Apparatus, System, and Method for Supporting an Electronic Device

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for supporting an electronic device. The apparatus includes a post and a post receiving space. The post is couplable to either an article of jewelry or an electronic device and is made of a first material. The post receiving space is positioned within either of the article of jewelry, a jewelry coupling base, or an electronic device coupling base. The post receiving space is defined by a second material. The first material and the second material are made a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material. The post is receivable within the post receiving space to releasably couple the article of jewelry to the electronic device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 67/070,008 entitled “JEWELRY RING SMARTPHONE HOLDER” and filed on Aug. 12, 2014 for Tikunn Srey and to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/178,347 entitled “MAGNETIC HOLDER FOR SMARTPHONES, TABLETS, AND SUCH SMARTPHONES TABLET, OR ANY DEVICE TO MOST SURFACES” and filed on Apr. 7, 2015 for Tikunn Srey, which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to electronic devices and more particularly relates to apparatus, systems and methods for supporting electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

The ability to connect to the world in the palm of our hand with advent of smartphones, e.g., iPhone®, Android®, and tablets, e.g., iPad®, has given users of such devices information mobility. Everyday more and more people are connecting through a consortium of different mediums on their electronic devices. As user's plug away on their electronic devices it can be daunting for these users to hold the device.

The difficulty in holding an electronic device has manifest itself in the meteoric rise in the cell phone repair industry. According to one report the cell phone repair industry has grown at an average annual rate of 1.7% to $3.9 billion. To combat cell phone damage many users will often purchase a case to protect the valuable electronic devices. Cases are designed to attach to or otherwise hold a mobile phone. Common cases include pouches, sleeves, shells, skins, bumpers and the like. Unfortunately, a case is only designed to protect the electronic device from shock in the event of the user dropping the device. A case does not combat the root problem (i.e., losing one's grip on the electronic device.)

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that supports an electronic device. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would allow a user to easily hold an electronic device in one hand, would be easily removed from the electronic device to allow for storage of the electronic device, and would allow the user to view the electronic device in either landscape mode or portrait mode. Similarly, the apparatus should be sleek in design, visually attractive and comfortable to use.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available electronic device supports. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for supporting an electronic device that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The apparatus to support an electronic device, includes, in certain embodiments, a post and a post receiving space. The post is couplable to either an article of jewelry or an electronic device and is made of a first material. The post receiving space is positioned within either of the article of jewelry, a jewelry coupling base, or an electronic device coupling base. The post receiving space is defined by a second material. The first material and the second material are made a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material. The post is receivable within the post receiving space to releasably couple the article of jewelry to the electronic device.

In certain embodiments, the first material comprises a magnetic material and the second material comprises a ferromagnetic material. In such an embodiment, a magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material releasably couples the article of jewelry to the electronic device.

In other embodiments, the first material comprises a ferromagnetic material and the second material comprises a magnetic material. In such an embodiment, a magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material releasably couples the article of jewelry to the electronic device. In an exemplary embodiment the magnetic material comprises a neodymium magnet. In one embodiment, the post is coupled to the article of jewelry and the post receiving space is disposed within the electronic device coupling base.

The apparatus, in one embodiment, also includes a rolling-element bearing. The rolling-element bearing includes an inner race, an outer race and at least one rolling element. The inner race is positioned within the outer race with the at least one rolling element positioned between the inner race and the outer race. In such an embodiment, an inner surface of the inner race is sized and shaped to receive the post.

The rolling-element bearing, in an exemplary embodiment, is positioned within the electronic device coupling base. In such an embodiment, the electronic device coupling base is made of a ferromagnetic material and the post is made of a magnetic material. A magnetic attraction between the post and the electronic device coupling base releasably couples the article of jewelry to the electronic device. In one embodiment, an inner surface of the inner race comprises the post receiving space. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the rolling-element bearing is made of a ferromagnetic material and the post is a magnetic material. A magnetic attraction between the post and the rolling-element bearing releasably couples the article of jewelry to the electronic device.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a description of the subject matter will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus to support an electronic device in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 is a right side view further illustrating the @ of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a rear view further illustrating the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with the present subject matter; and

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a system to support an electronic device in accordance with the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus 100 to support an electronic device in accordance with the present subject matter. The apparatus 100, in one embodiment, includes a post 102 and a post receiving space 104.

The post 102, in certain embodiments, is coupleable to either an article of jewelry or an electronic device 202 (see, FIG. 2). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the post 102 is coupled to a ring 106. In certain embodiments, the post 102 comprises a cylindrical column extending from an outer surface 108 of the ring 106 or other article of jewelry. That is, in one embodiment, the post is an integral extension extending directly from the outer surface 108 of the ring 106 or other article of jewelry. In such an embodiment, the post 102 and the ring 106 may be cast, milled or otherwise formed in the same manufacturing process.

