Patent Publication Number: US-2022232938-A1

Title: Protective case for mobile electronic device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/645,961, filed on Dec. 23, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/399,046, filed on Aug. 10, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/786,974, filed on Feb. 10, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/897,031, filed on Feb. 14, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/210,448, filed on Mar. 14, 2014 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,517 on Mar. 13, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/782,110, filed on Mar. 14, 2013; and this application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/647,169, filed on Jan. 5, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/929,097, filed on Jul. 14, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/068,868, filed on Mar. 14, 2016 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,709,220 on Jul. 14, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/132,002, filed on Mar. 12, 2015; the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates to user removable protective cases and enclosures for mobile electronic devices. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the like are known to sustain damage from impact and from contamination as a result of the ingress of water or other fluids. Such damage may result, for example, in a cracked screen, scratches on a finished surface, lost or damaged buttons or controls, cracked or bent external body components, and/or failed or malfunctioning electrical components. Protective cases can protect mobile electronic devices from such damage and other types of damage. 
     SUMMARY 
     A protective case for a mobile electronic device having a touchscreen is disclosed herein. 
     In a first set of embodiments, including the first, second, and third embodiments described below, the case includes a back frame that receives the mobile electronic device, a stretchable cover that stretches over at least a portion of the back frame and the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is in the back frame, and a front frame that has a transparent screen protector that mounts over a portion of the stretchable cover and the back frame such that the mobile electronic device is held between the back frame and the front frame. 
     The back frame has an open front and is shaped to receive the mobile electronic device. Openings are provided in the back frame for any controls or outputs of the device that are covered by the back frame. The back frame may preferably be a unitary molded piece that has a screened portion formed in a microphone opening that protects the microphone. The back frame includes a camera flap cavity with sidewalls on an exterior of the back frame that receives a hinged camera flap which removably covers and seals the camera flap cavity. The back frame also includes compression pad cavities on an interior surface of the back frame and compression pads mounted in the compression pad cavities. The compression pads ensure a tight compression fit between the case and a mobile electronic device retained therein. The back frame includes an opening that allows a user to remove the mobile electronic device from the back frame by pushing on the back of the device. Raised portions on the back frame extend through openings in the back of the stretchable cover to restrict movement of the stretchable cover with respect to the back frame. 
     The stretchable cover is constructed so that it can be stretched over the back frame when the device is mounted in the back frame. The cover has tabs and flaps that correspond to the control openings in the back frame and function to removably cover the controls and outputs of the device. When installed over the back frame, the stretchable cover has portions that extend over the mobile electronic device mounted in the back frame. These portions of the stretchable cover ensure that the mobile electronic device is securely held inside the back frame and stretchable cover. 
     The stretchable cover includes a recessed front portion that is shaped to receive the front frame when the front frame is mounted on the cover and back frame. The front frame fits in the recessed front portion and clamps over the cover and back frame such that the mobile electronic device is securely held between the back frame and the front frame and the touchscreen of the mobile electronic device is protected and usable while the device is in the case. The stretchable cover also preferably includes bumper portions around the recessed front portion that extend past a front surface of the front frame when the case is assembled and that cushion the case in the event of an impact. 
     The front frame is preferably coupled to the back frame with grasping protrusions that mate with corresponding mounting portions on the back frame which extend through openings in the stretchable cover. The front frame also preferably has a front frame control opening and the stretchable cover includes a button pad that extends through the control opening. The flexible button pad forms a seal with the rigid front frame control opening and allows a control on the front of the mobile electronic device to be operated when the mobile electronic device is inside the case. The front frame also preferably includes a speaker opening having a water-resistant insert and a camera opening with a transparent camera cover. 
     The transparent screen protector may preferably be mounted on a raised portion on the back of the front frame. The stretchable cover has a corresponding front cavity shaped to receive the raised portion of the front frame and screen protector and form a debris-resistant seal. 
