700  includes a body  710  that includes a base plate or back plate  720  with an edge  722  defining an opening  724 . The opening  724  can be positioned so that when an electronic device is coupled to the holder  700 , the camera eye of the electronic device is aligned with the opening  724 . The plate  720  also includes an edge  726  that defines an opening  728 . 
         [0148]    In this embodiment, the body  710  includes a coupling mechanism  730  that includes a wall  732  that extends around a portion of an electronic device. The wall  732  includes several openings  740 ,  742 ,  744 ,  746 , and  748  that facilitate the gripping of the holder  700  by a user. In addition, the wall  732  includes several other openings (such as openings  750  and  752 ) that allow access to ports on the electronic device. 
         [0149]    The holder  700  includes a support or support portion  760  that is used to support the body  710  relative to a support surface  702 . The support portion  760  includes a support component  761  with a mounted end  762  and a distal or free end  764 . The mounted end  762  is coupled to the body  710  to pivotally mount the support component  761  to the body  710 . The support portion  760  is illustrated in a deployed configuration  766  in  FIG. 30 . When the support component  761  is moved to its retracted position, the support component  761  is disposed within the body  710  and in particular, within the opening  728 . 
         [0150]    Referring to  FIGS. 30A and 30B , some components of an alternative embodiment of the holder  700  illustrated in  FIG. 30  are illustrated. Only a portion of the support  760  is illustrated for ease of reference. The support  760  includes a support component  761  with an end  762  and an end surface  763 . In this embodiment, extending from a side wall of the support component  761  is a pin or projection  765  that is formed separately and coupled to the support component  761  by being inserted into a hole or opening on the side of the support component  761 . A similar pin or projection (not shown) extends from the opposite side of the support component  761 . In an alternative embodiment, the pin  765  may extend through the support component  761  through an opening extending from side-to-side. In another embodiment, each of the pins  765  is integrally molded with the support component  761 . 
         [0151]    The base plate  720  includes several edge portions that define the opening  728  with only edge portions  726 A and  726 B illustrated for ease of reference in  FIG. 30A . Edge portion  726 A includes a positioning mechanism  729  as shown. The positioning mechanism  729  can be used to hold and retain the support component  761  in multiple different extended positions relative to the base plate  720 . For example, the support component  761  can be moved a little distance outwardly from the base plate  720  to prop the holder  700  and its associated electronic device at a more upright angle relative to a support surface. Alternatively, the support component  761  can be moved outwardly a farther distance to prop the holder  700  and its associated electronic device at a more reclined angle relative to a support surface. 
         [0152]    Referring to  FIG. 30B , a close-up view of edge portion  726 A of the base plate  720  is illustrated. The base plate  720  includes a front or inner surface  727  and a rear or outer surface  725  between which the opening  728  extends. The edge portion  726 A includes an opening  731  formed therein. The opening  731  is configured to receive the pin  765  and to allow the pin  765  to rotate, thereby rotatably supporting the support component  761 . 
         [0153]    The positioning mechanism  729  includes cooperating components on the base plate  720  and the support component  761  that facilitate the positioning of the support component  761  in several positions relative to the base plate  720 . In one embodiment, the support component  761  includes a projection or nub that can engage one of several recesses formed on the base plate  720 . In an alternative embodiment, the support component  761  includes a recess that can be engaged by one of several nubs or projections formed on the base plate  720 . 
         [0154]    Referring to  FIG. 30B , the support component  761  includes a nub or projection  769  and the base plate  720  includes several recesses  733 ,  735 , and  737  formed therein. The recesses  733 ,  735 , and  737  are formed to receive the projection  769  and positively retain the projection  769  to hold the support component  761  in a particular extended position relative to the base plate  720 . While three recesses  733 ,  735 , and  737  are illustrated, any quantity of recesses may be formed on edge portion  726 A. 
         [0155]    When the pin  765  is inserted into opening  731 , the support component  761  can be rotated about pin  765  along the direction of arrow “AA” to an extended position and along the direction of arrow “AB” to a retracted position. In this embodiment, recess  733  is located so that when nub  769  engages the recess  733 , the support component  761  is retained in its retracted position relative to the base plate  720 . The engagement of nub  769  with recess  735  maintains the support component  761  in an extended position and the engagement of nub  769  with recess  737  maintains the support component  761  in a greater extended position relative to the base plate  720 . 
