Patent Publication Number: US-2021188380-A1

Title: Case and mount system for handheld electronic device

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/149,978, filed Oct. 2, 2018, entitled “CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/838,933, filed Dec. 12, 2017, entitled “CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,093,377, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/456,276, filed Mar. 10, 2017, entitled “CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,112,670, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/188,751, filed Jun. 21, 2016, entitled “CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,592,871, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/260,817, filed Apr. 24, 2014, entitled “CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,383,774, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/593,220, filed Aug. 23, 2012, entitled “CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,151, which claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/585,933, filed Jan. 12, 2012, entitled “PHONE CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM” and 61/653,618, filed May 31, 2012, entitled “CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE.” The entirety of each of the above-identified applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The invention relates generally to protective cases for handheld electronic devices. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Handheld and/or portable electronic devices (e.g., digital media players, phones, smartphones, tablet computers, handheld readers, and similar devices) are becoming important and common tools. These tools are constantly in use, both at home and on the go. 
     However, with this frequency and variety of use comes the problem of proper protection. Without proper protection, a device may become damaged due to being dropped or by falling from an unsecured position. This damage may be permanent and cause loss of data or information and high replacement costs. 
     SUMMARY 
     In at least one embodiment, the present application relates to a protective system for a handheld electronic device that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art noted above. 
     In some embodiments, a protective system for a handheld electronic device is disclosed. The protection system comprises a shell comprised of a rear wall, a plurality of wall surfaces arranged to enclose a plurality of peripheral edges of a handheld electronic device, and an outer surface. The rear wall further defines an attachment region designed to receive an interlocking member and a non-slip region designed to receive a non-slip member. The attachment region comprises a first open space, an inner interlocking surface and an outer interlocking surface, both the interlocking surfaces surrounding the first open space, the inner interlocking surface being located above the plane of the outer surface of the rear wall and wherein the inner and outer interlocking surfaces are radially offset to provide an interlocking area. The interlocking member comprises a plate having a plurality of engaging members generally located at right angles, the engaging members being configured to interact with the inner and outer interlocking surfaces such that in an interlocked position each of the engaging members is disposed within the interlocking area. The interlocking member further comprises at least one mounting base. The non-slip region comprises a second open space and a recessed surface formed by the disposition of a small diameter opening within a larger diameter opening. The non-slip member comprises a non-slip material shaped to fit within the second open space, the non-slip member having a circumferential groove dividing the non-slip member into a gripping surface and an interior surface, the interior surface having a greater diameter than the gripping surface, the groove in the non-slip member engaging with the recessed surface to attach the non-slip member to the shell. The non-slip member further comprises an indentation on the interior surface designed to incorporate a magnet. 
     1. An embodiment involves a protection system for a handheld electronic device, including a shell comprising a rear wall and a side wall extending from the rear wall, wherein, in use, the side wall encloses a plurality of peripheral edges of an associated handheld electronic device. The rear wall further comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The rear wall defines an attachment region designed to receive an interlocking member and a non-slip region designed to receive a non-slip member. The attachment region comprises a first open space, a first interlocking surface and a second interlocking surface. Both of the first and second interlocking surfaces surrounding at least a portion of the first open space. The first and second interlocking surfaces are located behind the inner surface of the rear wall with the first interlocking surface being located substantially in a first plane and the second interlocking surface having at least a portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the first plane. The first interlocking surface is circumferentially offset from at least a portion of the second interlocking surface to provide an interlocking area. The interlocking member comprises a plate portion having at least one engagement member that, in use, is passed through the first open space and disposed within the interlocking area to achieve an interlocked position between the interlocking member and the shell. The interlocking member further comprises at least one mounting base. The non-slip region comprises a second open space and a recessed surface formed by the disposition of a smaller opening within a larger opening. The non-slip member comprises a non-slip material shaped to fit within the second open space. The non-slip member has a peripheral groove that, in use, engages the recessed surface to attach the non-slip member to the shell. The non-slip member further comprises an indentation within an interior surface that, in use, faces the associated handheld electronic device. A magnet is received within the indentation of the non-slip member. 
     2. The system of paragraph  1 , wherein the shell further comprises at least one access opening that allows access to control features of the handheld electronic device. 
     3. The system of paragraph  1 , wherein the non-slip member is disposed outwardly of the outermost portion of the outer surface of the rear wall of the shell. 
     4. The system of paragraph  1 , wherein the mounting base further comprises an adhesive layer that, in use, attaches to a mounting surface via adhesion. 
     5. The system of paragraph  1 , wherein the interlocked position is achieved by rotation of the interlocking member within the attachment region. 