     In a second set of embodiments, including the fourth and fifth embodiments described below, the protective case includes a back frame and a front cover. The back frame includes a rigid plastic back frame having an elastomeric material bonded to portions of the rigid plastic back frame. The elastomeric material bonded to portions of the rigid plastic back frame forms a series of raised bumpers around the exterior surfaces of the protective case. Back frame engagement members are positioned on the perimeter of the rigid plastic back frame. 
     An elastomeric insert is positioned around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the back frame. The elastomeric insert has a plurality of compressible structures that provide impact cushioning for a mobile electronic device enclosed in the protective case. The elastomeric insert also includes flexible button cover portions that allow the controls of the mobile electronic device to be used while the mobile electronic device is enclosed within the protective case. 
     The front cover mates with the back frame to enclose the elastomeric insert and the mobile electronic device. The front cover includes a touchscreen cover and a rigid plastic front frame bonded to the perimeter of the touchscreen cover. The front cover also includes an opening in the touchscreen cover that corresponds to a location of a device control when the protective cover is installed over the device and a flexible membrane that covers the opening. Front cover engagement members extend from the rigid plastic front frame. The front cover engagement members engage the back frame engagement members on the plastic back frame to hold the front frame on the back frame and enclose the mobile electronic device. The front frame engagement members extend down from the rigid plastic front frame and are positioned around an exterior perimeter of the mobile electronic device. The front engagement members may be protrusions extending from the front cover having hooked lips. The extended portions of the front cover snap into the corresponding back frame engagement members to secure the front cover to the back frame and enclose the mobile electronic device. The front cover includes a removal tab that facilitates removal of the front cover from the back frame. 
     In some alternative embodiments within the second set of embodiments, the front cover slides over the back frame and over the elastomeric insert to form the protective case and enclose the mobile electronic device. In such embodiments, the front cover engagement members are extended portions positioned around the perimeter of the front cover and the back frame engagement members are overhanging portions of the back frame. The extended portions of the front cover slide under the overhanging portions of the back cover to secure the front cover to the back frame and enclose the mobile electronic device with the protective case. 
     Each of the foregoing and various aspects, together with those set forth in the claims and summarized above or otherwise disclosed herein, including the figures, may be combined without limitation to form claims for a device, apparatus, system, method of manufacture, and/or method of use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures provided herewith are intended to illustrate but not to limit the invention. Like reference characters in the figures denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed case configured for a mobile phone with a mobile phone retained therein. 
         FIG. 2  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing a mobile phone that may be retained therein. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of the back frame of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with a mobile phone inserted into the back frame. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of the insertion of the back frame of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  into the stretchable cover while a mobile phone is positioned in the back frame. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of the back frame of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  inserted into the stretchable cover with a mobile phone held inside. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of the clamping of the front frame over the back frame and the stretchable rear cover of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with a mobile phone enclosed therein. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the disclosed case in unassembled form that is configured for a tablet computer. 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration of a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  in assembled form. 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  in assembled form. 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric front view of an embodiment of the disclosed case in assembled form that is configured for a touchscreen digital music player. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1I  in unassembled form. 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration of an embodiment of the disclosed protective case in unassembled form. 
         FIGS. 14A-14C  are respectively back, front, and side views of the assembled protective case of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is an illustration of a cross section of the assembled protective case of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is an illustration of the engagement of a front cover and back frame of an embodiment of the disclosed protective case. 
         FIG. 17  is an illustration of an embodiment of an elastomeric insert having compressible structures for use in the disclosed protective case. 
         FIG. 18  is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of the disclosed protective case. 
         FIG. 19  is an illustration of the protective case of  FIG. 18  showing the front cover being inserted over the back frame and elastomeric insert. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     A protective case for a mobile electronic device having a touchscreen is disclosed herein. 
     In a first set of embodiments, including the first, second, and third embodiments described below, the case includes a back frame that receives the mobile electronic device, a stretchable cover that stretches over at least a portion of the back frame and the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is in the back frame, and a front frame that has a transparent screen protector that mounts over a portion of the stretchable cover and the back frame such that the mobile electronic device is held between the back frame and the front frame. 