In other embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes a jewelry coupling base 110. In such an embodiment, the post 102 is coupled to the ring 106 or other article of jewelry by the jewelry coupling base 110. Of course, in such an embodiment, the post 102, the jewelry coupling base 110, and the ring 106 may be cast, milled or otherwise formed in the same manufacturing process.

In one embodiment, the jewelry coupling base 110 and the post 102 may be cast, milled, or otherwise formed and coupled to one another and later may be attached to the ring 106 or other article of jewelry. In such an embodiment, the jewelry coupling base 110 and the post 102 are coupled to the ring 106 or other article of jewelry by welding, chemically bonding or otherwise affixing jewelry coupling base 110 and the post 102 to the ring 106 or other article of jewelry.

In certain embodiments, the post receiving space 104 is positioned within an electronic device coupling base 112. The post receiving space 104 is sized and shaped to receive the post 102. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the post receiving space 104 is substantially cylindrical. Similarly, the post 102 has an outer surface 114 that is substantially cylindrical such that the post 102 is matingly receivable within the post receiving space 102. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the post 102 may have a cross-sectional shape that is not substantially cylindrical. In fact, in certain embodiments, the post 102 may have any other geometrical shape. In such an embodiment, the post receiving space 104 is sized and shaped corresponding to the size and shape of the post 102.

The post 102, in one embodiment, is made of a first material 116 and the post receiving space 104 is defined by a second material 118. In certain embodiments, the first material 116 and the second material 118 is either a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material such that a magnetic attraction is produced between the post 102 and the post receiving space 104. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the first material 116 that makes up the post 102 comprises a magnetic material and the second material 118 that surrounds the inner diameter of the post receiving space 104 comprises a ferromagnetic material such that a magnetic attraction forms between the post 102 and the post receiving space 104 to facilitate a releasable coupling between the post 102 and the post receiving space 104. In an exemplary embodiment and the magnetic material comprises a neodymium magnetic material.

While the embodiment discussed above indicates that the first material 116 is made of a magnetic material and the second material 118 is made of a ferromagnetic material, one of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, both the first material 116 and the second material 118 may be made of a magnetic material. For example, in certain embodiments, such as and embodiment wherein the electronic device 202 is relatively heavy, a stronger magnetic coupling force may be desirable. In such an embodiment, an apparatus 100 utilizing two magnetic material, one for the first material 116 and a second for the second material 118 forms a stronger magnetic coupling field than an embodiment utilizing a single magnetic material.

In other embodiments, the second material 118 may be made of a magnetic material while the first material 116 is made of a ferromagnetic material. That is, in one embodiment, the material that makes up the surface surrounding the post receiving space 104 may be magnetically charged and the material that makes up the post 102 may comprise a material that is attracted to a magnetic charge. In any of the above described embodiments, a magnetic attraction between the first material 116 and the second material 118 releasably couples the ring 106 or other article of jewelry to the electronic device coupling base 112.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the post 102 is depicted as being coupled to the ring 106 or other article of jewelry and the post receiving space 104 is depicted as being formed in the electronic device coupling base 112. In other embodiments, the position of the post 102 and the post receiving space 104 may be reversed. For example, in one embodiment, the post 102 may be coupled to the electronic device coupling base 112 and the post receiving space 104 may be formed in the ring 106 or in the jewelry coupling base 110. In yet another embodiment, the post 102 or the post receiving space 104 may be integrally formed on or in the electronic device 202 itself.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes a rolling-element bearing 120 to facilitate three hundred and sixty (360) degree rotation of the post 102 within the post receiving space 104. In such an embodiment, the rolling-element bearing 120 includes an inner race 122, an outer race 124, and at least one rolling element 126. The inner race 122 is positioned within the outer race 124 with the rolling element 126 positioned between the inner race 122 and the outer race 124. An inner surface 128 of the inner race 122 is sized and shaped to receive the post 102. Thus, in one embodiment, the inner surface 128 of the inner race 122 defines the post receiving space 104.

In one embodiment, the rolling-element bearing 120 is positioned within the electronic device coupling base 112. In such an embodiment, the electronic device coupling base 112 and the post 102 may be made of a magnetic or ferromagnetic material such that a magnetic attraction between the post 102 and the electronic device coupling base 112 is formed to releasably couple the ring 106 or other article of jewelry to the electronic device coupling base 112.

In other embodiments, at least a portion of the rolling-element bearing 120 is made of a magnetic or ferromagnetic material. In such an embodiment, the post 102 may also be made of a magnetic or ferromagnetic material such that a magnetic attraction between the post 102 and the rolling-element bearing 120 is formed to releasably couple the ring 106 or other article of jewelry to the electronic device coupling base 112.

