Protective Case with Substantially-Rigid Outer Layer and Cushioning Inner Layer

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

0001This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/853,494, filed Aug. 10, 2010, and entitled “PROTECTIVE CASE WITH SLIDING DISPLAY COVER,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

0002The present disclosure relates generally to protective cases, and more particularly to protective cases having suspending cushions.

BACKGROUND

0003Most handheld electronic devices for example mobile phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like, are vulnerable to minor damage such as a scratched surface, to more severe damage such as the body cracking or internal damage from accidentally dropping or striking the device on a door, table edge, or the like.

0004Attempts to protect such handheld devices include carrying the device in a protective case made of rigid plastic or a single piece of flexible material. Protective cases made of rigid or substantially-rigid plastic do very little, if anything, to protect the device from anything more significant than minor scratching, while protective cases made from flexible materials tend to degrade easily from exposure and wear. Furthermore, protective cases that merely surround the device in a material, flexible or rigid, still tend to transmit at least some of a physical shock through the material to the device. Also, many of the protective cases leave the display screen exposed, and thus also provide limited, if any, protection for the display from physical shock.

0005Some cases require the user to remove the device from the case to view the display, while others provide a removable display cover, or a cover designed to be flipped open to expose the display. These cases, however, are not always easy to use. For example, it can be inconvenient to be forced to remove a device from its case before use. Likewise, covers that flip-open tend to be vulnerable to having the cover broken off.

0006Thus, it can be seen that currently available technology for protective cases is less than perfect.

SUMMARY

0007Various embodiments of the present disclosure allow a device configured to protect an electronic device from physical shocks.

0008In one aspect of the disclosure, a protective case, which can removably or irremovably couple with a holster, includes a substantially-rigid outer shell and two or more cushions that cooperate to suspend a mobile electronic device within the outer shell such that the mobile electronic device is isolated from the outer shell. The outer shell includes a first portion and a second portion, both of which are configured to matingly couple with each other to form an enclosure which has an aperture through which a display screen of a mobile electronic device positioned within the enclosure can be viewed. The first and second portions each have an inner surface adapted to receive and interlock with a first and second cushion, respectively. The first and second cushions each have an outer surface configured to interlock with the inner surface of the first portion and second portions of the outer shell, respectively, and an inner surface adapted to receive at least part of a first and second end of the mobile electronic device, respectively. The first cushion can interlock with the first portion of the outer shell via a first tongue-in-groove connection, and the second cushion can interlock with the second portion of the substantially-rigid outer shell via a second tongue-in-groove connection. The first and second cushions can each receive two first and two second corners of the mobile electronic device, respectively.

0009The outer shell can accommodate a particular model of mobile electronic device and includes a first aperture to enable access to an interface of the particular model of mobile electronic device. One or more cushions can fill the first aperture to provide indirect access to the interface, include a second aperture with a projected lining and can align the second aperture with the first aperture so the projected lining extends at least partially through the first aperture, and include a plug extending at least partially into the interface.

0010In another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus, which can removably or irremovably couple with a holster, includes an outer shell having two pieces to slidably receive and interlock with each other to form an enclosure and two sleeves that cooperate within the enclosure to position the handheld device within the enclosure and substantially isolate it from contact with the outer shell. Each sleeve slidably receives two or more corners on generally opposing ends of the handheld device, and each piece of the outer shell slidably receives and interlocks with one of the two sleeves. Each piece of the outer shell can slidably receive and interlock with one of the sleeves via a different tongue-and-groove connection.

0011In another aspect of the disclosure, a protective shell for an electronic device includes a multi-piece shell configured to interlock with the two or more separate pieces of a flexible lining and cooperate with the flexible lining to mechanically isolate the electronic device from the outer shell to shield the electronic device from physical shock. The separate pieces of the flexible lining interlock with generally opposing ends of the electronic device, and the pieces of the multi-piece shell interconnect to form an outer shell that substantially encloses the flexible lining.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0012Aspects of this disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements:

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a top view of a protective case holding a portable electronic device and having a sliding display cover in an open position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a top view of a protective case holding a portable electronic device, and having a sliding display cover in a closed position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view of a protective case holding a portable electronic device, and having a sliding display cover in a partially open position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view of a roll-top display cover slidably mounted in a track, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view of a roll-top display cover, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is an exploded side view of portion A of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side view of a protective case having interlocking layers, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is an end view of a protective case having interlocking layers, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. is an expanded perspective view of a protective case having interlocking layers, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0022The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

