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 an electronic device coupling base and a support surface coupling base. The electronic device coupling base is attachable to an electronic device. At least a portion of the electronic device coupling base is made of either a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material. The support surface coupling base is attachable to a support surface and is matingly coupleable with the electronic device coupling base. At least a portion of the support surface coupling base is made of a either a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/824,817 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE” and filed on Aug. 12, 2015 for Tikkun Srey, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 67/070,008 entitled “JEWELRY RING SMARTPHONE HOLDER” and filed on Aug. 12, 2014 for Tikunn Srey and to U.S. 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, all of 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, an electronic device coupling base and a support surface coupling base. The electronic device coupling base is attachable to an electronic device. At least a portion of the electronic device coupling base is made of either a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material. The support surface coupling base is attachable to a support surface and is matingly coupleable with the electronic device coupling base. At least a portion of the support surface coupling base is made of a either a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

The support surface coupling base, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a semi conical receiving space. In such an embodiment, at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device coupling base is semi conical and recievable within the semi conical receiving space in the support surface coupling base. The conical shape of the receiving space and the conical shape of the outer surface of the electronic device coupling base allows the electronic device coupling base to rotate within the support surface coupling base. A magnetic attraction between the material of the support surface coupling base and the material of the electronic device coupling base is sufficient to maintain the electronic device coupling base at a desired rotational position with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in a coupled position.

In other embodiments, the electronic device coupling base includes a semi conical receiving space. In such embodiments, the outer surface of the support surface coupling base is semi conical and recievable within the semi conical receiving space in the electronic device coupling base. The support surface coupling base is rotatable within the semi conical receiving space in the electronic device coupling base with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in a coupled position. A magnetic attraction between the material of the support surface coupling base and the material of the electronic device coupling base is sufficient to maintain the electronic device coupling base at a desired rotational position with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in a coupled position.

In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes an article of jewelry. A post extends from an outer surface of the article of jewelry. In such an embodiment, the electronic device coupling base includes a post receiving space. The post is receivable within the post receiving space to releasably couple the article of jewelry to the electronic device coupling base. The post is made of either a magnetic or ferromagnetic material such that a magnetic attraction between the first material and the material comprising the post releasably couples the electronic device coupling base to the article of jewelry. The post is rotatable within the electronic device coupling base to adjust a viewing angle of 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 apparatus to support an electronic device 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;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of apparatus to support an electronic device in accordance with the present subject matter; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of apparatus 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.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of another apparatus 500 to support an electronic device in accordance with the present subject matter. The apparatus 500 includes an electronic device coupling base 502 and a support surface coupling base 504.

The electronic device coupling base 502, in one embodiment, is substantially similar to the electronic coupling base 112 described above. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the electronic device coupling base includes a post receiving space 506 that is sized and shaped to receive a post on an article of jewelry such as the post 102 on the ring 106 of FIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device coupling base 502 also includes a rolling-element bearing 508 to facilitate three hundred and sixty (360) degree rotation of the post 102 within the post receiving space 506.

The electronic device coupling base 502 is attachable to an electronic device such as the electronic device 202 described above with reference to FIG. 2. In certain embodiments, the electronic device coupling base 502 is coupled to the electronic device 202 by a chemical adhesive. In other embodiments, the electronic device coupling base 502 is coupled to the electronic device 202 by double sided tape 510. In another embodiment, the electronic device coupling base 502 may be integrally formed with the electronic device 202. In yet another embodiment, the electronic device coupling base 502 may be coupled the electronic device 202 by affixing the electronic device coupling base 502 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 502 to the electronic device 202.

The support surface coupling base 504, in one embodiment, is attacheable to a support surface (i.e., a wall, a car dash, etc.) In certain embodiments, the support surface coupling base 504 is coupled to the support surface by a chemical adhesive. In other embodiments, the support surface coupling base 504 is coupled to the support surface by double sided tape 512. In another embodiment, the support surface coupling base 504 may be integrally formed with the support surface. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways of coupling the support surface coupling base 504 to the support surface.

In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the electronic device coupling base 502 is made of a first material comprising either a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material. In such an embodiment, at least a portion of the support surface coupling base 504 is made of a second material comprising either a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material. In an exemplary embodiment, a bottom surface 518 of the support surface coupling base 504 is made of a magnetic material and the electronic device coupling base 502 is made of a ferromagnetic material. A magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material releasably couples the electronic device coupling base 502 to the support surface coupling base 504.