FIG. 2 is a top view further illustrating the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present subject matter. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 the electronic device coupling base 112 is depicted as being coupled to the electronic device 202.

In certain embodiments, the electronic device coupling base 112 is coupled to the electronic device 202 by a chemical adhesive. In other embodiments, the electronic device coupling base 112 is coupled to the electronic device 202 by double sided tape. In another embodiment, the electronic device coupling base 112 may be integrally formed with the electronic device 202. In yet another embodiment, the electronic device coupling base 112 may be coupled the electronic device 202 by affixing the electronic device coupling base 112 to a protective case surrounding the electronic device 202. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways of coupling the electronic device coupling base 112 to the electronic device 202.

To releasably couple the ring 106 or other article of jewelry to the electronic device 202, the post 102 is inserted into the post receiving space 104 in the electronic device coupling base 112 in the direction indicated by arrow 204. A magnetic attraction between the post 102 and the material surrounding the post receiving space 104 facilitates a magnetic coupling between the post 102 and the material surrounding the post receiving space 104.

To uncouple the ring 106 or other article of jewelry from the electronic device 202, a user withdraws the post 102 from within the post receiving space 104 in a direction opposite the direction indicated by arrow 204 with sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction between the post 102 and the material surrounding the post receiving space 104. With the ring 106 or other article of jewelry uncoupled from the electronic device 202, the device can be stored in a user's pocket or purse to transport the electronic device 202. The ring 106 or other article of jewelry may likewise be removed from the user's finger and stored in the user's pocket or purse to transport the ring 106 or other article of jewelry. In an exemplary embodiment, the ring 106 or other article of jewelry is aesthetically pleasing and the user may continue to wear the ring 106 or other article of jewelry as a fashion statement.

In one embodiment, the ring 106 or other article of jewelry may be used as a stand to support the electronic device 202. In such an embodiment, the user removes the ring 106 or other article of jewelry from his or her finger and the ring 106 or other article of jewelry is used to support the electronic device in a substantially perpendicular orientation on a support surface. In this manner, the user can view the content on the electronic device 202 from a comfortable position.

FIG. 3 is a rear view further illustrating the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with the present subject matter. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the ring 106 has been positioned on a user's finger with the device coupling base 112 coupled to the electronic device 202. The post 102 has been inserted into the post receiving space 104 such that a magnetic attraction between the post 102 and the post receiving space 104 operates to keep the electronic device 202 positioned within the user's hand 304. This allows for single handed support of the electronic device 202.

With the ring 106 positioned on a user's finger and with the post 102 inserted into the post receiving space 104, the magnetic coupling between the post 102 and the material surrounding the post receiving space 104 allows the electronic device 202 to pivot about the post 102 in a direction indicated by arrows 306. Thus, a user is free to reorient the electronic device 202 between a landscape view and a portrait view depending on the user's desires.

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a system 400 to support an electronic device in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the system 400 includes a post 402 and a post receiving space 404.

The post 402, in certain embodiments, is coupleable to either an article of jewelry (i.e., a ring 406.) or an electronic device (i.e., electronic device 202.) In one embodiment, the post 402 is coupled directly to an outer surface 408 of the ring 406 or article of jewelry. In other embodiments, the system 400 includes a jewelry coupling base 410 and the post 402 is coupled to the jewelry coupling base 410 which is, in turn, coupled to the article of jewelry.

In embodiments where the post 402 is coupled to the electronic device 202, the post 402 may be directly coupled to the electronic device 202 or the system 400 may include an electronic device coupling base 412. In such an embodiment, the post 402 may be coupled to the electronic device coupling base 412.

The post receiving space 404, in certain embodiments, is an orifice disposed within the ring 406 or other article of jewelry. In other embodiments, the post receiving space 404 is disposed within the jewelry coupling base 410. In an exemplary embodiment, the post receiving space 404 is disposed within the electronic device coupling base 412.

The post 402 is made of a first material and the post receiving space 404 is defined by a second material. In certain embodiments, the first and second materials comprise a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material such that a magnetic attraction is formed between the post 402 and the post receiving space 404. In such an embodiment, the magnetic attraction between the post 402 and the post receiving space 404 facilitates maintaining the post 402 within the post receiving space 404.

The system 400, in one embodiment, includes an electronic device coupling base adhering element 416. The electronic device coupling base adhering element 416, in certain embodiments, is configured to affix the electronic device coupling base 412 to an electronic device 202. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic device coupling base adhering element 416 is a section of double sided tape configured to adhere to the electronic device coupling base 412 and to the electronic device 202. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways in which the electronic device coupling base 412 may be coupled to the electronic device 202.