         [0156]    Referring to  FIGS. 30C and 30D , an alternative embodiment of a positioning mechanism is illustrated. Only a portion of the edge portion  726 A in this embodiment is illustrated for ease of reference. The edge portion  726 A of the base plate  720  includes a shoulder  745  that defines an opening  741  that is configured to receive a pin, such as pin  765 , on the support component  761 . When pin  765  is inserted into opening  741 , the support component  761  is rotatably mounted to the base plate  720 . 
         [0157]    The edge portion  726 A also includes a positioning mechanism  739 . In this embodiment, the positioning mechanism  739  includes several notches or recesses  743  formed therein that between them form teeth  747 . The notches  743  and teeth  747  extend around the perimeter of the shoulder  745 . Similarly configured notches and teeth are formed on a side wall of the support component  761  and engageable with the notches  743  and teeth  747  on the edge portion  726 A. As a result, when the support component  761  is rotated about pin  765  relative to the base plate  720 , the teeth and notches on each of the support component  761  and the edge portion  726 A engage each other and form a ratcheting mechanism that can be used to retain the support component  761  in a particular position relative to the base plate  720 . In an alternative embodiment, the sets of notches and teeth do not extend all of the way around the shoulder  745 . 
         [0158]    Referring to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , an alternative embodiment of a holder is illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder  800  includes a body  810  that has a back plate  820  with an edge  822  that defines an opening  824  (see  FIG. 32 ). The holder  810  includes a support or support portion  830  that can be placed in a retracted or collapsed configuration  832  and in an extended or deployed configuration  834 . The support  830  can be used to support the holder  800  relative to a support surface  802 . 
         [0159]    In this embodiment, the support  830  includes a support component  840  and a linking component  860 . The linking component can also be referred to as a support component. The support component  840  includes an edge  842  that defines an opening  844  that extends through the support component  840 . The support component  840  includes a mounting end  846  that is coupled to the body  810  by a pin (not shown) and an opposite contact end  848  that is configured to engage a support surface  802 . The contact end  848  includes a recessed portion  849  that has a curved configuration. 
         [0160]    The linking component  860  includes a body  861  that has an end  862  that is pivotally coupled to the support component  840  by a pin  863 . The other end  864  of the linking component  860  includes two arms  870  and  880  coupled thereto. Arm  870  includes an end  872  that is pivotally coupled to the body  861  and an opposite end  874  that is pivotally coupled to the body  810  of the holder  810 . Similarly, arm  880  includes ends  882  and  884 . End  882  is coupled at one end to the body  861  and at its other end  884  to body  810  of the holder  800 . The ends  874  and  884  of the arms  870  and  880  are pivotally coupled to the body  810  and the arms  870  and  880  pivot about their respective ends. When the linking component  860  is disposed in its substantially horizontal position illustrated in  FIG. 32 , the arms  870  and  880  are secured in place by grooves on the body  861  and the linking component  860  maintains the support component  840  in a particular position relative to the remainder of the body  810 . 
         [0161]    Referring to  FIG. 33 , an alternative embodiment of a holder is illustrated. In this embodiment, the holder  900  includes a body  910  with a plate  920  that has an edge  922  that defines an opening  924 . The edge  922  includes a side wall  930  that has a slot  932  formed therein with projections. A corresponding slot (not shown) is formed in the side wall (not shown) that is opposite to side wall  930 . 
         [0162]    The holder  900  has a support  940  that can be used to support the holder  900  relative to a support surface  902 . The support  940  includes a support component  950  that has a body  952  with opposite ends  954  and  956 . End  954  is pivotally coupled to the body  910  by a pin (not shown). End  956  is configured to engage a support surface  902  and may include a curved or recessed portion  958 . The body  952  includes an edge  960  that defines an opening  962  within the body  952 . In different embodiments, the size and configuration of the opening  962  can vary. 
