Abstract:
The protective cover for an electronic device is an apparatus that is provided as a means to protect in electronic device from the wear and tear of daily usage without limiting the portability of the electronic device or the accessibility of the electronic devices hardware keys, screen, or charging ports. The apparatus accomplishes this through the use of sidewalls and a rear panel. The sidewalls and rear panel house the electronic device and protect it from everyday wear and tear. This protects the electronic device from accidental damage. Optionally, the cover may incorporate a front panel that allows access to the screen of the device while protecting the screen. As another option the protective cover may incorporate one or more corner bumpers to protect the device from shock when dropped on a corner. The sidewalls of the cover may comprise inner stiff sidewalls and outer flexible sidewalls. Alternatively, the sidewalls may comprise a stiff material co-molded with a flexible material.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The subject application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/278,379 filed Jan. 13, 2016 entitled “PROTECTIVE COVER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an electronic device enclosure, more specifically to a protective cover that shields an electronic device from wear and tear while allowing a user to use the inserted device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    With the advent of new technology, people rely more on mobile electronic devices to enhance and facilitate their daily activities. Many of these mobile electronic devices, such as tablet PCs and smart phones, combine the function of several electronic devices into a single device with a wide range of functionality. While these mobile electronic devices have become essential for managing the daily lives of many people, their daily usage will often cause wear and tear on the device itself. In most situations, the signs of wear are merely cosmetic. But if a user were to drop the device, irreparable damage can be caused to the mobile device. This can often lead to expensive repair costs; more commonly, it will require complete replacement of the electronic device. 
         [0004]    Although several systems and methods for protecting these mobile devices from normal wear and tear and accidental damage already exist, these systems often limit the functionality of the mobile device. These existing systems are generally designed to be simplistic enclosures that envelope the mobile device, functioning as a protective barriers. The disadvantage with these systems is that they generally provide either an aesthetic, stiff material with limited protection against drops or a flexible material that offers protection against drops but provides limited aesthetic value. Another problem is the lack of accessibility of charging ports and hardware keys in certain systems. Many systems lack adequate protection for the corners of devices in the event that the device is dropped on its corner. Other systems that are formed of a flexible material may provide a deformable, flexible material to absorb shock of a drop, but lack a frame formed from a stiff material to distribute the shock and ensure that the flexible material retains its original shape during extended use to protect an electronic device Other systems protect both the front screen and rear portion of an electronic device. But they do not allow the user to view decorative elements on the rear of the device through a clear, protective panel. In other instances, existing systems may protect devices with a cover, but lack the ability to store credit cards, ID cards, or other cards or objects in a storage compartment incorporated in the cover. And, even if current systems allow such storage, they do not allow storage of such cards or objects in an accessible, enclosed compartment that shields the cards or objects from view. 
         [0005]    The above-described background is merely intended to provide a contextual overview of some current issues, and is not intended to be exhaustive. Other contextual information, including other problems with conventional implementations and techniques, and corresponding benefits of the various solutions described herein, may become further apparent upon review of the following detailed description. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The following presents a simplified summary of the specification to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the specification. This summary is not an extensive overview of the specification. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the specification nor delineate any scope particular to any embodiments of the specification, or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the specification in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0007]    In view of the background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a protective cover for an electronic device that is able to protect the electronic device from the wear and tear of daily usage while also providing enhanced protection when a device is dropped resulting in the device landing on its corner. This may be accomplished by providing a protective cover incorporating one or more corner bumpers that comprises a plurality of air pockets between an electronic device and a flexible material forming the cover. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a two-part protective case including an inner case formed of a stiff material and an outer case formed of a flexible material. The inner case may include four parallel sidewalls that may surround the sides of the electronic device and a rear panel attached to the four sidewalls also formed of a stiff material. In such an embodiment, the outer case may include four sidewalls formed of a flexible material that are shaped and sized in a manner allowing attachment of the outer case on the outside of the inner case such that the stiff sidewalls of the inner case are surrounded by the flexible sidewalls of the outer case. In this manner the device may be enclosed, and the protective cover may shield the device from dropping damage through absorption of shock by the flexible outer walls, while the inner side walls of the cover distribute the shock to a greater surface area of the device to prevent a significant shock to a small surface area of the device. 
         [0009]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a protective cover including a transparent scratch-resistant rear panel connected to each of plurality of sidewalls such that the decorative nature of the rear side of an electronic device may be viewed through the rear panel. Or in the alternative, if the device has a rear screen, that rear screen may be viewed through the transparent rear panel while still providing protection for the rear screen. 
         [0010]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a compartment with a slideable cover wherein a plurality of credit cards, identification cards, or other cards or objects may be stored. In such a compartment, the invention provides a compartment and slideable cover formed such that the stored items may be hidden from view when the compartment is closed. 
         [0011]    These and other embodiments are described in more detail below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a protective cover showing a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the same embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a left side plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a right side plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a front plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a rear plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of a protective cover showing a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a slideable cover and kickstand in open positions. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the same embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the same embodiment, showing a slideable cover and kickstand in closed positions. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a left side plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a right side plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a rear plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a front plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of a protective cover showing a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of the same embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a left side plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a right side plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a top plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a bottom plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is a front plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a rear plan view of the same embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is a cutaway view of a sidewall and a portion of the rear panel in one embodiment of a protective cover. 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is a cutaway view of a sidewall and a portion of the rear panel in another embodiment of a protective cover. 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  is a cutaway view of a corner bumper in one embodiment of a protective cover. 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  is a cutaway view of a corner bumper in another embodiment of a protective cover. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects. 
         [0043]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “in one aspect,” or “in an embodiment,” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0044]    The words “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding any additional or other elements. 
         [0045]    As an overview of the various embodiments presented herein, to correct for the above-identified deficiencies and other drawbacks of traditional protective covers, various embodiments are described herein to facilitate protection of electronic devices. 
         [0046]    For simplicity of explanation, the protective covers are depicted and described as a group of elements. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various embodiments are not limited by the elements illustrated and/or by the specific illustrated arrangements of elements. For example, elements may be combined in differing combinations or physical relationships, and with other elements not presented or described herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated elements may be required to implement the inventions. 