Similarly, in certain embodiments, the system 400 may include an adhering element (not shown) configured to couple the jewelry coupling base 410 to the ring 406 or other article of jewelry. In other embodiments, the jewelry coupling base 410 may be integrally formed with the ring 406 or other article of jewelry.

In one embodiment, the system 400 also includes a rolling-element bearing 418. In such and embodiment, the rolling-element bearing 418 is positionable within an orifice 420 within the electronic device coupling base 412 or within an orifice 422 within the jewelry coupling base 410. The post 402 is receivable within an inner surface 424 of the rolling-element bearing 418 to facilitate three hundred and sixty (360) degree rotation of the post 402 within the post receiving space 404.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus to support an electronic device, the apparatus comprising:

a post couplable to one of an article of jewelry and an electronic device, the post comprising a first material;

a post receiving space disposed within one of the article of jewelry, a jewelry coupling base, and an electronic device coupling base, the post receiving space defined by a second material; and

wherein the first material and the second material comprise a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material, and wherein the post is receivable within the post receiving space to releasably couple the article of jewelry to the electronic device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises a magnetic material and wherein the second material comprises a ferromagnetic material, wherein a magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material releasably couples the article of jewelry to the electronic device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises a ferromagnetic material and wherein the second material comprises a magnetic material, wherein a magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material releasably couples the article of jewelry to the electronic device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material comprises a neodymium magnet.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the post is coupled to the article of jewelry and wherein the post receiving space is disposed within the electronic device coupling base.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rolling-element bearing, the rolling-element bearing comprising an inner race, an outer race and at least one rolling element, wherein the inner race is positioned within the outer race with the at least one rolling element disposed between the inner race and the outer race, wherein an inner surface of the inner race is sized and shaped to receive the post.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the rolling-element bearing is disposed within the electronic device coupling base, wherein the electronic device coupling base comprises a ferromagnetic material and wherein the post comprises a magnetic material, wherein a magnetic attraction between the post and the electronic device coupling base releasably couples the article of jewelry to the electronic device.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein an inner surface of the inner race comprises the post receiving space.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least a portion of the rolling-element bearing comprises a ferromagnetic material and wherein the post comprises a magnetic material, wherein a magnetic attraction between the post and the rolling-element bearing releasably couples the article of jewelry to the electronic device.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the article of jewelry comprises a ring.

11. A jewelry ring support for an electronic device, the jewelry ring support comprising:

a jewelry ring positionable on a user's finger;

a post coupled to one of the jewelry ring and an electronic device, the post comprising a first material;

a post receiving space disposed within one of the jewelry ring, a jewelry coupling base, and an electronic device coupling base, the post receiving space defined by a second material; and

wherein the first material and the second material comprise a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material, and wherein the post is receivable within the post receiving space to releasably couple the jewelry ring to the electronic device.

12. The jewelry ring support of claim 11, further comprising a rolling-element bearing, the rolling-element bearing comprising an inner race, an outer race and at least one rolling element, wherein the inner race is positioned within the outer race with the at least one rolling element disposed between the inner race and the outer race, wherein an inner surface of the inner race is sized and shaped to receive the post.

13. The jewelry ring support of claim 12, further comprising a rolling-element bearing, the rolling-element bearing comprising an inner race, an outer race and at least one rolling element, wherein the inner race is positioned within the outer race with the at least one rolling element disposed between the inner race and the outer race, wherein an inner surface of the inner race is sized and shaped to receive the post.

14. The jewelry ring support of claim 12, wherein the inner surface of the inner race comprises the post receiving space.

15. The jewelry ring support of claim 14, wherein the at least a portion of the rolling-element bearing comprises a ferromagnetic material and wherein the post comprises a magnetic material, wherein a magnetic attraction between the post and the rolling-element bearing releasably couples the article of jewelry to the electronic device.

16. A jewelry ring support for an electronic device, the jewelry ring support comprising:

a jewelry ring positionable on a user's finger;

a post coupled to the jewelry ring;

a post receiving space disposed within an electronic device coupling base, the electronic device coupling base coupleable to an electronic device;

a rolling-element bearing disposed within the post receiving base, the rolling-element bearing comprising an inner race, an outer race and at least one rolling element, wherein the inner race is positioned within the outer race with the at least one rolling element disposed between the inner race and the outer race, wherein an inner surface of the inner race is sized and shaped to receive the post

wherein the post and at least one of the material defining the post receiving space and at least a portion of the rolling-element bearing comprise a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material, and wherein the post is receivable within the post receiving space to releasably couple the jewelry ring to the electronic device.

17. The jewelry ring support of claim 16, wherein the magnetic material comprises a neodymium magnet.