0023Referring first to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a protective case <b>100</b> (alternatively referred to herein as a “protective cover” or “protective shell”) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown with a sliding display screen cover is illustrated and discussed. Protective case <b>100</b> includes an outer shell <b>103</b> having various openings (herein referred to as “apertures”) <b>105</b>, <b>109</b>, and <b>113</b>, and hand grips <b>115</b>. Outer shell <b>103</b> can be constructed of various different materials to protect an electronic device enclosed within an enclosure formed by outer shell <b>103</b> from physical shock due to accidentally bumping, dropping or striking protective case <b>100</b>. For example, in some embodiments, outer shell <b>103</b> can be constructed of a substantially rigid plastic, rubber, metal, metal alloy, or other material, that can be selected to provide various degrees and types of protection, and to achieve a desired size profile. Various materials and finishes can also be used to make protective case <b>100</b> easier to grip, easier to slide in and out of a pocket or purse, or to achieve another desired tactile characteristic. In some embodiments, a flexible rubber or rubber-like material can be used. In some embodiments protective case <b>100</b> also provides moisture resistance or insulation.

0024Outer shell <b>103</b> can be constructed of a single piece of material, or can be constructed in multiple different portions (also referred to as “pieces” or “outer layers”) that can be snapped, clasped, glued, interlocked, mated, or otherwise joined or coupled to form the entire outer shell <b>103</b>. For example, in some embodiments, outer shell <b>103</b> can be a unitary piece of relatively flexible material that can be temporarily stretched or deformed to allow insertion of an electronic device through aperture <b>109</b> or another opening (not illustrated). In other embodiments, one or more rigid or semi-rigid portions of outer shell <b>103</b> can be disassembled to allow insertion of an electronic device, then reassembled around the inserted electronic device.

0025In at least one embodiment, outer shell <b>103</b> includes apertures <b>105</b>, <b>109</b>, and <b>113</b> that are specifically configured for use with a particular electronic device. For example, aperture <b>105</b> can be configured to correspond to the position of a speaker in a mobile telephone (alternatively referred to herein as a “cellular phone”), aperture <b>113</b> can be used to accommodate a pushbutton or other user input device, and aperture <b>109</b> can be sized and positioned to accommodate a display screen of an electronic device, such an iPhone, a Droid, or another similar device. In various embodiments, outer shell <b>103</b> can be constructed or modified to include additional or fewer apertures to accommodate various features of various different handheld or portable electronic devices. For example, outer shell <b>103</b> can include an aperture in the back of outer shell <b>103</b> (not illustrated) to accommodate a camera included on an electronic device. In some embodiments, only the exact number of apertures needed for use with a particular electronic device are included in outer shell <b>103</b>, while other embodiments can be generically constructed for use with multiple different electronic devices, and may therefore include some apertures not used for any one particular device.

0026As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, protective case <b>100</b> includes an aperture <b>109</b> sized and positioned for use in conjunction with an electronic device having a display screen and positioned within outer shell <b>103</b>. Aperture <b>109</b> can, in some embodiments, be covered with a substantially clear material. This clear material can be rigid or flexible, and of any desired thickness. However, in at least one embodiment, the clear material is constructed to be thin enough to permit user interaction with a touch screen display included on the electronic device. In other embodiments, aperture <b>109</b> is left uncovered to facilitate access to the display screen of the electronic device.

0027Protective case <b>100</b> includes a slidable display cover configured to slide over opening <b>109</b> to cover the display screen of an electronic device located within outer shell <b>103</b> and protect the display screen from physical shock. The slidable display cover is not visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, because it has been slid into an open position. In some embodiments, the slidable display cover may be partially visible even when it is in a fully open position.

0028In some embodiments, protective case <b>100</b> includes one or more cushions (alternatively referred to herein as “flexible linings”, “layers”, “inner layers”, or “sleeves”) that lie between the inner surface of the outer shell <b>103</b> and the electronic device located within the protective case <b>100</b>. The cushions are not visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and are illustrated and discussed further in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-9</figref> below.