         [0047]    Described herein are systems, methods, articles of manufacture, and other embodiments or implementations that can facilitate protection of electronic devices. Such devices may be any type of device such as: a mobile handset, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld device, or the like, including but not limited to various generations of Apple iPad, Apple iPhone, Amazon Kindle, Nook, Acer Iconia Tab Tablet, Samsung Galaxy, Asus Transformer Pad, Lenovo IdeaPad, Lenovo ThinkPad, LG G-Slate, Motorola DROID, Sony S1, etc. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, described herein is a protective cover for an electronic device that is able to protect the electronic device from the wear and tear of daily usage while also providing enhanced protection when a device is dropped resulting in the device landing on its corner. This may be accomplished by providing a protective cover incorporating one or more corner bumpers that comprises a plurality of air pockets between an electronic device and a flexible material forming the cover. 
         [0049]    According to another embodiment, a two-part protective case including an inner case formed of a stiff material and an outer case formed of a flexible material is provided. The inner case may include four parallel sidewalls that may surround the sides of the electronic device and a rear panel attached to the four sidewalls also formed of a stiff material. In such an embodiment, the outer case may include four sidewalls formed of a flexible material that are shaped and sized in a manner allowing attachment of the outer case on the outside of the inner case such that the stiff sidewalls of the inner case are surrounded by the flexible sidewalls of the outer case. In this manner the device may be enclosed, and the protective cover may shield the device from dropping damage through absorption of shock by the flexible outer walls, while the inner side walls of the cover distribute the shock to a greater surface area of the device to prevent a significant shock to a small surface area of the device. 
         [0050]    According to yet another embodiment, described herein is a protective cover including a transparent scratch-resistant rear panel connected to each of plurality of sidewalls such that the decorative nature of the rear side of an electronic device may be viewed through the rear panel. Or in the alternative, if the device has a rear screen, that rear screen may be viewed through the transparent rear panel while remaining protected by the rear panel. 
         [0051]    Yet another embodiment provides a compartment with a slideable cover wherein a plurality of credit cards, identification cards, or other cards or objects may be stored. In such a compartment, the invention provides a compartment and slideable cover formed such that the stored items may be hidden from view when the compartment is closed. 
         [0052]    These and other embodiments or implementations are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , a first embodiment of a protective cover  100  for an electronic device (not shown) is illustrated. The protective cover  100  may comprise a front panel  102  and four sidewalls  104   a - 104   d.  The front panel  102 , may comprise various cutouts to allow access to buttons, keys, sensors, inputs, outputs, or other features of the electronic device. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , exemplary cutouts include a button cutout  130  for allowing access to a button of the electronic device, a camera cutout  140  for allowing access to a camera of the device, and the speaker cutouts  146  for allowing access to the speaker of the device. In this manner various signals may be transmitted from the device through the front panel  102  to the user of the device or, in the alternative, from the user of the device through the front panel  102  to the device. Ideally, front panel  102  comprises a material that is both transparent and allows the user&#39;s touch to be transmitted to a touch sensitive screen of the device located on the opposite side of the front panel  102  from the user&#39;s fingers, e.g., below front panel  102  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0054]    The front panel  102  may be surrounded fully or partially by a beveled rim  124 , which provides an added level of protection for the device and the screen of the device, as well as for the front panel  102 . Raised ridge  150  may also be provided at the highest point of beveled rim with respect to the front panel  102 . Raised ridge  150  may be formed about the entire perimeter of beveled rim  124  or may be formed only about portions of beveled rim  124  to provide either a continuous support structure or a system of supports for cover  100  when dropped or placed on a surface with front panel  102  facing the surface. A recessed area  128  may be formed in beveled rim  124  and raised ridge  150  to allow ease of manipulation of the button below button cutout  130  (or other button cutouts or cutouts for fingerprint readers or other input devices) by the user&#39;s thumb or finger when using covers in which the beveled rim  124  or raised ridge  150  would otherwise interfere with or render uncomfortable such manual manipulation of the relevant button. As can be seen in the FIGS., in the exemplary illustrated embodiment of cover  100 , the recessed area  128  is slightly wider than the button cutout  130  due to the width and/or angle of the digit with which the user manipulates the relevant button. Such recessed areas may be provided at other advantageous locations about the perimeter of front panel  102  or rear panel  144 . Beveled rim  124  may be of various heights, but is provided to allow a separation between the front panel  102  and a flat surface (not illustrated) when the protective cover is dropped onto the flat surface. In such circumstances, beveled rim  124  will raise the front panel  102  above such a flat surface sufficiently to protect the front panel  102  from an impact with the flat surface. Beveled rim  124  may be a portion of sidewalls  104   a,    104   b,    104   c,  and  104   d.    
         [0055]    Each of the sidewalls  104   a - d  may be comprised of an inner stiff sidewall and an outer flexible sidewall, where the inner stiff sidewalls together form a significant portion of an inner case and the outer flexible sidewalls together form a significant portion of an outer case. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , only one such pair of sidewalls is labeled for clarity, i.e., inner stiff sidewall  105   b  and outer flexible sidewall  105   a.  Outer flexible sidewall  105   a  may be formed to interlock with inner stiff sidewall  105   b,  such that inner stiff sidewall  105   b  is retained in close proximity with outer flexible sidewall  105   a  during ordinary use of the electronic device for which the protective cover  100  is provided. A seam  126  illustrates where the inner stiff sidewalls meet with the outer flexible sidewalls, including the meeting of inner stiff sidewall  105   b  and outer flexible sidewall  105   a,  and extends about the peripheral border of front panel  102  and beveled rim  124 . In some embodiments, where portions of outer flexible sidewalls have a varying height profile or do not extend entirely to the height of the inner stiff sidewalls, portions or all of seam  126  may be found in a location lateral to the inner stiff sidewalls, rather than the illustrated location. As illustrated in this embodiment, beveled rim  124  is a portion of inner stiff sidewall  105   b.  However, it is envisioned that in certain embodiments, rim  124  maybe a portion of the outer flexible sidewall  105   a.    