     The back frame has an open front and is shaped to receive the mobile electronic device. Openings are provided in the back frame for any controls or outputs of the device that are covered by the back frame. The back frame may preferably be a unitary molded piece that has a screened portion formed in a microphone opening that protects the microphone. The back frame includes a camera flap cavity with sidewalls on an exterior of the back frame that receives a hinged camera flap which removably covers and seals the camera flap cavity. The back frame also includes compression pad cavities on an interior surface of the back frame and compression pads mounted in the compression pad cavities. The compression pads ensure a tight compression fit between the case and a mobile electronic device retained therein. The back frame includes an opening that allows a user to remove the mobile electronic device from the back frame by pushing on the back of the device. Raised portions on the back frame extend through openings in the back of the stretchable cover to restrict movement of the stretchable cover with respect to the back frame. 
     The stretchable cover is constructed so that it can be stretched over the back frame when the device is mounted in the back frame. The cover has tabs and flaps that correspond to the control openings in the back frame and function to removably cover the controls and outputs of the device. When installed over the back frame, the stretchable cover has portions that extend over the mobile electronic device mounted in the back frame. These portions of the stretchable cover ensure that the mobile electronic device is securely held inside the back frame and stretchable cover. 
     The stretchable cover includes a recessed front portion that is shaped to receive the front frame when the front frame is mounted on the cover and back frame. The front frame fits in the recessed front portion and clamps over the cover and back frame such that the mobile electronic device is securely held between the back frame and the front frame and the touchscreen of the mobile electronic device is protected and usable while the device is in the case. The stretchable cover also preferably includes bumper portions around the recessed front portion that extend past a front surface of the front frame when the case is assembled and that cushion the case in the event of an impact. 
     The front frame is preferably coupled to the back frame with grasping protrusions that mate with corresponding mounting portions on the back frame which extend through openings in the stretchable cover. The front frame also preferably has a front frame control opening and the stretchable cover includes a button pad that extends through the control opening. The flexible button pad forms a seal with the rigid front frame control opening and allows a control on the front of the mobile electronic device to be operated when the mobile electronic device is inside the case. The front frame also preferably includes a speaker opening having a water-resistant insert and a camera opening with a transparent camera cover. 
     The transparent screen protector may preferably be mounted on a raised portion on the back of the front frame. The stretchable cover has a corresponding front cavity shaped to receive the raised portion of the front frame and screen protector and form a debris-resistant seal. 
     In a second set of embodiments, including the fourth and fifth embodiments described below, the protective case includes a back frame and a front cover. The back frame includes a rigid plastic back frame having an elastomeric material bonded to portions of the rigid plastic back frame. The elastomeric material bonded to portions of the rigid plastic back frame forms a series of raised bumpers around the exterior surfaces of the protective case. Back frame engagement members are positioned on the perimeter of the rigid plastic back frame. 
     An elastomeric insert is positioned around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of the back frame. The elastomeric insert has a plurality of compressible structures that provide impact cushioning for a mobile electronic device enclosed in the protective case. The elastomeric insert also includes flexible button cover portions that allow the controls of the mobile electronic device to be used while the mobile electronic device is enclosed within the protective case. 
     The front cover mates with the back frame to enclose the elastomeric insert and the mobile electronic device. The front cover includes a touchscreen cover and a rigid plastic front frame bonded to the perimeter of the touchscreen cover. The front cover also includes an opening in the touchscreen cover that corresponds to a location of a device control when the protective cover is installed over the device and a flexible membrane that covers the opening. Front cover engagement members extend from the rigid plastic front frame. The front cover engagement members engage the back frame engagement members on the plastic back frame to hold the front frame on the back frame and enclose the mobile electronic device. The front frame engagement members extend down from the rigid plastic front frame and are positioned around an exterior perimeter of the mobile electronic device. The front engagement members may be protrusions extending from the front cover having hooked lips. The extended portions of the front cover snap into the corresponding back frame engagement members to secure the front cover to the back frame and enclose the mobile electronic device. The front cover includes a removal tab that facilitates removal of the front cover from the back frame. 