0029Referring next to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, protective case <b>200</b> is illustrated with a display screen cover <b>210</b> in a closed, or protective position, covering an opening (not visible) in outer shell <b>203</b>. In various embodiments, display screen cover <b>210</b> can be slid open or closed to alternately expose or cover an opening such as aperture <b>109</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). At least one embodiment implements display screen cover <b>210</b> in a “roll-top” configuration. For example, when display screen cover <b>210</b> is slid from left to right to expose the opening in outer shell <b>203</b>, display screen cover <b>210</b> slides around the right edge and around the back of the electronic device held within protective case <b>200</b>. In some embodiments, display screen cover <b>210</b> can wrap externally around outer shell <b>203</b>. In other embodiments, display screen cover <b>210</b> wraps around the inside of outer shell <b>203</b>.

0030Although the examples discussed herein generally describe a display screen cover that wraps around a left or right side of an electronic device, embodiments that slide up or down and wrap around the top or bottom edge of the electronic device are also contemplated, consistent with the configuration of the electronic device placed within the protective case. In yet other embodiments, display screen cover <b>210</b> can be an accordion-style door (not illustrated) having lateral elements that fold up on one another as the door is slid into an open position. Various embodiments further include multi-part doors.

0031A display screen cover <b>210</b> according to various embodiments can be constructed of rigid or semi-rigid materials, which can help to absorb or deflect physical shock from the display of an electronic device when the display screen cover <b>210</b> is in a closed position. In some embodiments, display screen cover <b>210</b> can be constructed of a transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or other material that allows viewing of the display screen of an electronic device held within outer shell <b>203</b>, even when display screen cover <b>210</b> is in a closed position. In other embodiments, display screen cover is substantially opaque.

0032Referring next to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, protective case <b>300</b>, which includes a sliding door <b>310</b> partially covering aperture <b>309</b> in outer shell <b>303</b>, is illustrated. Outer shell <b>303</b> also includes aperture <b>115</b>, configured to allow access to various connectors, interfaces, or the like included on an electronic device housed within protective case <b>300</b>. Although not specifically illustrated, outer shell <b>303</b> may also include various plugs, covers, or the like that extend partially or fully into the various connectors, interfaces, or the like included on an electronic device housed within protective case <b>300</b> and can be used to close aperture <b>115</b> when access to the connectors, interfaces, or ports through aperture <b>115</b> is not desired.

0033Outer shell <b>303</b> also includes seams <b>322</b> and <b>324</b>, which illustrate points at which various separate portions (or “layers”) of outer shell <b>303</b> can be disassembled or assembled. For example, in some embodiments, the bottom portion of outer shell <b>303</b> can be separated from the top portion at seam <b>324</b>, thereby facilitating placement of an electronic device therein. In other embodiments, the front and back portions of outer shell <b>303</b> can be separated at seam <b>322</b>, and then reassembled after an electronic device has been inserted. In some embodiments, outer shell <b>303</b> is the housing provided by the manufacturer of an electronic device, and the sliding door <b>310</b> is integral with, or attachable to, the primary housing of the electronic device. Put another way, the electronic and other components of an electronic device, including for example the display screen, can be housed within, or integrated with, protective case <b>300</b>.

0034Referring next to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a cover and track assembly <b>400</b> is illustrated according to various embodiments of the present invention. Cover and track assembly <b>400</b> includes sliding display cover <b>410</b> and track <b>420</b>. Track <b>420</b> can be formed a rigid or semi-rigid plastic, metal, metal alloy, rubber-like material, or other material, and is constructed to mate with sliding display cover <b>410</b>. In embodiments like those illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, track <b>420</b> can be mounted to an outer shell, such as those illustrated and discussed with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, so that an electronic device can be placed inside of track assembly <b>400</b>, so that a display screen of the electronic device (not illustrated) can be alternately covered or exposed as sliding display cover <b>410</b> is slid to an open or closed position. Note that as sliding display cover <b>410</b> is slid open to expose the display of the electronic device, sliding display cover <b>410</b> will wrap around an outside edge of the device, and in some embodiments at least partially around the back of an electronic device placed inside of track assembly <b>400</b>.

0035In some embodiments, track <b>420</b> is formed as an integral part of a protective case, such as those illustrated and discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>. Furthermore, in some such embodiments, track <b>420</b> does not extend entirely around an edge of an electronic device placed inside of the protective case. Instead, the track can extend only along an edge of an aperture <b>309</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). In some such embodiments, a device placed inside of the protective case can guide the movement of any portion of sliding display cover <b>410</b> that is not current engaging track <b>420</b>. Furthermore, in some embodiments track <b>420</b> may engage only one side of sliding display cover <b>410</b>.

