Abstract:
A portable support apparatus for an electronic device. The portable support apparatus can be connected to an electronic device to provide support. The portable support apparatus has a central portion which has a yolk retainer coupled to a proximal end of a central leg, and a central foot coupled to a distal end of the central leg. The portable support apparatus can also include side-support portions coupled to the central portion. The side support portions can be deployable to form a tripod. The adjustable device receiver can include a ball-connector which is received within a receiving yolk and a tongue coupled to the ball-connector. The tongue can be configured to be insertable into an opening of an electronic device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/079,529, filed Nov. 13, 2014 and entitled, “Portable stand for an electronic device,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety as if fully set forth below. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The subject matter herein relates generally to portable support devices and in particular to a foldable tripod for an electronic device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Tripod assemblies typically include three legs which that can deploy out to form a support structure for devices such as cameras. Such as assemblies, however, are usually difficult to use in terms of mounting to their associated device or in terms of how each leg becomes stable. In turn, such tripods have been known to be unstable for smaller, mobile computing devices and may also require relatively stable, flat surfaces. 
         [0004]    Such tripods are therefore limited in the manner in which they can be used, their ease of use, and the support that they may impart to their respective device. 
         [0005]    It is with respect to these and other considerations that the various embodiments described below are presented. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    At least one embodiment within this disclosure is a portable support apparatus for an electronic device. The portable support apparatus can be connected to an electronic device to provide support. The portable support apparatus can have a central portion which has a yolk retainer coupled to a proximal end of a central leg. The central portion may also have a central foot coupled to a distal end of the central leg, wherein a longitudinal axis may be running therealong from the proximal end to the distal end of the central portion. The portable support apparatus can also include a first side-support portion which has a first shoulder pivotally coupled to a first side of the central portion, and a first side-leg coupled to a first side-foot. 
         [0007]    The portable support apparatus can also include a second side-support portion which has a second shoulder pivotally coupled to a second side of the central portion (opposite the first side of the central portion), as well as a second side-leg coupled to a second side-foot. Furthermore, the portable support apparatus can include a ball joint comprising a receiving yolk which is connected to the yolk retainer. The ball joint can include an adjustable device receiver which can be removably attached to a device, such as an electronic device, like a cell phone or camera, for example. The adjustable device receiver can include a ball-connector which is received within the receiving yolk, and a tongue coupled to the ball-connector, the tongue configured to be insertable into, and received within, an opening of an electronic device. 
         [0008]    In at least one embodiment, the portable support apparatus has a portable configuration in which the first side-leg and the second side-leg are comprised within a side profile of the central portion, and a deployed configuration, in which the first side-leg and the second side-leg are each pivotally deployed at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central portion. The predetermined angle can be in excess of one hundred and thirty degrees (130°). It will be understood that when the portable support apparatus is in the deployed configuration, it can form a tripod. In at least one embodiment, the predetermined angle can be less than one hundred and thirty degrees (130°). In at least one embodiment, the predetermined angle is formed with respect to a plane formed by the longitudinal axis of the central portion and an axis running between a first yolk shoulder and a second yolk shoulder. 
         [0009]    In at least one embodiment of the portable support apparatus, the central foot, the first side-foot, and the second side-foot, can form an equilateral triangle when the portable support apparatus is in the deployed configuration. Additionally, the adjustable device receiver can be eccentric with respect to a circle running through the corners of the equilateral triangle formed when the portable support apparatus is in the deployed configuration. This can increase stability with which an electronic device is supported by the portable support apparatus. 
         [0010]    In at least one embodiment, the connecting ball of the adjustable device receiver is resiliently pivotable and resiliently rotable within a receiving area of the receiving yolk. In at least one embodiment, the adjustable receiver can have a predetermined maximum range of pivotation of one hundred and eleven degrees (111°) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central portion. In at least one embodiment, the adjustable receiver can have a predetermined maximum range of pivotation of twenty-eight degrees (28°) with respect to an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central portion. 