         [0056]    By way of example, outer flexible sidewall  105  a maybe formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), silicone or other similar materials with a similar impact absorbing qualities. And inner stiff sidewall  105   b  may be formed of polycarbonate (“PC”) or other similar materials with similar stiffness properties. In the embodiment formed of TPU and PC, the TPU absorbs the impact of a drop, and the PC forms a stiff inner frame to retain the shape of the protective cover. Certain other types of covers may not work as well in protecting electronic devices from shock as the inventive device disclosed herein. For example, an all TPU protective cover may not have the necessary stiffness to protect the device from the types of drops from which the inventive protective cover can protect the device. And an all PC protective cover may be too stiff to absorb the impact to the device when dropped in the same fashion as the inventive device. However the combination of an inner stiff sidewall  105   b  made of PC and an outer flexible sidewall  105   a  formed of TPU provides both impact absorption and a stiff frame that does not excessively deform upon impact. As a further advantage of using TPU to form the outer flexible sidewall, TPU allows for the outer flexible sidewall to be folded or wrapped around the inner stiff sidewall while the inner stiff sidewall retains its protective form when the two sidewall portions are mated together and interlocked for protection of an electronic device. Moreover, the use of TPU to form the outer flexible sidewall allows the inclusion of various port covers, tabs, and seals, as well as button covers that are flexible and that may be sealed to protect against the entry of liquids, dirt, dust, or other materials that may damage various ports, sensors, keys, buttons, or other features of an electronic device where foreign materials may interfere with the intended operation of the device. 
         [0057]    For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , port cover  108 , port cover  110 , and button covers  134 ,  136 , and  138 , as well as grip tabs  114  and  116  may be formed of the flexible material that also forms the outer flexible sidewall. In this example, port cover  108 , labeled AUX, covers a port for an auxiliary input. Grip tab  114  allows the user to manually open port cover  108  and obtain access to the auxiliary port or to close port cover  108  and thereby protect the auxiliary port. Similarly, grip tab  116  allows the user to manually open port cover  110 , labeled CHG, which may protect the charging port of the device. A cavity  118  may extend about three sides of port cover  108  to allow the cover  108  to be opened by bending the flexible material along the fourth side of cover  108 . A cavity  120  about three sides of cover  110  allows similar manipulation of cover  110 . Grip tab  116  will allow the user to manually open and close support cover  110  to gain access to or protect the charging port. Port cover  108  and/or port cover  110  may be formed with one or more small bumps on the edge that meets sidewall  104   d,  such that the bumps will assist with retaining the port covers in a closed position without sealing the port cover to sidewall  104   d.  In such instances, it may be desirable to form the portion of sidewall  104   d  that interacts with these small bumps with a small depression or series of small depressions into which the bumps may be inserted when the port covers are closed. Or, in the alternative, the bodies of port covers  108  and  110  may be enlarged sufficiently to form a seal about their edges when closed. Similarly, the protective cover may comprise an inner membrane or inner plug that is attached to the cover and pliable, but stiff enough to seal an opening. Likewise, a membrane may be provided for the device&#39;s speakers, headphone port, or other orifices that require sound or electronic transmission wherein, the membrane prevents foreign materials such as water or dirt from entering the port or orifice, but also allows the port or orifice to function in its intended purpose, for example, by allowing sound transmission or by allowing electrical signal transmission. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to extend a wall of stiff material from an inner stiff sidewall  105   b  into all or a portion of the volume identified as cavities  118  and/or  120 . Such a wall may provide for additional impact protection and sealing of various openings in the case, such as those openings corresponding to port covers  108  and  110 . Additional openings in the case, such as speaker opening  112 , may be provided with a wall of stiff material about the periphery of the opening extending outward from an inner stiff sidewall towards the outer surface of an outer flexible sidewall. Such a wall of stiff material can provide benefits such as additional impact protection and the ability to more firmly grasp an inserted sealing plug (not illustrated) to seal the opening against the environment external to the protective cover  100 . 
         [0058]    Button cover  134  labeled PWR in  FIG. 1 , which may be a cover for the power button and button covers  136  and  138 , labeled + and − in  FIG. 2 , which may be covers for the volume buttons, may also be formed of a flexible material such as TPU. Button covers  134 ,  136  and  138  may be sealed about their entire perimeters to a sidewall, such as sidewall  104   c  or  104   a,  or they may be formed with one or more slits at various points on the perimeter to permit manipulation of covers  134 ,  136 , and  138  with less force. Forming button covers  134 ,  136  and  138  with a seal about the perimeter allows for an enhanced protection of the device buttons that are being covered. In some embodiments, the outer surface of button covers may be raised with respect to the profile of the sidewall to allow ease of access to certain users, e.g., users wearing gloves or other hand coverings, users with medical conditions or impairments that may not be able to manipulate button covers that are flush with the sidewall, machine manipulations of buttons, etc. 
         [0059]    Sidewalls  104   a - d  may also be formed with a slot, such as slots  132   a  and  132   c,  to enhance gripability of the cover  100 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , slots  132   a  and  132   c  extend from one end of the sidewall to the opposite end of the sidewall and are formed as a trench having right angles separating its bottom and walls. It may be desirable to form the slots  132   a  and  132   c  with differing profiles, including v-shaped or curved profiles, or to form the slots  132   a  and  132   c  as a series of separated slots that do not extend the entire length of the sidewall. 