     In some alternative embodiments within the second set of embodiments, the front cover slides over the back frame and over the elastomeric insert to form the protective case and enclose the mobile electronic device. In such embodiments, the front cover engagement members are extended portions positioned around the perimeter of the front cover and the back frame engagement members are overhanging portions of the back frame. The extended portions of the front cover slide under the overhanging portions of the back cover to secure the front cover to the back frame and enclose the mobile electronic device with the protective case. 
       FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a first embodiment of the disclosed case  2  in assembled form that is configured for a mobile phone  4 .  FIG. 2  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 4-7  illustrate the assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  from its components parts. 
     The protective device case  2  is preferably constructed from three basic components: a rear stretchable silicone rubber cover  6 , a rigid plastic back frame  10 , and a rigid plastic front frame  12 . The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-7  also has a camera cover  8  to accommodate a digital camera on the back of the enclosed mobile phone  4 . To assemble the case  2 , the camera cover  8  is inserted into a shaped camera flap opening  16  in the rigid rear frame  10 . The mobile phone  4  is then inserted into the back frame  10  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the rigid back frame  10  with the mobile phone  4  inserted inside is further inserted into the stretchable silicone rubber cover  6  which stretches over the rear frame  10  such that the mobile phone  4  is firmly held inside the rear frame  10  and a unitary assembly  14  is formed as shown in  FIG. 6 . Finally, the front frame  12  is clamped over the rear frame and stretchable cover assembly  14  with the mobile phone inside as shown in  FIG. 7  such that the phone is firmly and securely held inside the completely assembled case  2 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , the front frame  12  is coupled to the rear frame  10  by six grasping protrusions  18  that extend from the sides of the front frame  12 . The front frame  12  is preferably constructed from a unitary, rigid plastic frame  22  with a transparent screen protector  20  bonded to the frame. The screen protector  20  is mounted on a slightly raised portion  24  on the back of the front frame  12 . The raised portion  24  on the back of the front frame  12  tightly fits into a corresponding front opening  26  in the stretchable cover  6  such that a debris- and moisture-resistant seal is created between the stretchable cover  6  and the front frame  12 . The screen protector  20  is preferably bonded to the front frame  12  around its entire periphery such that a water-tight seal is formed between the protector and the front frame. A protective speaker cover  28  that allows sound to pass relatively unobstructed is mounted in an opening  30  in the front frame  12  and screen protector  20  to allow a user to hear sound from the mobile phone&#39;s microphone while the mobile phone  4  is in the case. An opening  32  in the front frame  12  with a transparent cover is also provided for a camera on the front of the mobile phone  4 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the precise location and configuration of the speaker, control and camera openings will vary based upon the type of device that the case is designed to enclose. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 3 , an opening  34  in the front frame  12  is provided for a control button  42  on the front of the mobile phone  4 . The stretchable silicone cover  6  includes a button pad  40  that fits through the opening  34  in the front frame  12 . The button pad  40  protects the control button  42  on the front of the phone while allowing it to be used when the phone is enclosed within the case. In addition, the compression fit between the front frame  12  and the back frame  10  creates a protective, debris-resistant seal between the relatively rigid button opening  34  and the flexible button pad  40 . 
     The front frame  12  preferably has six grasping protrusions  18  that engage six mating portions  19  on the back frame  10 . The protrusions  18  preferably have a snap fit that firmly secures the front frame  12  to the mating portions  19  of the back frame  10  but may be easily removed by a user engaging the protrusions with a fingernail. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , this is accomplished with a ridge on the inner surface of the protrusions  18  that engages the mating portions  19  on the back frame  10 . 