0036Various methods and types of engaging mechanisms can be used to connect sliding display cover <b>410</b> to track <b>420</b>. For example, track <b>420</b> may include one or more grooves into which one or more pins of sliding display cover <b>410</b> fit. In other embodiments, various rail, bearing, wheel, and continuous or semi-continuous male and female coupling techniques can be used to couple sliding display cover <b>410</b> to track <b>420</b>. In some embodiments, track <b>420</b> may consist essentially of a pin or other protrusion configured to mate with a corresponding receiver connected to, or formed in, sliding display cover <b>410</b>. At least one embodiment contemplates that each side of track <b>420</b> consists essentially of an upper and lower portion that protrude over and guide individual slats or ribs of sliding display cover <b>420</b>.

0037Referring next to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, a display cover <b>500</b> according to various embodiments is illustrated. Display cover <b>500</b> includes a series horizontal members <b>510</b> connected to each other and positioned side by side. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the horizontal members includes a protrusion <b>516</b> that can be slidably mated to a track in a protective cover, as discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>. As illustrated, display cover <b>500</b> is constructed from a single piece of material by forming lands <b>512</b> separated by grooves <b>514</b> cut into the material. The illustrated configuration allows display cover <b>500</b> to bend or flex when moved along track included in a protective case.

0038Referring briefly to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, an expanded view of an edge of display cover <b>500</b> is illustrated. The expanded view shows the lands <b>512</b>, grooves <b>514</b>, and protrusions <b>516</b>.

0039Although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref> specifically illustrate a display cover <b>500</b> constructed from a single piece of material, other embodiments of display cover <b>500</b> can use individual slats, bars, or the like. In some such embodiments, the slats or bars can be connected by a strapping material, or simply placed next to each other and held in place by an external frame (not illustrated). In yet further embodiments, the display cover can be a unitary door constructed from one or more pieces of material without lands and grooves. Such a door should be flexible enough to bend at least partially around an outside portion of an electronic device when slid along a track included in a protective cover as described herein.

0040Referring next to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, protective case <b>700</b>, which includes multiple layers, is illustrated. The layers can include outer layers (alternatively referred to herein as “outer shell portions”, “pieces of an outer shell”, “pieces of a multi-piece shell” or the like) <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>, and inner layers (alternatively referred to herein as “cushions”, “sleeves”, “pieces of a flexible lining”, or the like) <b>707</b> and <b>709</b>. In some embodiments, protective case <b>700</b> can be adapted to protect an electronic device <b>701</b> from physical shock by isolating or substantially isolating the electronic device from outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> via inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b>. The outer shell can be adapted to accommodate a particular model of electronic device <b>701</b> including, but not limited to, mobile telephones, or other communication devices, tablets, televisions, radios, audio visual devices, audio players, timekeeping devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other computing devices. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> can suspend or position electronic device <b>701</b> within an enclosure formed by outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>, thereby isolating electronic device <b>701</b> from the outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> by inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> and empty space <b>704</b>. Physical shocks imparted to outer layers <b>703</b> or <b>705</b> can be absorbed in part or in full by either inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> or empty space <b>704</b> before electronic device <b>701</b> is affected. In some embodiments, the outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> and the inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> can be constructed of different materials with different levels of flexibility. For example, outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> can be constructed of a substantially-rigid material including, but not limited to, a hard plastic, while inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> can be constructed of a flexible material including silicone, rubber, or the like.

0041In some embodiments, inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> receive part or all of electronic device <b>701</b>. For example, inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> may each fit over or receive one or more corners of electronic device <b>701</b>. Inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> can fit over generally opposing ends or corners of electronic device <b>701</b> such that, when electronic device <b>701</b> and inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> are positioned within the enclosure formed by outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>, electronic device is suspended within the enclosure at opposing ends or corners by inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b>.

0042In some embodiments, outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> receive inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface of outer layer <b>703</b> may removably or irremovably interlock, matingly couple, slidably join, or the like with the outer surface of inner layer <b>707</b> via one or more various connection types, such as a sliding connection. As discussed below in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, such connection types may include, but are not limited to, tongue-and-groove connections or some other connection between outer layer <b>703</b> and inner layer <b>707</b> and outer layer <b>705</b> and inner layer <b>709</b>.