         [0060]    Various openings extending through both the inner stiff sidewall and the outer flexible sidewall may be provided in the sidewalls of cover  100 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a speaker opening  112  maybe provided in sidewall  104   d.  The speaker opening  112  may provide access to a speaker of the device such as that sound may be transmitted from the speaker to the user without interference by the protective cover  100 . The speaker opening  112  may be provided with a cover or a plug for sealing, in situations where it may be desirable to prevent matter from outside the protective cover from entering into the speaker of the device. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , the cover  100  may also be formed with a plurality of corner bumpers such as corner bumpers  106   a,    106   b,    106   c,  and  106   d.  As illustrated, sidewall  104   a  is adjoined with sidewall  104   d  by way of corner bumper  106   a.  Sidewall  104   d  is adjoined with sidewall  104   c  through corner bumper  106   b.  Sidewall  104   b  is adjoined to sidewall  104   c  by corner bumper  106   c.  And sidewall  104   b  is adjoined to sidewall  104   a  by corner bumper  106   d.  Corner bumpers  104   a - d  may be formed using the same flexible material used to form the outer flexible sidewall  105   a,  for example, TPU or silicone. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 28-29  show cutaway views of exemplary corner bumpers when viewed from the front plane of the protective cover  100 , looking toward the rear plane of protective cover  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 28 , an exemplary sidewall  104   d  is attached to an exemplary sidewall  104   c  by membrane (or material layer)  2802  of corner bumper  106   b.  Corner bumper  106   b  comprises at least an outer membrane  2802  that extends from sidewall  104   c  to sidewall  104   d.  An inner wall  2806  extends from membrane  2802  into the cavity formed by membrane  2802  towards an electronic device that may be inserted into the cover. The wall  2806  terminates on its opposite end at surface  2808 . Surface  2808  and wall  2806  may be formed such that the wall  2806  extends the entire distance from the membrane  2802  to an inserted electronic device. Or wall  2806  and surface  2808  may be formed such that they do not extend entirely from membrane  2802  to an inserted electronic device. Wall  2806  divides the volume between an electronic device and membrane  2802  into a plurality of cavities such as cavities  2810   a  and  2810   b.  It is preferably to provide a plurality of cavities within a corner bumper, rather than a single cavity. A single cavity without a dividing wall  2806  may permit the membrane  2802  to deform excessively when impacted. An excessive deformation of membrane  2802  may drive membrane  2802  into the surface of an inserted electronic device, such that the shock of an impact may be transmitted directly to the device in a relatively small impact area or zone. But, when a plurality of cavities are formed, an impact may be spread to the portions of the membrane about the zone of an impact, including the sidewalls and any portion of surface  2808  that may be in contact with or driven into an inserted electronic device. The embodiments disclosed herein lessen the risk of such impacts by providing a plurality of cavities separated by a wall  2806 . In such embodiments, before the membrane is driven into the corner of an inserted electronic device, it is preferable that the surface  2808  comes into contact with the corner of an inserted electronic device, thereby forming a sealed or partially sealed cavity, e.g.  2810   a  or  2810   b,  between membrane  2802  and the corner of the inserted electronic device. Forming a sealed or partially sealed cavity will allow the air pressure in the cavity to increase as the membrane deforms, thereby spreading a portion of the shock to a larger surface of the inserted electronic device and reducing the risk that any particular impact causes a critical shock that would damage the inserted device. Additionally, the presence of wall  2806  allows for transmission of a portion of the shock to an inserted electronic device through surface  2808 . In many instances, this will spread the shock of the impact over a larger portion of the surface of the electronic device than if the membrane  2802  were permitted to be driven directly into the inserted electronic device by the impact. In some instances, even with the presence of wall  2806 , the membrane may be driven into the surface of an inserted electronic device by a hard impact. Yet, even in such circumstances, the presence of a plurality of cavities and wall  2806  is considered to be beneficial for purposes of spreading the shock of at least a portion of the impact over a larger surface area of the inserted electronic device. Further, as can be seen in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , the portions of the membrane  2802  and  2902  that are attached to the sidewalls may be formed to extend laterally beyond the profile of the sidewall in a direction parallel with rear plane  2614  or  2714 . Extending the membrane in this manner increases the chance that dropping the device will result in an initial impact upon the corner bumper that diverts a portion or all of the shock away from the relevant sidewall  104   a,    104   b,    104   c  or  104   d,  and into the corner bumper, thereby allowing the corner bumper to spread a significant impact over a wider area or allowing the corner bumper to completely divert a less significant impact from the sidewall to the corner bumper. Protrusion of the membrane in this manner may also lessen the possibility that an impact will result in depression of one of the button covers or a direct strike on a grip tab, port cover, or other opening where an inserted electronic device may be less protected from an impact. 
         [0063]    A divot  2804  extending partially through membrane  2802  or caused by an intentional deformation of membrane  2802  may divide the membrane  2802  into a plurality of impact zones, one adjacent to sidewall  104   c  and another adjacent to sidewall  104   d.  The divot  2804  may also be placed in a position that will prevent a direct impact on wall  2806 . Such a direct impact on wall  2806  would be likely to focus an impact and drive wall  2806  directly into the surface of an inserted electronic device. By placing the divot  2804  on the opposite side of membrane  2802  from the intersection of the membrane  2802  and wall  2806 , it will be possible, in certain instances, to redirect the impact to the plurality of impact zones of membrane  2802 , thereby obtaining the shock-spreading advantages of cavities  2810   a  and  2810   b  and membrane  2802 . 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIG. 29 , another embodiment of a corner bumper is illustrated. In such an embodiment, it may also be advantageous to provide for three or more cavities  2910   a,    2910   b,    2910   c,  each having the shock-spreading advantages of cavities  2810   a  and  2810   b,  within the corner bumper  106   b  or any corner bumper. As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , sidewall  104   c  is attached to sidewall  104   d  through corner bumper  106   b.  Corner bumper  106   b  is formed of a membrane (or material layer)  2902  extending from sidewall  104   d  to sidewall  104   c.  In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 29 , walls  2906   a  and  2906   b  are formed between the membrane  2902  and an inserted electronic device. As with the embodiment of  FIG. 28 , in the embodiment of  FIG. 29 , the walls  2906   a  and  2906   b  may be formed to extend partially from the membrane  2902  to an inserted electronic device, such that surfaces  2908   a  and  2908   b  are in direct contact with a corner area of the electronic device when the membrane  2902  is not deformed. Or the walls  2906   a  and  2906   b  maybe formed to extend only a portion of the distance from membrane  2902  to an inserted electronic device. In such an embodiment, surface  2908   a  and surface  2908   b  would not be in direct contact with the electronic device unless the protective cover was dropped, and the drop impacted corner bumper  106   b  with sufficient force to deform the membrane  2902  such that one or more of surfaces  2908   a  or  2908   b  was driven into direct contact with the corner of an inserted electronic device. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-8 , cover  100  may comprise a rear panel  144 , which may be formed of a transparent or opaque material. In this embodiment, it is preferable to form panel  144  of a transparent material, to allow a user to view the ornamental features of the rear portion of an inserted device, or to view a rear display on an inserted device. Rear panel  144  may define a rear plane  2614  or  2714  (see  FIGS. 26, 27 ) of the cover  100 . Rear panel  144  is surrounded on its periphery by sidewalls  104   a,    104   b,    104   c,    104   d,  and corner bumpers  106   a,    106   b,    106   c,  and  106   d.  In certain embodiments of the invention directed to use with electronic devices having a curved or angular rear surface, rear panel  144  may be formed with a shape that is curved, angular, or has other features that do not easily define a rear plane. Such embodiments remain within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. 