     The back frame  10  includes a variety of openings for the controls of the mobile phone  4 . These openings include an opening  16  for the camera on the back of the mobile phone  4  and an opening  41  for the camera flap hinge, the power switch  31 , the input/output connector  35 , two bottom microphones  37 , up/down volume buttons  39 , the headphone jack  43 , and the ringer on/off  33 . The openings in the rigid back frame  10  that have corresponding plugs  47  or flap covers in the stretchable cover  6  preferably have raised walls  45  surrounding sections of their perimeters that form cavities that receive the corresponding plugs  47  on the stretchable cover  6  to form removable or rotatable covers over the openings that increase their moisture and debris resistance while allowing access to the phone controls underneath. Pads  49  are provided on the interior and exterior of the stretchable cover  6  to assist with activating the control buttons through the stretchable cover. Finger grips  55  are provided on the flaps  47  to assist in their opening. 
     The back frame  10  includes openings  51  on the back that receive raised portions  53  on the stretchable cover  6 . The openings  51  interact with the raised portions  53  to minimize movement of the stretchable cover  6  with respect to the back frame  10 . In addition, the openings  51  assist in removing the mobile phone  4  from the back frame  10  when disassembling the case  2 . A user can simply insert a finger into the openings  51  to apply pressure to the back of the mobile phone  4  which causes the mobile phone to be separated from the back frame  10 , which is preferably precisely sized to form a relatively tight fit with the phone. 
     Compressible pads are positioned in shaped cavities  15  formed in the back frame  10  when the case is manufactured. The compressible pads ensure that a mobile phone is firmly held in the case by compression when the mobile phone is inserted into the back frame and apply pressure to the back of the phone which holds it firmly in place. The compressible pads  100  are best shown with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
     The back frame  10  also includes a mounting opening or cavity  16  that receives the camera flap  8 . The camera flap  8  protects a digital camera positioned on the back of the mobile phone  4 . The mounting cavity  16  includes a mounting hole  17  that is used to pivotally mount the hinged camera flap  8  so that it may be removed or rotated away from and over the back camera of the mobile phone  4 . 
     Features such as ridges  61  that mate with corresponding cavities on the stretchable cover  6  are provided on the corner of the back frame  10  to further restrict movement of the back frame with respect to the stretchable cover. 
     The stretchable cover  6  is pulled over the back frame  10  with the mobile phone  4  inserted such that the mobile phone is held in place by the stretchable cover. The stretchable cover  6  has a sunken or recessed front portion  63  that corresponds to the shape of the front frame  12 . The sunken front portion  63  of the stretchable cover  6  is surrounded by raised ridges that form bumpers  65  that protect the relatively rigid front frame  12  and cushion the case  2  if it is dropped. The interior of the stretchable cover  6  includes depressions  73  and raised portions  71  that correspond to depressions and raised portions on the back of the back frame  10  such that the stretchable cover grips and is fixed with respect to the rigid back frame. Channels on the underside of the stretchable cover  6  surrounding the front perimeter of the back frame  10  mate with corresponding raised extensions  23  on the front perimeter of the back frame  10  to secure the back frame with respect to the cover. 
     The stretchable cover includes a button pad  40  that fits through the opening  34  in the front frame  12 . The button pad  40  protects the control button  42  on the front of the mobile phone while allowing it to be used when the mobile phone is enclosed within the case  2 . In addition, the compression fit between the front frame  12  and the back frame  10  creates a water-resistant seal between the button opening  34  and the button pad  40 . 
     The stretchable cover also has six openings  91 , two on each side and one each on the top and bottom, that correspond to the grasping protrusions  18  on the front frame  12  and through which the mounting portions  19  on the back frame  10  extend. 