         [0011]    In at least one embodiment, either the first side-leg or the second side-leg, or both, have an opening tool formed therein. In at least one embodiment, the opening tool comprises a fillet and an indent portion formed in the side-leg. The fillet and the indent portion can be adjacent to one another, with the fillet being a greater distance from the receiving yolk than the indent portion. The opening tool can be a bottle opener. 
         [0012]    In at least one embodiment, the ball-connector and the tongue are integrally formed of a material such as hard plastic. In at least one embodiment, the receiving yolk can be configured to exert a compressive force upon the ball-connector. The receiving yolk can be formed of a material comprising a plastic softer than that of the ball-connector. The central leg, the first side-leg and the second side-leg can be composed of Zinc alloy, stainless steel, brass, aluminum alloy, spring steel, or plastic resin. 
         [0013]    In at least one embodiment, the central leg, the first side-leg and the second side-leg can have hollows formed in their sides, which can reduce the weight of the portable support apparatus. 
         [0014]    In other embodiments, a portable support device for a portable computing device is provided. A central portion having proximal and distal ends may be used and a yolk retainer can be positioned on the proximal end of the central portion. A central foot can be positioned on the distal end of the central portion. A first side portion can have a proximal end pivotally coupled to a first side of the central portion and a first foot of the first side portion can be positioned on a distal end opposite the proximal end of the first side portion. Similarly, a second side portion can have a proximal end pivotally coupled to a second side of the central portion and a second foot of the second side portion can be positioned on a distal end opposite the proximal end of the second side portion. A ball joint can be rotably engaged with the yolk retainer so that it is rotatable between a plurality of positions and orientations. A device receiver can be coupled to the ball joint and operable to be removably coupled to the portable computing device. 
         [0015]    The central and side portions in this embodiment can be operable to move between portable and deployed configurations. In this respect, the portable configuration can be defined by the first and second side portions being axially aligned with a longitudinal axis running from the proximal to distal ends of the central portion. Each of these portions can therefore being planar with each other. In contrast, in the deployed configuration the first and second side portions can be pivotally deployed from the portable configuration to a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle can be formed with respect to a plane formed by the longitudinal axis of the central portion and an axis running between first and second yolk shoulders positioned opposite each other on the ball joint. 
         [0016]    The predetermined angle can be at least one hundred and thirty degrees. In the deployed configuration, the central and side portions can form a tripod operable to mechanically attach to and move the portable computing device between the plurality of positions and orientations. Additionally, in the deployed configuration, the central, first, and second feet can form an equilateral triangle. 
         [0017]    In other embodiments, the device receiver can be eccentric with respect to a circle running through corners of the equilateral triangle formed when the device is in the deployed configuration. The connecting ball of the device receiver can also be resiliently rotatable within a receiving area of the yolk retainer. The device receiver can have a predetermined rotational range of one hundred and eleven degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis running defined by the ends of the central portion. The device receiver can also have a predetermined rotational range of twenty-eight degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to an axis running between first and second yolk shoulders positioned opposite each other on the ball joint. The device receiver can be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the central portion. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, a receiving yolk of the ball joint can exert a compressive force upon a ball-connector of the device receiver to move the device receiver between the predetermined rotational range. Each of the first and second side portions can also be operable to be rotated in the deployed configuration until contacting respective first and second stop supports of the central portion. 
         [0019]    The stop supports can be oriented in a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the central portion so that the respective side portion is flush with the respective stop portion in the deployed configuration. One or both of the stop supports can include a locking mechanism to secure the stop support to the respective side portion and the locking mechanism can be a click fit connector, a band, or a hook and loop fastener. 
         [0020]    In other embodiments, a method of forming a tripod for a portable computing device is disclosed. The method may include the following steps: coupling a central leg to first and second side legs, each of the side legs being pivotally coupled to opposite sides of the central leg between and pivotable between a predetermined range of rotation from portable and deployed configurations; wherein the portable configuration is defined by central and side legs being generally planar with each other and wherein the deployed configuration is defined by each of the side legs being rotated away from the central leg about respective pivots of the central portion to form the tripod; positioning a yolk retainer on a proximal end of the central portion; rotably engaging a ball joint with the yolk retainer, the ball joint being rotatable between a plurality of positions and orientations; and coupling a device receiver to the ball joint, the device receiver being operable to be removably coupled to the portable computing device. 