         [0066]    In this embodiment, it is preferable to form both front panel  102  and rear panel  144  with transparent materials. Front panel  102  provides protection for a display screen of an inserted electronic device, and should provide the user with the ability to view and interact with a touchscreen, when an inserted electronic device has touchscreen capabilities. To provide such capabilities, it is desirable to form the front panel  102  using materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) or tempered glass. It is preferable to form front panel  102  with a scratch resistance of at least  5 H on the pencil hardness scale. Using PET to form front panel  102  also increases the antiglare and anti-fingerprint properties of panel  102  to enhance visibility of the screen of an inserted electronic device after normal usage of the cover  100 . PET is an option, but may not be the optimal material for forming the rear panel  144 . Instead, it may be desirable to form the rear panel  144  using a transparent acrylic. Such an acrylic material should be much harder than PC and will often provide superior transparency and wear characteristics when compared to PC. Acrylic is also harder and tougher than PET, which is often formed in a thinner layer than acrylic panels. However, acrylic does not provide the same level of touch sensitivity as PET. Thus, while it is preferable to use acrylic in many instances for rear panel  144 , acrylic would not be an appropriate material for front panel  102  if the cover  100  is to be used with an electronic device having a touch sensitive screen. 
         [0067]    Rear panel  144  may comprise one or more cutouts, such as camera cutout  142 . Cutouts in the rear panel may allow interaction with various functionalities, buttons, keys, sensors, inputs, and outputs of an inserted electronic device. Camera cutout  142 , for example, was provided to allow a camera of an inserted electronic device as well as flash mechanism and potentially a microphone to allow an inserted electronic device to function in the manner that such functions and features would without a cover  100 . One or more ridges  122   a,    122   b,    122   c,  and  122   d  may be provided about the periphery of rear panel  144 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , raised ridges  122   a - d  are provided such that one of the raised ridges is placed near each of the corners of the protective cover  100 . In a preferred embodiment each of ridges  122   a - d  will extend approximately 1 mm from the surface of the rear panel, to raise the rear panel approximately 1 mm above a flat surface when the cover  100  is laid on a flat surface on ridges  122   a - d.    
         [0068]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 8 , cover  100  may also comprise further openings, such as openings  502  and  504 . Such openings may be provided through one of sidewalls  104   a - d,  to allow a user of cover  100  to access various features, outputs, or inputs of an electronic device inserted in cover  100 . For example, opening  504  may be configured to allow transmission of signals by an infrared transmitter, and opening  402  may be configured to allow unrestricted use of a microphone on the electronic device. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , in a preferred embodiment, cover  100  is 82.12 mm wide and 154.97 mm long, with a depth of 13.0 mm, while the width of opening  502  is 2.98 mm, the width of opening  504  is 5.98 mm, the width of button cover  134  is 16.01 mm, the distance from one end of button cover  136  to the opposite end of button cover  138  is 30.01 mm, the width of speaker opening  112  is 13.04 mm, the width of port cover  110  is 13.8 mm, the width of port cover  108  is 6.1 mm, and the height of port covers  108  and  110  is 8.1 mm. 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-17 , a second embodiment of the inventive protective cover  100  is illustrated. In this embodiment, cover  100  is provided with a slideable cover  906  that attaches to rear panel  144 . The slideable cover  906  may be slid to open or closed positions to reveal or conceal a storage cavity  916  that is formed between slideable cover  906  and rear panel  144 , and bounded by cavity walls  918   a,    918   b,    918   c,  and  918   d  (not shown, but parallel to and opposite wall  918   b ).  FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate cover  100  with slideable cover  906  and kickstand  910  both in open positions.  FIGS. 11-17  illustrate cover  100  with slideable cover  906  and kickstand  910  both in closed positions. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-17 , a grip  902   a  or  902   b  may be provided extending along one or more sidewalls  104   a - d  to enhance a user&#39;s ability to grip the cover  100 . Grips  902   a  and  902   b  may be formed of a flexible material, such as TPU, that has a less slippery surface than the material forming other portions of the case. Grips  902   a  and  902   b  may be flush with the profile of the relevant sidewall, or may protrude slightly from the sidewalls to provide a larger surface area for interaction with the digits of the user such that the friction between the user&#39;s digits and grip  902   a  or is  902   b  is increased. Additionally, grip  902   a  or  902   b  may reduce the possibility that the case will slip when used in conjunction with kickstand  910  to prop the case at an angle to a surface upon which the case is placed. Additional grips (not illustrated) of the same type may be formed as part of the sidewalls  104   b  or  104   d.  Rails  904   a  and  904   c  are provided to attach slideable cover  906  to rear panel  144  by interlocking with rails  1002   a  and  1002   c  in a slideable fashion. This will allow slideable cover  906  to be moved into an open position that provides access to a cavity  916 , or into a closed position that conceals cavity  916 . It is preferable that the cover edge  930  be flush with the top edge of wall  932  when the slideable cover  906  is closed, thereby providing a measure of concealment to the cavity  916 . 
         [0072]    Providing rails for opening and closing slideable cover  906  is preferable to providing a hinged opening, because the slidable mechanism permits protective cover  100  to retain a significant portion of its stiffness when the slidable cover  906  is open, thereby facilitating the use of kickstand  910  when slideable cover  906  is in either the open or closed position. If, however, slideable cover  906  was hinged, it may not be possible to use kickstand  910  when slideable cover  906  was rotated about the hinge to an open position. Note, however, that forming the device with a hinged cover to conceal cavity  916  falls within the scope of the inventive concepts discussed herein. But it may not be possible to use kickstand  910  while a hinged cover is in an open position revealing cavity  916 . 
         [0073]    Kickstand  910  is attached by pivot  912  to slideable cover  906  at the distal end of slidable cover  906  from sidewall  104   b.  Pivot  912  may be located within recess  914 . Recess  914  may extend partially or completely through slideable cover  906 . When it is closed, kickstand  910  should preferably life flush with the outer surface of slideable cover  906 . When it is opened, kickstand  910  provides the ability to prop the protective cover  100  at an angle, rather than laying it flat on its front or back. This allows a user of protective cover  100  to view content on an inserted electronic device at a desirable angle without holding the device. For example, a user of cover  100  may find it preferable to view video content with an inserted electronic device when cover  100  is propping the device at an angle to a table by using kickstand  910 . 