     Portions  81  of the stretchable cover  6  extend over the back frame  10  and the front of the mobile phone  4  when the mobile phone is mounted in the back frame and the stretchable cover is stretched over the mobile phone and back frame. These portions  81  hold the mobile phone in the back frame  10  and stretchable cover  6  when the front frame  12  is removed. This configuration allows the touchscreen of the phone to be cleaned and accessed without fully disassembling the case or removing the phone. Depressions, channels, grooves, or similar features  77  are provided on the portions of the stretchable cover that extend over the mobile phone. These features  77  mate with corresponding features on the underside of the front frame  12  to further secure the front frame to the stretchable cover  6 . 
     Raised shapes  93  formed on the back of the back frame  10  extend through openings  95  in the stretchable cover  6 . As well as adding to the visual appearance of the case, these features  93  and  95  help prevent the stretchable cover  6  from moving with respect to back frame  10 . The stretchable cover  6  also includes raised portions  65  that extend beyond the back frame  10  to cushion the case in the event it is dropped. As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the raised shapes  93  may be octagons. 
       FIG. 8 , shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the disclosed case in unassembled form that is configured for a tablet computer  78 .  FIG. 9  is an illustration of a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  in assembled form, and  FIG. 10  is an illustration of a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . These figures demonstrate how the concepts of the disclosed case may be adapted for a variety of different types of devices. The case includes a front frame  72 , back frame  74 , and stretchable cover  76  which enclose the tablet computer  78 . The touchscreen  80  is shown in  FIG. 8  prior to being bonded to the raised portion on the back of the front frame  72  as discussed above with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
     The case has a hinged camera cover  90  that allows unobstructed access to the camera of the tablet  78  though an opening  84  in the back frame  74  while retaining the protective properties of the case. The tablet computer embodiment of the case shown in  FIG. 7  also uses a hinged cover  82  for the larger speaker of the tablet computer  78  which is accessed through a screen  86  formed in the plastic of the single piece back frame  74 . 
     Compressible pads  100  are positioned in trapezoidal cavities  102  formed in the back frame  74 . The compressible pads  100  ensure that the tablet computer  78  fits securely in the case without moving by applying a constant pressure to a device installed in the case. The stretchable cover  76  also has a honeycomb structure of cavities  88  formed in its back section which increases the cushioning effect of the silicone rubber. 
       FIG. 11  is an isometric front view of a third embodiment of the disclosed case in assembled form for a touchscreen digital music player.  FIG. 11  further illustrates how aspects of the disclosed case such as the front frame camera opening  110 , cover bumpers  112 , front frame button opening and cover  114 , and control covers  116  may be reconfigured to accommodate almost any particular device. 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11  which illustrates the three main components of an unassembled device case for a touchscreen digital music player. The components include a back frame  124  that receives the digital music player  130 , a stretchable cover  126  that stretches over the back frame  124  and digital music player  130 , and a front frame  120  that clamps over the player, back frame, and cover. A hinged camera flap  128  that is mounted in the back frame  124  is also provided. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a fourth embodiment of the disclosed protective case  202  in unassembled form. The protective case has two primary pieces, a front cover  204  and a back frame  206 . The front cover  204  has a touchscreen cover  208  bonded to a rigid plastic frame  210  that surrounds the perimeter of the touchscreen cover  208 . The touchscreen cover  208  includes a speaker opening  211  and a button opening  212  covered by a flexible membrane  214  that allows the covered button to be operated. The back frame  206  includes a rigid plastic frame  216  with a flexible elastomeric layer  218  bonded over portions of the rigid plastic frame  216  to form cushioning bumpers  217 . Preferably, the rigid plastic is a shatter-resistant polycarbonate that is clad in an elastomeric, rugged, shock-absorbing silicone. A camera opening  220  is provided in the rigid back frame  206  to allow the enclosed device&#39;s camera to be used while the device is enclosed within the protective case  202 . An elastomeric insert  222  is positioned inside the back frame  206  around its perimeter to provide impact cushioning for the enclosed device. 