         [0021]    Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Implementations of the present technology will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a support device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a portable support device with an opening tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  illustrates a portable support device in a portable configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is similar to  FIG. 2 , but viewed from another angle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4A  illustrates an exploded view of a portable support device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a top plan view of a portable support device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of a portable support device in a deployed configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of a portable support device in a deployed configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  illustrates a left elevational view of a portable support device in a deployed configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a right elevational view of a portable support device in a portable configuration, with an adjustable device receiver in a first position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8B  is similar to  FIG. 8A , but with the adjustable device receiver in a second position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8C  is similar to  FIG. 8A , but with the adjustable device receiver in a third position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8D  is similar to  FIG. 8A , but illustrating a range of motion of the adjustable device receiver in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  illustrates a front elevational view of a portable support device in a portable configuration, the adjustable device receiver having another range of motion in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  illustrates a portable support device in a deployed configuration coupled with an electronic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is similar to  FIG. 10 , but viewed from another angle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  illustrates a portable support device in a deployed configuration where the positioning of the adjustable device receiver is located at an offset distance from a center of an equilateral stance in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  illustrates a portable support device in use as a kickstand in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the implementations described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the implementations described herein. 
         [0042]    Additionally, although example embodiments of the disclosed technology are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology be limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. 
         [0043]    It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” it is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named. 
         [0044]    In describing example embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more steps of a method does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Steps of a method may be performed in a different order than those described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified. 
         [0045]    Turning to the figures,  FIG. 1A  illustrates a portable support device  100  in a deployed configuration  200 . The portable support device  100  can be made of any material, such as a metal or a plastic. In at least one embodiment, the portable support device  100  can be made of zamak 5 zinc alloy. However, the portable support device  100  is not so limited and can also be made of stainless steel, spring steel, and/or brass. The portable support device  100  can have a central leg  138 , a first side-support portion  116 , and a second side-support portion  118 . The first side-support portion  116  can be configured to pivot in relation to the central leg  138  along a direction A. The first side-support portion  116  can pivot until blocked by a first stop support  140 , forming an angle  400  in the deployed configuration  200 . The first stop support  140  can be positioned such that the first side-support portion  116  is angled to raise the portable support device  100 . The second side-support portion  118  can be configured to pivot in relation to the central leg  138  along a direction B. The second side-support portion  118  can pivot until blocked by the second stop support  142 , forming an angle  402  in the deployed configuration  200 . The second stop support  142  can be positioned such that the second stop support  118  is angled to raise the portable support device  100 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 1B  illustrates that the portable support device  100  can include an opening tool  150 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , the portable support device  100  is in a deployed configuration  200 . The portable support device  100  can have a first axis X-X along a central portion  114 . The portable support device can have a second axis Y-Y running between a first yolk shoulder  134  and a second yolk shoulder  136 . 
         [0047]    It is understood that each of first and second stop supports  140  and  142  may extend outwardly from leg  138  and may be integrally formed with yolk shoulders  134  and  136  as shown or one, or both, may be removably attached thereto. Additionally, each of angles  400  and  402  may be fixed as with shoulders  134  and  136  depicted in  FIG. 1A  or may be adjustable across any number of angle depending of preference or need. Finally, a locking mechanism may be provided between supports  140  and  142  with respective portions  116  and  118  to securely engage each portion as desired or needed in the deployed configuration. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the portable support device  100  including an opening tool  150  in a portable configuration  300 . In the portable configuration, it can be seen that portions  114 ,  116 , and  118  are assembled adjacent each other and portions  116  and  118  are no longer pivoted outwardly in contact with associated supports  140  and  142 . 