         [0074]    A grip  908  may be formed on the side of slideable cover  906  that is opposite cavity  916 . The grip  908  may be formed to enhance the user&#39;s ability to manipulate the slideable cover with a fingertip. Grip  908  may be formed as in a depression or other indentation in the surface of slideable cover  906 . As an alternative embodiment, grip  908  may be formed as a protrusion from the surface of slideable cover  906 . In another embodiment, grip  908  may be formed by using a relatively small deposit of flexible material, which will provide an increased amount of friction when a user attempts to slide cover  906  open using a finger. 
         [0075]    A cavity  916  is provided and is defined by cavity walls  918   a,    918   b,    918   c,  and  918   d  (not shown), as well as slideable cover  906  and flexible lining  920 . Preferably the cavity  916  is formed with a shape that allows for storage of a plurality of cards of a standard size, such as credit cards, debit cards, identification cards, or other cards. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity  916  is sized to hold one to three standard-sized credit cards. The cavity  916  may also be formed to allow the storage of money, keys, memory cards, or other possessions that a user may wish to conceal. A finger grip  924  is provided on cavity wall  918   a  to allow users to insert a finger tip, stylus, or small object at the perimeter of a card to remove the card from the cavity  916 . Finger grip  924  may be provided, in the alternative, on cavity wall  918   c  or  918   b.  Cavity  916  may be formed from or lined on its bottom surface with a flexible lining  920 . However the bottom of the cavity may be formed from the stiff material without a flexible lining. The flexible lining is desirable to retain the inserted cards without excessive shaking, rattling, or shifting during use of protective cover  100 . A buffer chamber  922  maybe provided within cavity  916 . Buffer chamber  922  maybe bounded by a raised portion of flexible lining  920  such that when a card is inserted, a small buffer chamber will be formed between the card and flexible lining  920 , to provide additional shock relief in the event of a shock or to raise the card slightly above the surface of flexible lining  920  to ease a user&#39;s ability to remove an inserted card. 
         [0076]    Also illustrated is a wall  932 , which forms a stop for slideable cover  906  when slidable cover  906  is closed to conceal cavity  916 . Preferably the outer contour of slideable cover  906  will conform to the other contour of wall  932  to provide for concealment of cavity  916  when slideable cover  906  is in a closed position. However, it remains within the scope of this invention to provide a slideable cover  906  that does not entirely conceal cavity  916 . Additional features illustrated in  FIG. 9  are cutout  142  and divot  2804 . Cutout  142  is provided to allow normal functionality of, for example, a camera and microphone that are provided on the rear panel of an inserted electronic device. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIGS. 10, 17, 18 and 24 , a series of buffer chambers is provided within the interior portion of cover  100  on the surface of rear panel  144 . Such buffer chambers may be formed using the surface of panel  144  in conjunction with buffer chamber rims  1016   a,    1016   b,    1016   c,  and  1016   d,  in the rear surface of an inserted electronic device. When an electronic device is inserted in cover  100 , the combination of buffer chamber rims, rear panel  144  surface, and rear surface of the inserted electronic device will form small pockets of air between the electronic device and the surface of rear panel  144 . Such pockets of air will allow for a buffer zone and a distribution of shock in the event that cover  100  experiences a shock to the rear portion of the cover. The quantity, size and shape of such buffer chambers may be varied. Additionally, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, a series of buffer chambers may be nested. In the alternative, the buffer chambers need not be nested and may be arranged laterally to other buffer chambers rather than within another buffer chamber. Moreover, as is illustrated in  FIG. 10 , buffer chamber rims  1016   b  and  1016   c  intersect cutout  142  such that these rims do not form a complete wall about the buffer chambers that each rim defines. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the buffer chambers may be completely enclosed or partially enclosed. Buffer chamber rims may be formed with sidewalls that are perpendicular to the surface of rear panel  144 . However, in a preferred embodiment, the sidewalls of the buffer chamber rims are beveled with respect to the surface of rear panel  144  and the buffer chamber rims are preferably formed following a path with multiple oblique angles, rather than straight paths with right or acute angles, for better impact stability, internal scratch resistance, and shock absorption. 
         [0078]    As illustrated, between buffer chamber rim  1016   a  and the next larger buffer chamber rim, a pattern of flexible material may be formed, to enhance the ability of the rear panel  144  to retain an inserted electronic device at a single position and prevent slippage of the device within the cover  100 . Such a pattern may be, as shown, a composite raised key-link layout, which is a series of links similar to chain links or offset ellipses. However this specific pattern is not required, and other known patterns that provide such enhanced traction, may be substituted while remaining within the scope if the disclosed invention. Additionally, such a pattern may also be formed in parts or all of flexible lining  920 . As illustrated in, e.g.,  FIG. 9 , a composite raised key-link layout may be formed between buffer chamber  922  and cavity walls  918   a - d.    
         [0079]    In this embodiment, it may be desirable to provide a plurality of port openings, such as port openings  1008 ,  1010 ,  1012 , and/or  1014 . Port opening  1008 , for example, may be provided to allow a headphone jack to be inserted into a headphone jack receptacle within an inserted electronic device. Port opening  1010 , for example, may be provided to allow insertion of a charging cable connector into a charging port of an inserted electronic device. Port opening  1014  may be provided to allow access to a microphone of the device, such that the microphone is not excessively muffled by the presence of cover  100 . And port opening  1012 , for example, may be provided to allow access to a speaker of an inserted electronic device, such that the sound emanating from the speaker is not excessively muffled. 
         [0080]    It may also be desirable in various embodiments to form the button covers, such as button covers  134 ,  136  and  138  using a stiff material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”) plastic, which may also have a metallic coating. Using such material may enhance the user&#39;s experience with the protective cover, as manipulation of a stiffer button cover may be more reminiscent of manipulation of a button on an electronic device than would manipulation of a flexible button cover. Such material may also provide for a better response when a button cover is manipulated. When using a stiff material such as ABS, it may be desirable to co-mold the button covers with the flexible material of the sidewall or to form the sidewall and then insert the button covers later. 
         [0081]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 16 , a contact line  1102  is shown, indicating the intersection of slideable cover  906  and wall  932 . As is illustrated, in the preferred form of this embodiment, the slidable cover  906  aligns flush with wall  932  when slideable cover  906  is in a closed position. Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , kickstand  910  may be rotated about pivot  912  into recess  914  such that the outer surface of kickstand  910  is flush with the outer surface of slidable cover  906 . 