         [0163]    The support  940  includes an additional support component  970  that has a body  972  with opposite ends  974  and  976 . End  974  is pivotally coupled to the body  952  of support component  950  by a pin  990  that is inserted through openings formed in the support components  950  and  970 . End  976  is coupled to the body  910  of the holder  900  by a pin  995  that extends through opening  978  of the support component  970  and into slot  932  in side wall  930  and the corresponding slot in the side wall opposite to side wall  930 . The pin  995  can slide along the slots in the side walls and is retained in particular positions in the slots based on friction and the engagement of the pin  995  with the projections in the slots. 
         [0164]    Referring to  FIG. 33 , in this embodiment, the body  952  of the support member  950  has an inner surface  953  that includes slots or grooves  955  and  957  formed therein. The grooves  955  and  957  are configured to receive the exposed portions of the pin  995  on opposite sides of the support component  970  when the support components  950  and  970  are moved to their retracted positions. As a result, support component  950  can be moved to a retracted position within the body  910  of the case  900 . 
         [0165]    Referring to  FIGS. 34-35 , an embodiment of an attachment mechanism that can be used to couple a support to a surface, such as a surface of a vehicle such as an automobile, a bicycle, etc. The attachment mechanism  1100  is coupled to a surface  1150 . In one embodiment, the surface  1150  is a surface of a vehicle, such as a dashboard for the vehicle. The attachment mechanism  1110  can integrally formed with the surface  1150 . Alternatively, the attachment mechanism  1110  can be formed separately from the surface  1150  and coupled to the surface  1150  using any conventional technique or component, such as an adhesive, friction fit, or a fastener or coupler. 
         [0166]    The attachment mechanism  1100  includes a body  1110  with several inner walls  1112 ,  1114 ,  1116 , and  1118  that collectively define a receptacle  1120 . The receptacle  1120  can have any shape or configuration in various embodiments. The body  1110  can be formed of molded plastic or similar material. 
         [0167]    As shown in  FIG. 35 , the distal end  526  of support component  520  can be inserted into the receptacle  1120 . The distal end  526  can be retained in the receptacle  1120  via friction. In an alternative embodiment, the distal end  526  can be retained in the receptacle  1120  via a locking mechanism, such as a cooperating set of a projection and a recess on opposite surfaces. When the support component  520  is inserted into the receptacle  1120 , the holder  300  with support component  520  is held in place and supported relative to support surface  1150 . If the frictional contact between the attachment mechanism  1100  and the support component  520  is sufficient, the attachment mechanism  1100  can be oriented at any angle and will still be able to hold and support the support component  520  and its associated holder. Accordingly, a user can view and use the electronic device held by holder  300  and supported relative to surface  1150 . 
         [0168]    The surface  1150  can be any surface relative to which a user would like to use the electronic device. In one embodiment, the surface  1150  can be a top or front of the dashboard surface in an automobile. In another embodiment, the surface  1150  can be a surface of a bicycle, motorcycle, stroller for infants, computer monitor, desk, table, article of furniture, briefcase or smaller piece of luggage. The attachment mechanism  1110  can be molded plastic, formed metal or any other similar material. 
         [0169]    Referring to  FIGS. 36 and 37 , another embodiment of an attachment mechanism is illustrated. In this embodiment, a surface relative to which the electronic device can be used is illustrated as surface  1250 . Similar to surface  1150 , surface  1250  can be any type of surface. The surface  1250  includes an attachment mechanism  1200 . In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism  1200  includes a nub or protrusion  1210  that is integrally formed with the surface  1250  and extends outwardly from the surface  1250 . In an alternative embodiment, the hub or protrusion  1210  is separately formed and subsequently coupled to the surface  1250  using any conventional technique, such as an adhesive. The nub  1210  can be molded plastic or any other similar material. 
         [0170]    Referring to  FIG. 37 , the arrangement of the support component  520  relative to the surface  1250  is illustrated. In this embodiment, the support component  520  has an outer surface  530  and an inner surface  532 . The outer surface  530  includes a recess  567  that is defined by a surface  565 . The recess  567  is sized to receive the nub  1210  and eliminate movement of the support component  520  along the directions of arrows “AD.” The engagement of the hub  1210  with the recess  567  maintains the support component  520  and its associated holder in a fixed position relative to the surface  1250 . Accordingly, a user can view and use the electronic device held by holder  300  and supported relative to surface  1250 . 