         [0049]    When in the portable configuration  300 , the central leg  138 , the first side-support portion  116  and the second side-support portion  118  can be axially aligned and/or generally planar with each other thereby permitting portions  114 ,  116  and  118  to be assembled with each other. In this respect, configuration  300  may provide device  100  with a highly portable form factor that can quickly unfold to the deployed configuration  200  depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
         [0050]    As can be seen, the portable support device  100  can include a tongue  106  disposed above and/or in communication with shoulders  134  and  136 . The tongue  106  can be inserted into and received by an electronic device  500 . In at least one embodiment, the tongue  106  can be configured to be received in a charging port of device  500 . In other embodiments, the tongue  106  can be configured to be received in a Lightning port, a micro-USB port, and/or be plugged into an audio port of device  500 . Additionally, the tongue  106  may be operable to securely engage and/or mechanically support corresponding device  500  when received by device  500 . In this respect, the tongue  106  can optionally include a recessed portion or waist  107  that can correspond to the electronic device  500  for a stable connection. The waist  107  can include indents  108 ,  109  that can further stabilize the connection to the electronic device  500 . 
         [0051]    The tongue  106  can also be connected to a ball  105 . The ball  105  can be rotatable within the portable support device  100 . The ball  105  can rotate so that device  500  may be adjustable between any number of orientations and/or positions during use. 
         [0052]    In at least one embodiment, the opening tool  150  can be included on the first side-support portion  116 . In other embodiments, the opening tool  150  can be included on the second side-support portion  118 . The opening tool  150  can include an indent portion  152  and a fillet  154 . In at least one embodiment, the opening tool  150  can be used to open bottles. The bottle cap can be inserted into the indent portion  152 . The fillet  154  can clip the bottom of the bottle cap, and with added torque, the bottle cap can be disengaged from the bottle. Additionally, the tool  150  may be integrally formed with portion  118  as depicted or may be removably attached therewith. Other tools  150  may also be incorporated with portion  116  or leg  138 . Finally, opening tool  150  may not necessarily be an opening tool. Instead, in those embodiments where tool  150  is removably attached to device  100 , tool  150  may be any other tool including a stylus for device  500 , a remote mechanism operable to wirelessly communicate with and/or control device  500 , or the like. 
         [0053]      FIG. 4A  illustrates an exploded view of the herein disclosed portable support device  100 . As can be seen, the first side-support portion  116  and the second side-support portion  118  can be pivotally coupled to the central portion  114 . In at least one embodiment, the first side-support portion  116  and the second side-support portion  118  can be pivotally coupled to the central portion  114  by a coupling device  160 . 
         [0054]    As can be seen, the coupling device  160  can include a washer  162  and an engagement device  164 . The engagement device  164  may be defined by an elongate member, bolt, screw, rod, pin, or any other fastening mechanism that extends from a wider base portion and can pass through the washer  162 . Multiple engagement devices  164  may be provided as seen in  FIG. 4A  and pivotally couple the respective first side-support portion  116  and the respective second side-support portion  118  to the central portion  114 . 
         [0055]    The central portion  114  can include a yolk retainer  132 . The yolk retainer  132  can include a first yolk shoulder  134  and a second yolk shoulder  136 . The first yolk shoulder  134  and second yolk shoulder  136  can include the first support stop  140  and second support stop  142 , respectively. As can be seen, the yolk retainer  132  may be in a cradle shape operable to receive and securely engage yolk  112 . 
         [0056]    The portable support device  100  can also include a joint  102 . The joint  102  can include an adjustable device receiver  104  and a receiving yolk  112 . The adjustable device receiver  104  can include the previously-described tongue  106  and the ball  105 . The receiving yolk  132  can include a ball receiver  110 . The ball receiver  110  can receive the ball  105 . The ball  105  can rotate within the ball receiver  110  and the ball receiver  110  can include a device receiver stopper  111 . The device receiver stopper  111  can restrict the rotation of the ball  105 . By restricting the rotation of the ball  105 , the orientation of the electronic device  500  when securely engaged with the tongue  106  is also restricted. The receiving yolk  112  can be received by the yolk retainer  132 . When the receiving yolk  112  is received by the yolk retainer  132 , the first yolk shoulder  134  and second yolk shoulder  136  can exert a clamping force on the joint  102 . In certain embodiments, the clamping force allows the ball  105  to rotate, but only when the clamping force is applied. In most instances during normal operation, if no clamping force is applied, the ball  105  can maintain its position even with the electronic device  500  securely attached thereto, regardless of the angle of the electronic device  500 . 