0043Outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> can include one or more apertures <b>713</b>, configured to allow access to various interfaces <b>702</b> (alternatively referred to herein as connectors, ports, or the like), included on an electronic device housed within protective case <b>700</b>. Interfaces <b>702</b> can include, but are not limited to, headphone jacks, power jacks, buttons, cameras or camera lenses, display screens, and the like. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, inner layer <b>709</b> can include a plug <b>715</b> that can cover an interface <b>702</b> and, where interface <b>702</b> includes a recess or port that extends into electronic device <b>701</b>, plug <b>715</b> may include a protrusion that extends partially or fully into interface <b>702</b>. Plug <b>715</b> can be used to close aperture <b>713</b> when access to the interface <b>702</b> through aperture <b>713</b> is not desired. In some other embodiments, plug <b>715</b> may be located on or coupled to inner layer <b>707</b>, outer layers <b>703</b> or <b>705</b>, or some other part of protective case <b>700</b>. In some embodiments, outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> can include one or more apertures <b>717</b> configured to allow access to various parts of an electronic device housed within protective case <b>700</b>.

0044As discussed above in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> can be assembled and disassembled along a seam <b>322</b> or <b>324</b>. When assembled, outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> can be interlocked with each other, matingly coupled, or the like via a connection <b>711</b>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> are matingly coupled at seam <b>324</b> (not illustrated) via an interlocking connection <b>711</b>. In some other embodiments, outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> may be matingly coupled, interlocked, or the like at seam <b>322</b> via an interlocking connection located elsewhere on the outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>.

0045Referring next to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, protective case <b>800</b>, which includes at least outer layer <b>703</b> and inner layer <b>707</b>, is illustrated. In some embodiments, protective case <b>800</b> can be adapted to protect an electronic device <b>701</b> from physical shock by isolating the electronic device from the outer layer <b>703</b> via inner layer <b>707</b>. Inner layer <b>707</b> can, in some embodiments, be configured to be coupled, interlocked, mated, or the like with outer layer <b>703</b>. Coupling between inner layer <b>707</b> and outer layer <b>703</b> can be facilitated by one or more connections. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface of inner layer <b>707</b> includes multiple grooves <b>803</b> that are each configured to receive a tongue <b>805</b> located on the inner surface of outer layer <b>703</b>. Together, each tongue <b>805</b> on the inner surface of outer layer <b>703</b> can cooperate with a corresponding groove <b>803</b> on the outer surface of inner layer <b>707</b> to form a tongue-and-groove connection between inner layer <b>707</b> and outer layer <b>703</b>. In some embodiments, inner layer <b>707</b> and outer layer <b>703</b> can be interlocked via one or more tongue-and-groove connections, male-female interlocks, sliding connections, or some other type of connection or combination thereof.

0046In some embodiments, inner layer <b>707</b> can be coupled to outer layer <b>703</b> such that the two parts interlock in a snug fit to prevent loss of coupling, yet also permitting inner layer <b>707</b> to be removed from the outer layer <b>703</b> by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> are interlocked with outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> via a tongue-and-groove connection. Inner layer <b>707</b> may be removed from outer layer <b>703</b> by sliding inner layer <b>707</b>, parallel to the tongue-and-groove connection, out of the partial enclosure formed by outer layer <b>703</b>. In some embodiments where the type of connection is a male-female interlock, inner layer <b>707</b> may be removed by disengaging the interlock between inner layer <b>707</b> and outer layer <b>703</b>.

0047In some embodiments, electronic device <b>701</b> includes an interface <b>801</b>, such as a button. Protective case <b>800</b> can be configured to enable a user to access, activate, or otherwise interact with electronic device <b>701</b>, via interface <b>801</b>, while it is positioned within protective case <b>800</b>. For example, outer layer <b>703</b> can include an aperture <b>811</b> that is located on outer layer <b>703</b> in a location that enables a user to access interface <b>801</b> through aperture <b>811</b>. Inner layer <b>707</b> may, in some embodiments, extend over interface <b>801</b> to shield interface <b>801</b> from physical shocks or some other type of damage. Peg <b>809</b> may enable a user to continue to access, activate, or otherwise interact with interface <b>801</b> indirectly by contacting interface <b>801</b> when a user makes contact with the overlying portion of inner layer <b>707</b> that is exposed to the user by aperture <b>811</b>. One or more parts of inner layer <b>707</b> can be adapted into the form of a button <b>807</b> that can partially or completely fill the gap in outer layer <b>703</b> formed by aperture <b>811</b> to provide ease of user access to interface <b>801</b> through aperture <b>811</b>.