         [0082]    Referring to the embodiment of  FIGS. 9-17 , in a preferred embodiment, cover  100  is 75.37 mm wide and 146.83 mm long, with a depth of 14.88 mm, while the height and width of port opening  1008  are 8.89 mm and 8.96 mm respectively, the width of kickstand  910  is 40.79 mm, the width of button cover  134  is 10.82 mm, the distance from one end of button cover  136  to the opposite end of button cover  138  is 25.08 mm, the height and width of port opening  1012  are 3.79 mm and 8.17 mm respectively, the height and width of port opening  1010  are 6.93 mm and 13.68 mm respectively, and the width of port opening  1014  is 2.17 mm. 
         [0083]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18-25 , a third embodiment of the inventive protective cover  100  is illustrated. In this embodiment, cover  100  is provided with four corner bumpers  106   a - d.  Cover  100  may be co-molded using both a flexible material and a stiff material to provide a single-piece protective cover that is both shock-absorbant and stiff enough to retain its form in the course of ordinary usage. In this third embodiment, the protective cover is illustrated without either a slidable rear cover or a front panel. However, this illustration should not be deemed to exclude the use of either a slidable rear cover or a transparent front panel with this embodiment. 
         [0084]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 18 , additional buffer chamber rims  1016 e,  1016 f, and  1016 g are illustrated, showing that additional nested buffer chambers may be added to the interior portion of rear panel  144 . As is illustrated in  FIG. 18 , cutout  142  is provided with an interior rim of a flexible material, such that each of buffer chambers bounded by buffer chamber rims  1016   b,    1016   c,  and  1016   d,  may form a portion of a sealed buffer chamber, rather than an unsealed buffer chamber. 
         [0085]    Another feature of the third embodiment, is that grips  902   a  and  902   b  are illustrated as protruding slightly from the profile of sidewalls  104   a  and  104   c,  to enhance a user&#39;s ability to grip the protective cover without slippage. In embodiments such as this, grips  902   a  and  902   b  may be formed from a flexible material that is co-molded with the stiff material that forms other portions of sidewalls  104   a  and  104   c.  Co-molding permits the formation of a single-piece protective cover  100  that has both flexibility where desired and stiffness where desired, providing for the user the benefit of lighter weight and less bulkiness due to the ability to eliminate connecting features such as interlocking ridges in a co-molded product. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 19 , it may be seen that a plurality of ridges  122   a,    122   b,    122   c,  and  122   d  may be formed on or near the rear panel  144  of the cover  100 , to raise the rear panel  144  of the cover  100  from a flat surface when the cover  100  is placed on such a flat surface. This may be desirable to prevent scratches to the rear panel  144 , which may be an opaque panel formed of stiff material such as PC or a transparent material such as acrylic. 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIGS. 18-25 , the screen frame guard comprising beveled edge  124  and raised ridge  150  may be formed about the entire periphery of the area in which the screen of an inserted electronic device would be visible. This screen frame guard will provide for protection of a screen with respect to strikes as well as providing edge and corner protection to an inserted electronic device. 
         [0088]    In the third embodiment, it is preferable to form the ridges  122   a,    122   b,    122   c,  and  122   d,  such that they extend at least 0.7 mm from the rear of the rear panel  144 . In addition, the cutout  142  may also extend outward from the rear panel  144 , for example, to provide protection to a protrusion such as a camera from the rear of an inserted electronic device. In a preferred embodiment, the edge of the cutout  142  will protrude approximately the same distance as the ridges  122   a - d.    
         [0089]    Referring now to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , both figures show cross-sections of various embodiments of sidewall  104   c.  As illustrated, it should be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that the profile of the sidewall is not meant to be limited to a vertical wall, but can include various profiles based upon aesthetics, desired functionality, and/or the shape of the device for which protection is desired. 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIG. 26 , it can be seen that the inner profile of sidewall  104   c  may be approximately semi-circular or otherwise curved to accommodate the sidewall profile of an inserted electronic device, while the rear panel  144  is preferably flat or slightly curved to accommodate the rear profile of the device, and may include features corresponding to protrusions or depressions in the device profile. For example, rear panel  144  extends approximately horizontally defining a rear plane of the device  2614 . Rear panel  144  need not be flat and need not intersect the rear plane  2614  at all points, but may be formed to conform to the rear panel or rear display of an inserted electronic device. Thus, rear plane  2614  provides an approximation of the shape of rear panel  144  and a point of reference for connection and protrusion of the sidewalls, e.g., sidewall  104   c,  which protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the rear plane  2614 , meaning that a line segment drawn orthogonally from the plane will intersect portions of the sidewall  104   c.  But rear plane  2614  need not intersect panel  144  at all points within the perimeter of the cover  100 . Rear panel  144  may comprise a stiff layer  2604 , which may be formed of one or more stiff materials such as PC or acrylic, and a flexible layer  2602 , which may be formed using a flexible material such as TPU or silicone. As illustrated, the flexible layer  2602  is designed to be positioned, at least in part, against the rear panel of an inserted electronic device. And the stiff layer  2604  is designed to face the environment external to protective cover  100  and may extend seamlessly into the sidewalls, e.g., sidewall  104   c.  However, it may be desirable in certain embodiments to provide for another flexible layer (not illustrated) facing the environment. This additional flexible layer may provide various advantages such as shock absorption, gripability, or other advantages. Such a layer may completely or partially cover the exterior of rear panel  144 . 