         [0057]    In at least one embodiment, the central leg  138  of the central portion  114  can be hollow and/or bored out to decrease the weight while maintaining the structural strength. In other embodiments, the central leg  138  can have a hollow chamber  170  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) to decrease the weight while still maintaining structural strength. Optionally, chamber  170  may be defined by one or ribs, trusses, or structural members to provide structural reinforcement to leg  138 . In at least one embodiment, the hollow chamber  170  can be on a side of the central leg  138  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). In other embodiments, the hollow chamber  170  can be on any side of the central leg  138 . 
         [0058]    Turning back to  FIG. 4A , the central portion  114  can include a central foot receiver  126  on the distal end of the central leg  138 . The central foot receiver  126  can be configured to receive a central foot  120 . The central foot  120  can be made of any material, such as metal or plastic, and the central foot  120  can be made of any material to induce traction, such as rubber. 
         [0059]    The first side-support portion  116  can also include a first side leg  117 . In at least one embodiment, the first side leg  117  can be hollow to decrease the weight while maintaining the structural strength. In other embodiments, the first side leg  117  can have a hollow chamber  172  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) to decrease the weight while maintaining structural strength. The first side-support portion  116  can include a first side foot receiver  128  on the distal end of the first side leg  117 . The first side foot receiver  128  can be configured to receive a first side foot  122 . The first side foot  122  can be made of any material, such as metal or plastic. In at least one embodiment, the first side foot  122  can be made of any material to induce traction, such as rubber. 
         [0060]    The second side-support portion  118  can include a second side leg  119 . In at least one embodiment, the second side leg  119  can be hollow to decrease the weight while maintaining the structural strength. In other embodiments, the second side leg  119  can have a hollow chamber  174  to decrease the weight while maintaining structural strength. (See  FIGS. 4A and 5 ). The second side-support portion  118  can include a second side foot receiver  130  on the distal end of the second side leg  119 . The second side foot receiver  130  can be configured to receive a second side foot  124 . The second side foot  124  can be made of any material, such as metal or plastic. In at least one embodiment, the second side foot  123  can be made of any material to induce traction, such as rubber. 
         [0061]    It is to be noted that each of the feet  120 ,  122 , and  124  may also include an elastomer positioned on its lower, surface contacting portion to reduce impact or shock that may be absorbed or received through feet  120 ,  122 , and  124  during use. While feet  120 ,  122 , and  124  may be removably attached to the respective portions as depicted, the device  100  is not so limited and instead, feet  120 ,  122 , and  124  may be integrally formed therewith. 
         [0062]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a top view of the portable support device  100 . As shown, the portable support device  100  is in the previously-described portable configuration  300 . The ball  105  can be seen held by the first yolk shoulder  134  and the second yolk shoulder  136  prevents the ball  105  from rotating freely. The device receiver stopper  111  can be included in the rear of the ball receiver  110 , further restricting the rotation of the ball  105 . 
         [0063]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate rear and front views, respectively, of the portable support device  100  in the previously-described deployed configuration  200 . The deployed configuration  200  can be achieved when the first side-support portion  116  and the second side-support portion  118  pivot until blocked by the first support stop  140  and second support stop  142 . Along with the central leg  138 , the first side-support portion  116  and the second side-support portion  118  can create an equilateral triangle stance. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it adds both stability and elevation to the corresponding electronic device  500 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 5  also illustrates that, in at least one embodiment, the central leg  138  can be hollow to decrease the weight while maintaining the structural strength. In other embodiments, the central leg  138  can have a hollow chamber  170  to decrease the weight while maintaining structural strength. In at least one embodiment, the first side leg  117  can be hollow to decrease the weight while maintaining the structural strength. In other embodiments, the first side leg  117  can have a hollow chamber  172  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) to decrease the weight while maintaining structural strength. In at least one embodiment, the second side leg  119  can be hollow to decrease the weight while maintaining the structural strength. In other embodiments, the second side leg  119  can have a hollow chamber  174  to decrease the weight while maintaining structural strength. 