       FIGS. 14A-14C  illustrate back  230 , front  232 , and side views  234  of the assembled protective case of  FIG. 13 . As discussed above, alternating patches of exposed hard plastic  236  and elastomeric material  238  are bonded over the hard plastic  236  to form bumpers  238  around the edges of the case. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a cross section of the assembled protective case of  FIGS. 14A-14C  along the line  240 . The front cover  242  includes the touchscreen cover  246  bonded to the hard plastic perimeter  248 . The back frame  244  has a rigid plastic frame  250  and elastomeric overlaid portions  252 . An elastomeric insert  254  positioned in the back frame  244  has compressible cavities  258  that cushion an enclosed device from impact. Connectors such as snap connectors, discussed in more detail below, between the front cover  242  and back frame  244  compress the elastomeric insert  254  between the rigid plastic  248  of the front cover and the rigid plastic  250  of the back frame. The compression of the elastomeric insert  254  between rigid plastic of the front cover  242  and the back frame  244  creates a dust- and moisture-resistant seal that protects the electronic device held within the case. Grooves, cavities, and similar features  256  are provided on the hard plastic  248  of the back frame  244  to assist in securing the elastomeric portions  252  to the plastic. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the engagement of a front cover  260  and back frame  262  of various embodiments of the disclosed protective case, such as the fourth embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15 . The snap connections are formed between extended protrusions  264  on the front cover  260  of the case that mate with corresponding features on the back frame  262 . While snap connectors are preferred, a variety of other types of connectors well known in the art may alternatively be used. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an embodiment of a preferred elastomeric insert  270  having compressible structures  272  for use in various embodiments of the disclosed protective case, such as the fourth embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15 . The compressible structures  272  are positioned so that they surround the perimeter of the enclosed device. The elastomeric insert  270  has button covering portions  274  that correspond to the locations of the controls of the device. These flexible button covering portions  274  allow the controls of the enclosed device to be activated while the device is enclosed within the assembled case with its perimeter surrounded by the elastomeric insert  270 . Openings  276  are provided in the elastomeric insert that allow external cables to be connected to the connectors of the device while the device is enclosed in the protective case. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the location of the button covering portions  274  and the openings  276  will depend upon the configuration of the device for which the case is designed. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a fifth embodiment of the disclosed protective case. In the embodiment shown, the case is assembled by placing the elastomeric insert  282  in the back frame  280 , and sliding the front cover  284  over the back frame  280  and elastomeric insert  282 .  FIG. 19  is an illustration of the protective device case of  FIG. 18  showing the front cover being inserted over the back frame and elastomeric insert. The elastomeric insert  282  has compressible structures  286  and  288  that increase the impact resistance of the case. Pads  290  are provided on the insert  282  that allow the controls of an enclosed device to be operated. Openings  294  in the elastomeric insert  282  allow external cable connections to an enclosed device. In the embodiment shown, the volume and power buttons of the device are covered, and hinged plugs seal the connectors, headphone port, and hold switch. 
     Extended portions  296  on the perimeter of the front cover  284  slide under overhanging portions  298  of the back frame  280  to secure the front cover to the back frame and enclose the mobile electronic device within the protective case. A locking extension  300  on the top of the front cover snaps onto a corresponding portion  302  on the top of the back frame when the front cover is fully inserted into the back frame to secure the front and back together. The locking extension  300  also functions as a finger grip that assists in the removal of the front cover from the back frame. 
     The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention disclosed herein. Although the various inventive aspects are disclosed in the context of certain illustrated embodiments, implementations, and examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of various inventive aspects have been shown and described in detail, other modifications that are within their scope will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based upon reviewing this disclosure. It should be also understood that the scope of this disclosure includes the various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, such that the various features, modes of implementation, and aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be combined with or substituted for one another. The generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 
     Similarly, the disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intent that any claim set forth below requires more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects may reside in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. 
     Each of the foregoing and various aspects, together with those set forth in the claims and summarized above or otherwise disclosed herein, including the figures, may be combined without limitation to form claims for a device, apparatus, system, method of manufacture, and/or method of use. 
     All references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.