         [0091]    Flexible layer  2602  maybe formed to conform to the rear of an inserted electronic device, and may extend seamlessly into portions of sidewall  104   c.  In the illustrated embodiment, flexible layer  2602  extends into sidewall  104   c  and extends orthogonally to rear plane  2614  beyond button cover  134  to form the upper portion of sidewall  104   c  including a retaining lip  2610 , a flexible portion  2606 , a beveled edge  2608 , and raised ridge  150 . As illustrated in this cut-away, it appears that button cover  134  bisects flexible layer  2602  such that the upper portion and lower portion are separate. However, in portions of sidewall  104   c  that are not bisected by button cover  134 , the upper portion including elements  2606 ,  2608  and  2610  are connected with the lower portion of flexible layer  2602  by a continuous segment of flexible material. In embodiments such as that illustrated in  FIG. 26 , stiff layer  2604  maybe co-molded with flexible material  2602 . A separate portion of stiff layer  2604  is illustrated above button cover  134  and may be connected contiguously with the portion of stiff material that is used to form rear panel  144  and other stiff portions of the device, which are co-molded with the flexible material. 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 26 , retaining lip  2610  may be a flexible portion that may be compressed, bent, or otherwise manipulated upwards or outwards for purposes of inserting or removing an electronic device. Retaining lip  2610  will then, after insertion, revert to its original shape or a close approximation of the original shape and participate in retaining an electronic device within protective cover  100 . As is illustrated, it may be desirable to form a beveled edge  2608  or rounded edge (not illustrated) of the flexible material, such that the front panel of an inserted electronic device will be protected when the cover is laid or dropped on a flat surface, as is described above with respect to beveled edge  124 . Similarly, raised ridge  150  may be formed using the flexible material such that it will function in the fashion described above. When an electronic device is inserted in cover  100 , it is desirable that the contact portion  2612  of button cover  134  be located proximate to a button or key of the device, such that manipulation of the button or key is possible through actuation or manipulation of button cover  134  without the need to remove cover  100 . Button cover  134  may be hinged, may be mounted entirely with a surround of flexible material, or may be attached in other known manners that will allow button cover  134  to move sufficiently to interact with a button or key of an inserted electronic device. As illustrated, contact portion  2612  is concave. But, contact portion  2612  may be convex or have other form factors that provide for interaction with the relevant button or buttons of an inserted device. 
         [0093]    Referring now to  FIG. 27 , an exemplary cross-section of another embodiment of the sidewall according to the inventive protective cover is disclosed. In this embodiment, it may be seen that both a front panel  102  and a rear panel  144  are present. The front panel  102  defines a front plane  2716 . And the rear panel  144  defines a rear plane  2714 . It is not required that either of the panels are co-extensive with the relevant plane or intersect the plane at all points within the perimeter of the cover  100 . However, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 27 , both front panel  102  and rear panel  144  are substantially planner and intersect the relevant planes at all points without cutouts that are within the perimeter of the device  100 . 
         [0094]    In this embodiment, at least a portion of sidewall  104   c  extends orthogonally from both the rear plane  2714  and the front plane  2716 , meaning that a line segment drawn orthogonally from either plane will intersect portions of the sidewall  104   c.  The invention disclosed herein also encompasses embodiments in which the rear plane  2714  and front plane  2716  are not parallel, such that the sidewalls may extend orthogonally from one plane, but at an acute or obtuse angle to the other plane. The sidewall  104   c  comprises a stiff inner sidewall  2704  and a flexible outer sidewall  2705 , which may correspond to stiff inner sidewall  105   b  and flexible outer sidewall  105   a  as described above. In this embodiment, the stiff sidewall  2704  and the flexible sidewall  2705  may be formed separately with inter-locking features, or they may be co-molded such that it is difficult to separate the flexible and stiff portions of sidewall  104   c,  and interlocking features are not necessary. If co-molded, it may be desirable to form the cover  100  in such a manner as to allow easy detachment of front panel  102  or rear panel  144  to accommodate insertion or removal of an electronic device. As illustrated, a retaining slot  2703  retains rear panel  144  within sidewall  104   c  at the intersection of the sidewall  104   c  and the rear panel  144 . Retaining slot  2703  may extend about the entire perimeter of rear panel  144  or about a portion of the perimeter sufficient to retain panel  144  and provide any desired seal against the external environment. This is a preferred manner of attaching the rear panel  144  to the sidewall, e.g.  104   c.  However it is not intended to be limiting. Other known matters of attachment may be used, such as forming the rear panel  144  of a contiguous portion of the same material used to form flexible sidewall  2705 . Or it may be possible to glue, adhere, or otherwise retain or attach the rear panel  144  to the sidewall  104   c  while remaining within the intent of the disclosed invention. Also illustrated on sidewall  104   c  is a slot  132   c,  which may be added to the sidewall for purposes of enhancing the ability of the user to grip cover  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 27 , slot  132   c  has a trench like appearance with walls that are substantially orthogonal to its base. As described above, slot  132   c  may be formed with different form factors. 
         [0095]    As illustrated in  FIG. 27 , front panel  102  is retained within stiff sidewall  2704  via retaining slot  2702 . Retaining slot  2702  may extend about the entire perimeter of rear panel  102  or about a portion of the perimeter sufficient to retain panel  102  and provide any desired seal against the external environment. As indicated with respect to retaining slot  2703  and rear panel  144 , this is one manner of retaining the front panel  102  while remaining faithful to the intent of the disclosed invention. However, other known manners of retention or adhesion are permissible without departing from the scope of the invention. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, flexible sidewall  2705  includes a ridge  2710 , while stiff sidewall  2704  is formed to include a ridge  2708 . Ridges  2708  and  2710  maybe interlocking, such that when stiff sidewall  2704  is inserted within the portion of the cover  100  formed by flexible sidewall  2705  and rear panel  144 , ridge  2708  and ridge  2710  may be manipulated to interlock, thereby retaining stiff sidewall  2704  in a position within and adjacent to flexible sidewall  2705 . Interlocking ridges  2708  and  2710  may extend about the entire perimeter of front panel  102  or may extend about only a portion or portions of front panel  102 , as long as the ridges extend a sufficient distance about the perimeter that they are able to remain interlocked during ordinary use of the cover  100 . When stiff sidewall  2704  and flexible sidewall  2705  are in close proximity and interlocked, seam  126  may be visible from the top of the cover  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, rear panel  144  is attached to flexible sidewall  2705 , while front panel  102  is attached to stiff sidewall  2704 . However, one of ordinary skill will understand that front panel  102  may instead be attached to flexible sidewall  2705  and rear panel  144  attached to stiff sidewall  2704  without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. If formed in this manner, it would be preferable to invert the positioning of ridges  2710  and  2708  so that they remain interlocked without rear panel  144  in a position to assist with retention of stiff sidewall  2704  within flexible sidewall  2705 . 
         [0096]    The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize. 
         [0097]    In this regard, while the subject matter has been described herein in connection with various embodiments and corresponding FIGs, where applicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.