In one embodiment, the support surface coupling base 504 is matingly coupleable with the electronic device coupling base 502. In an exemplary embodiment, the support surface coupling base 504 comprises a semi conical receiving space 514. In such an embodiment, the at least a portion of an outer surface 516 of the electronic device coupling base 502 is semi conical and recievable within the semi conical receiving space 514 in the support surface coupling base 504. A semi conical receiving space 514 in the support surface coupling base 504 and a semi conical outer surface 516 of the electronic device coupling base 502 allows for three hundred and sixty (360) degree rotation of the electronic device coupling base 502 within the support surface coupling base 504. Accordingly, a user can rotate the electronic device 202 to obtain a desired view of the electronic device 202. A magnetic attraction between the first material of the electronic device coupling base 502 and the second material of the support surface coupling base 504 is sufficient to maintain the electronic device coupling base 502 at a desired rotational position when the support surface coupling base 504 and the electronic device coupling base 502 are positioned in a coupled position.

In other embodiments, the receiving space 514 in the support surface coupling base 504 may be semi spherical and the outer surface 516 of the electronic device coupling base 502 may be correspondingly semi spherical. In such an embodiment, the coupling between the semi spherical receiving space 514 in the support surface coupling base 504 and the semi spherical outer surface 516 of the electronic device coupling base 502 may allow for additional axis of rotation of the electronic device 202.

While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 depicts the support surface coupling base 504 as having a semi conical receiving space 514 and the electronic device coupling base 502 as having a semi conical outer surface 516, on of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the semi conical receiving space 514 and the semi conical outer surface may be reversed. That is, in one embodiment, the electronic device coupling base 502 may include a semi conical receiving space and the support surface coupling base 504 may include a semi conical outer surface. In such an embodiment, rotation of the electronic device coupling base 502 with respect to the support surface coupling base 504 is still facilitated by the conical shapes of the electronic device coupling base 502 and the support surface coupling base 504. Similarly, the magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material is sufficient to maintain the electronic device coupling base 502 at a desired rotational position with the support surface coupling base 504 and the electronic device coupling base 502 positioned in the coupled position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of apparatus 600 to support an electronic device in accordance with the present subject matter. The apparatus 600, in certain embodiments, includes an electronic device coupling base 502, a support surface coupling base 504, and an article of jewelry 602.

The electronic device coupling base 502 is substantially similar to the electronic coupling base 502 discussed above with reference to FIG. 5. Accordingly, the electronic device coupling base 502 is attachable to an electronic device such as the electronic device 202 of FIG. 2. The electronic device coupling base includes a post receiving space 506 that is sized and shaped to receive a post 604 on an article of jewelry 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device coupling base 502 also includes a rolling-element bearing 508 to facilitate three hundred and sixty (360) degree rotation of the post 604 within the post receiving space 506.

In certain embodiments, the electronic device coupling base 502 is coupled to the electronic device 202 by a chemical adhesive. In other embodiments, the electronic device coupling base 502 is coupled to the electronic device 202 by double sided tape 510. In another embodiment, the electronic device coupling base 502 may be integrally formed with the electronic device 202. In yet another embodiment, the electronic device coupling base 502 may be coupled the electronic device 202 by affixing the electronic device coupling base 502 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 502 to the electronic device 202.

The support surface coupling base 504 is substantially similar to the support surface coupling base 504 discussed above with reference to FIG. 5. Accordingly, the support surface coupling base 504 is attacheable to a support surface (i.e., a wall, a car dash, etc.) In certain embodiments, the support surface coupling base 504 is coupled to the support surface by a chemical adhesive. In other embodiments, the support surface coupling base 504 is coupled to the support surface by double sided tape 512. In another embodiment, the support surface coupling base 504 may be integrally formed with the support surface. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways of coupling the support surface coupling base 504 to the support surface.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 the article of jewelry 602 is a ring. In other embodiments, the article of jewelry 602 may be a bracelet, a necklace, a watch, or any other article of jewelry. The post 604 extends from an outer surface 606 of the article of jewelry 602. The post 604 is receivable within the post receiving space 506 in the electronic device coupling base 502 to releasably couple the article of jewelry 602 to the electronic device coupling base 502. The post 604 is rotatable within the electronic device coupling base 502 to adjust an angle of the electronic device 202. The post 604 is made of either a magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material such that a magnetic attraction between the material of the electronic device coupling base 502 and the material of the post 604 releasably couples the electronic device coupling base 502 to the article of jewelry 602.