         [0065]      FIG. 7  illustrates a left elevational view of the portable support device  100  in a deployed configuration  200 . As mentioned above, along with the central leg  138 , the first side-support portion  116  and the second side-support portion  118  can create an equilateral triangle stance. The joint  102  can be located at on offset distance from the center of the equilateral triangle stance. When the electronic device  500  is tilted back to face the front of the electronic device  500  upward toward the user, the offset can move the center of mass for the electronic device  500  to more closely align with the center of the equilateral triangle stance. This alignment can improve the stability of the portable support device  100 . Additionally, the backward tilt can move the center of mass of the electronic device  500  toward the rear of the stance while the offset moves the center of mass forward. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 8A-8D  illustrate a right elevational view of the portable support device  100  in a portable configuration  300 .  FIGS. 8A-8D  also illustrate that, in the portable configuration  300 , the first side-support portion  116 , the second side-support portion  118 , and the central portion  114  align to form a profile  301  wherein each of the portions  114 ,  116 , and  118  may be substantially planar with each other. The profile  301  can be the size of one of the first side-support portion  116 , the second side-support portion  118 , and the central portion  114 . 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 8A , the ball  105  is positioned such that the tongue  106  is aligned with the profile  301 . Referring to  FIG. 8B , the ball  105  is positioned such that the tongue  106  is perpendicular to the profile  301 . In this position, the portable support device  100  can be used as a kickstand as shown in  FIG. 13 . Referring to  FIG. 8C , the ball  105  is rotated such that the adjustable device receiver  104  is blocked by the device receiver stopper  111 . When the adjustable device receiver  104  is blocked by the device receiver stopper  111 , the ball  105  cannot rotate further along axis YY (as shown in  FIG. 1B ).  FIG. 8D  illustrates the range of motion of the ball  105  along axis Y-Y. The ball  105  can rotate along axis Y-Y to move the adjustable device receiver  104  between angles A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , or any angle within angle A 3 . 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the adjustable device receiver  104  can also rotate along the axis Z-Z (as shown in  FIG. 1B ). The ball  105  can rotate along axis Z-Z until the adjustable device receiver  104  is blocked by the receiving yolk  112 . As such, the ball can rotate along axis Z-Z to move the adjustable device receiver  104  between angles B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , or any angle within angle B 3 . 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the portable support device  100  is in a deployed configuration  200  with an electronic device  500  coupled to the portable support device  100 . The central portion  114 , the first side-support portion  116 , and the second side support portion  118  can unfold to an equilateral triangle stance, adding both stability and a predetermined elevation to the electronic device  500 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 12  illustrates the portable support device  100  in a deployed configuration  200  without an electronic device  500  coupled to the portable support device  100 . As mentioned above, along with the central leg  138 , the first side-support portion  116  and the second side-support portion  118  can create an equilateral triangle stance as defined by each of portions  114 ,  116 ,  118  when deployed as depicted. The joint  102  can be located at on offset distance from the center of the equilateral triangle stance. In this respect, when the electronic device  500  is tilted back to face the front of the electronic device  500  upward toward the user, the offset distance can move the center of mass for the electronic device  500  to more closely align with the center of the equilateral triangle stance. This is particularly advantageous as the depicted alignment can improve the stability of the portable support device  100 . The backward tilt can move the center of mass of the electronic device  500  toward the rear of the stance while the offset moves the center of mass forward. 
         [0071]      FIG. 13  illustrates the portable support device  100  in a portable configuration  300  with the electronic device  500  coupled to the portable support device  100 . In the depicted portable configuration  300 , the central portion  114 , the first side-support portion  116 , and the second side-support portion  118  can align with each other as previously-described to form a profile  301 . When the adjustable device receiver  104  is in a position perpendicular to the profile  301 , the portable support device  100  can be used as a kickstand, where either the first side-support portion  116  or the second side-support portion  118  can stabilize the electronic device  500 . The electronic device  500  can be in a landscape orientation. 
         [0072]    The embodiments shown and described above are only examples. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present technology have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the present disclosure, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in the detail, including in matters of shape, size and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the present disclosure up to, and including, the full extent established by the broad general meaning of the terms used in the claims.