         [0171]    Referring to  FIG. 38 , a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system is illustrated. In this embodiment, the system  1300  includes a holder  1310  to which an electronic device  1320  can be coupled. The holder  1310  includes a support (not shown) that can be repositioned relative to the holder  1310  to support the holder  1310  and the electronic device  1320  at various angles relative to a support surface. 
         [0172]    A mounting structure  1330  can be used with the holder  1310  to mount the holder  1310  to an object  1360 . For example, a user may want to mount the holder  1310  to an object  1360  proximate to the user, such as an article of clothing or an accessory such as a belt. The mounting structure  1330  includes a coupling portion  1340  that couples the holder  1310  to the mounting structure  1330  and a mounting portion  1350  that mounts the mounting structure  1330  to the object  1360 . While one embodiment of a mounting structure is illustrated in  FIG. 39 , in different embodiments, the mounting structure may have different configurations and features. 
         [0173]    Referring to  FIG. 39 , the holder  1400  includes a body  1410  to which an electronic device  1450  can be coupled using coupling members  1412 ,  1414 , and  1416 . The holder  1400  includes a repositionable or reconfigurable support  1430  that can be used to support the holder  1400  relative to a support surface. The support  1430  is movable relative to the base plate  1420  and includes support component  1432  and support component  1434  that are coupled together and movable relative to each other. In this embodiment, one of the support components  1432  and  1434  includes an opening  1440  formed therein. The opening  1440  can extend through the particular support component, which in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 39 , is support component  1434 . 
         [0174]    Also illustrated is an embodiment of a mounting structure  1460  that can be used to mount the holder  1400  to an object such as a belt, article of clothing, or other structure. The mounting structure  1460  includes a body  1470  with opposite surfaces or sides  1472  and  1474 . Coupled to side  1472  is a mounting portion or clip  1480  that is configured to be used to mount the body  1470  to the object. The mounting portion  1480  has a coupled end  1482  and a free end  1484 . In this embodiment, the mounting portion  1480  is a resilient arm that is coupled to the body  1470 . The resilient arm may be made of plastic or molded rubber. The free end  1484  can be moved relative to surface  1472  so that the object, such as a belt, can be inserted between the mounting portion  1480  and the body  1470 . In an alternative embodiment, the mounting portion  1480  can be a pivotally mounted arm that is biased into a closed position via a biasing member, such as a spring. The free end of the pivotally mounted arm can be moved away from the body  1470  to accommodate the object and released to mount the mounting structure  1460  to the object. The free of the mounting portion  1480  can be moved away from the body  1470  again so that the object can be removed. 
         [0175]    The mounting structure  1460  also includes a coupling portion  1490  that is located proximate to surface  1474  of the body  1470 . The coupling portion  1490  includes a projection or protrusion  1492  that can be inserted or snapped into opening  1440  of support  1430  to couple the holder  1400  to the mounting structure  1460 . In other embodiments, the positions of the projection  1492  and the opening  1440  can be reversed. In one embodiment, the configuration of the coupling portion  1490  can vary provided that a positive engagement between the coupling portion  1490  and the holder  1400  is achieved. The coupling portion  1490  is configured to allow for the adjustment of the holder  1400  and the electronic device  1450  coupled thereto by the user, such as by spinning the holder  1400  to a desired orientation or position. 
         [0176]    In one embodiment, the portions or components of the mounting structure  1460  can be integrally formed. In other embodiments, the portions or components of the mounting structure  1460  can be formed separately and subsequently coupled to each other. 
         [0177]    In alternative embodiments, a holder may include multiple supports or support portions. In other embodiments, the configuration of the coupling mechanism of the holder, which couples the holder to an electronic device, can vary. 
         [0178]    Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention. 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 as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, 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 limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation. 
         [0179]    While the invention has been described in detail and with references to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5