In certain embodiments, the electronic device coupling base 502 is selectively coupleable to either the support surface coupling base 504 or the article of jewelry 602. Thus, the user has the option of supporting the electronic device 202 on the user's finger or other body part depending on the type of jewelry used. The user can also support the electronic device 202 on a support surface (i.e., a wall, a car dash, etc.) using the support surface coupling base 504.

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:

an electronic device coupling base attachable to an electronic device, wherein at least a portion of the electronic device coupling base comprises a first material;

a support surface coupling base attachable to a support surface, the support surface coupling base matingly coupleable with the electronic device coupling base, wherein at least a portion of the support surface coupling base comprises 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 a magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material releasably couples the electronic device coupling base to the support surface coupling base.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support surface coupling base comprises a semi conical receiving space and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device coupling base is semi conical and recievable within the semi conical receiving space in the support surface coupling base.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the electronic device coupling base is rotatable within the semi conical receiving space in the support surface coupling base with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in a coupled position.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material is sufficient to maintain the electronic device coupling base at a desired rotational position with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in the coupled position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device coupling base comprises a semi conical receiving space and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the support surface coupling base is semi conical and recievable within the semi conical receiving space in the electronic device coupling base.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the support surface coupling base is rotatable within the semi conical receiving space in the electronic device coupling base with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in a coupled position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material is sufficient to maintain the electronic device coupling base at a desired rotational position with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in the coupled position.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an article of jewelry and a post extending from an outer surface of the article of jewelry, wherein the electronic device coupling base includes a post receiving space, wherein the post is receivable within the post receiving space to releasably couple the article of jewelry to the electronic device coupling base.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the post comprises a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material and wherein a magnetic attraction between the first material and the material comprising the post releasably couples the electronic device coupling base to the article of jewelry.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the post is rotatable within the electronic device coupling base.

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

an electronic device coupling base attachable to an electronic device, wherein at least a portion of the electronic device coupling base comprises a first material, the electronic device coupling base having a post receiving space;

a support surface coupling base attachable to a support surface, the support surface coupling base matingly coupleable with the electronic device coupling base, wherein at least a portion of the support surface coupling base comprises a second material; and

an article of jewelry and a post extending from an outer surface of the article of jewelry, wherein the post is receivable within the post receiving space to releasably couple the article of jewelry to the electronic device coupling base;

wherein the first material and the second material comprise a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material and wherein a magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material releasably couples the electronic device coupling base to the support surface coupling base.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the support surface coupling base comprises a semi conical receiving space and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device coupling base is semi conical and recievable within the semi conical receiving space in the support surface coupling base.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the electronic device coupling base is rotatable within the semi conical receiving space in the support surface coupling base with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in a coupled position.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material is sufficient to maintain the electronic device coupling base at a desired rotational position with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in the coupled position.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the post comprises a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material and wherein a magnetic attraction between the first material and the material comprising the post releasably couples the electronic device coupling base to the article of jewelry.

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

an electronic device coupling base attachable to an electronic device, wherein at least a portion of the electronic device coupling base comprises a first material, the electronic device coupling base having a post receiving space;

a support surface coupling base attachable to a support surface, the support surface coupling base matingly coupleable with the electronic device coupling base, wherein at least a portion of the support surface coupling base comprises a second material;

an article of jewelry and a post extending from an outer surface of the article of jewelry, wherein the post is receivable within the post receiving space to releasably couple the article of jewelry to the electronic device coupling base;

wherein the first material and the second material comprise a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material and wherein a magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material releasably couples the electronic device coupling base to the support surface coupling base, wherein the post comprises a material selected from a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material and wherein a magnetic attraction between the first material and the material comprising the post releasably couples the electronic device coupling base to the article of jewelry.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the support surface coupling base comprises a semi conical receiving space and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device coupling base is semi conical and recievable within the semi conical receiving space in the support surface coupling base.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the electronic device coupling base is rotatable within the semi conical receiving space in the support surface coupling base with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in a coupled position, wherein the magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material is sufficient to maintain the electronic device coupling base at a desired rotational position with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in the coupled position.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the electronic device coupling base comprises a semi conical receiving space and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the support surface coupling base is semi conical and recievable within the semi conical receiving space in the electronic device coupling base.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the support surface coupling base is rotatable within the semi conical receiving space in the electronic device coupling base with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in a coupled position, wherein the magnetic attraction between the first material and the second material is sufficient to maintain the electronic device coupling base at a desired rotational position with the support surface coupling base and the electronic device coupling base positioned in the coupled position.