0048Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, and expanded view of protective case <b>900</b>, which includes outer layer <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> and inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b>, is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> are adapted to fit over generally opposing ends of an electronic device (not illustrated). In some other embodiments, inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> may be adapted to fit over one or more corners of the electronic device. Protective case <b>900</b> may also include additional layers to cover parts of the electronic device. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, outer layer <b>703</b> can receive inner layer <b>707</b> and outer layer <b>705</b> can receive inner layer <b>709</b>. Each outer layer <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>, in some other embodiments, receives more than one inner layer. For example, outer layer <b>703</b> may receive two inner layers that each fit over one corner of an electronic device, two inner layers that each fit over generally opposing ends of an electronic device such that only part of each inner layer is received by outer layer <b>703</b>, or the like.

0049In some embodiments, one or more inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> interlock with one or more outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, one or more grooves <b>803</b> on the outer surface of inner layer <b>707</b> may receive one or more tongues <b>805</b> on the inner surface of outer layer <b>703</b> so that inner layer <b>707</b> is interlocked with outer layer <b>703</b>. Inner layer <b>709</b> can also have one or more grooves <b>803</b> that can receive tongues (not illustrated) on the inner surface of outer layer <b>705</b> so that inner layer <b>709</b> is interlocked with outer layer <b>705</b>. In some embodiments, inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> may have different types or configurations of connections with one or more of outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>. For example, inner layer <b>707</b> may interlock with outer layer <b>703</b> via a tongue-and-groove connection and inner layer <b>709</b> may interlock with outer layer <b>705</b> via a male-female interlock.

0050One or more of outer layers <b>703</b> or <b>705</b>, or some other additional outer layers, may include one or more apertures <b>713</b>, <b>811</b>, <b>906</b>, and <b>907</b>. As discussed and illustrated above in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-8</figref>, one or more apertures <b>713</b>, <b>811</b>, <b>906</b>, and <b>907</b> on outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b> can enable a user to access one or more interfaces, connectors, ports, or the like on an electronic device positioned within the enclosure formed by assembled outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>. As discussed and illustrated above in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, one or more parts of inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> may be formed into buttons <b>907</b> that can partially or completely fill one or more of the apertures in one of outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, part of inner layer <b>707</b> fills aperture <b>811</b> as a button <b>807</b> to enable a user to easily access, activate, or otherwise interact with an interface on the electronic device that is covered by inner layer <b>707</b>. As also discussed and illustrated above in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, one or more of inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> may include a plug <b>715</b> that can cover, and may also extend in part or in full into, an interface on the electronic device that would otherwise be exposed by aperture <b>713</b>. For example, the illustrated embodiment includes a cover on inner layer <b>709</b> that can cover and extend into an interface on the electronic device received by inner layer <b>709</b> and can be removed to enable a user to access the interface through aperture <b>713</b> when desired.

0051In some embodiments, one or more parts of inner layers <b>707</b> and <b>709</b> may include apertures positioned to align with one or more apertures on outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, inner layer <b>709</b> includes apertures <b>903</b> and <b>908</b> which are configured to align with apertures <b>907</b> and <b>906</b>, respectively, on outer layer <b>705</b>. Apertures <b>903</b> and <b>908</b> allow unhindered access to one or more interfaces on an electronic device positioned within the enclosure formed by outer layers <b>703</b> and <b>705</b>. In some embodiments, an aperture <b>903</b> on inner layer <b>707</b> may include a projected lining <b>905</b> that extends along the edge of aperture <b>903</b> and projects outward from inner layer <b>707</b> and partially or fully through aperture <b>907</b> to provide additional protection to the interface of the electronic device. For example, apertures <b>903</b> and <b>907</b>, when aligned, can allow an interface such as a camera lens, microphone, or the like to record the environment while projected lining <b>905</b> provides shielding from glare, physical shocks, or some other external interference that might adversely affect the quality of pictures, videos, sounds, or the like recorded by the interface.

0052As used herein, the terms “electronic device,” “mobile electronic device,” “tablet,” “handheld device,” “portable device,” and similar terms are used interchangeably to refer to various different devices that can be carried by person and include a display screen. Examples of electronic devices include, but are not limited to, mobile telephones, cellular phones, or other communication devices, televisions, radios, audio visual devices, audio players, timekeeping devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other computing devices.

0053Various embodiments of a multi-layer protective case have been described to a level of detail that will allow one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the claimed invention. Although more than one embodiment has been discussed, other variations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments can be made based on the description provided, without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.