     6. An embodiment involves a protection system for a handheld electronic device, including a shell comprising a rear wall and a side wall extending from the rear wall, wherein, in use, the side wall encloses a plurality of peripheral edges of an associated handheld electronic device. The rear wall further comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The rear wall defines an attachment region designed to receive an interlocking member and a non-slip region designed to receive a non-slip member. The attachment region comprises a first open space and a plurality of interlocking surface portions, and each of the interlocking surface portions including a retaining surface and a stop surface that cooperate to provide an interlocking area. The interlocking member comprises a plurality of engaging members, each of which are configured to interact with one of the plurality of interlocking surface portions such that, in an interlocked position, each of the plurality of engaging members is disposed within one of the plurality of interlocking areas. The non-slip region comprises a second open space and a recessed surface formed by the disposition of a smaller opening within a larger opening. The non-slip member comprises a non-slip material shaped to fit within the second open space, the non-slip member having a peripheral groove that, in use, engages the recessed surface to attach the non-slip member to the shell. 
     7. The system of paragraph  6 , wherein the shell further comprises at least one access opening that allows access to control features of a handheld electronic device. 
     8. The system of paragraph  6 , further comprising a magnet disposed within the non-slip member. 
     9. The system of paragraph  6 , further comprising at least one mounting base attached to the interlocking member. 
     10. The system of paragraph  9 , wherein the mounting base comprises an adhesive layer that allows the mounting base to be affixed to a surface through adhesion. 
     11. An embodiment involves a protection system for a handheld electronic device, which includes a shell comprising a rear wall and a side wall extending in a first direction from the rear wall, wherein, in use, the side wall encloses a plurality of peripheral edges of an associated handheld electronic device. The rear wall comprises a first surface facing in the first direction and a second surface facing in a second direction opposite the first direction. The rear wall comprises an opening extending through the second surface. The opening defines at least one shell interlock surface. The system also includes a mount having at least one mount interlock surface, wherein, in use, a portion of the mount is passed through the opening of the shell and the at least one shell interlock surface is engaged with the at least one mount interlock surface to selectively couple the shell to the mount. 
     12. The protection system of paragraph  11 , wherein the mount comprises an adhesive layer that permits the mount to be secured to a surface via adhesion. 
     13. The protection system of paragraph  11 , wherein the mount is a bike mount that, in use, is mounted to a component of a bicycle. 
     14. The protection system of paragraph  13 , wherein the bike mount comprises a cap portion that, in use, is secured to a steerer tube of the bicycle. 
     15. The protection system of paragraph  14 , further comprising an arm portion that extends between the cap portion and the at least one mount interlock surface, wherein the arm portion is rotatably adjustable relative to the cap portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will now be described in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of protective system for a handheld electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a view of the interior rear surface of a shell of the protective system; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of the exterior rear surface of a shell of the protective system; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a shell of the protective system; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a lower shell of the protective system; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of a shell of the protective system and a mounting member; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of a shell of the protective system and a non-slip member; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a non-slip member; 
         FIG. 8B  is a second perspective view of a non-slip member; 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of a non-slip member containing a rare-earth magnet and a magnet cover piece; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a first side of an interlocking member; 
         FIG. 9B  is a second perspective view of a second side of the interlocking member; 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective view of a mounting base; and 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an assembled mounting member. 
         FIG. 11  is perspective view of the protective system secured to a bicycle mount. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention may be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims. 
     Embodiments of the invention can provide the features of a protection system for a portable or handheld electronic device (hereinafter “handheld electronic device”). Some embodiments of the invention desirably may incorporate an attachment region for attaching a removable mounting member preferably able to support the handheld electronic device within the protection system and affix to a variety of surfaces. Other embodiments of the invention may also incorporate an anti-slip surface wherein a magnet is disposed for attachment of the device to magnetic surfaces and slip prevention. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a shell for rigidly securing and protecting a handheld electronic device. In a preferred embodiment, the shell may be in multiple pieces for ease of assembly around a handheld electronic device. The upper piece of the shell preferably provides an attachment region for a removable mounting member that can attach to various solid surfaces, such as but not limited to a desk, vehicle dashboard, mirror, etc. The shell preferably also incorporates an anti-slip insert in which a magnet is disposed, allowing for magnetic adherence to surfaces without interfering with the anti-slip benefit provided by the anti-slip insert. The shell preferably is formed using a material that is generally rigid and lightweight, such as but not limited to an injection molded polycarbonate or other suitable plastic material(s). Preferably, the shell comprises rigid sidewalls that surround an entirety or portions of the peripheral edges of the device. The sidewalls preferably are arranged to protect the device by absorbing incidental shock forces and/or inhibiting or preventing direct contact between the device and another object. The sidewalls also desirably contain various openings to allow access to the control buttons, inputs, and outputs of the handheld electronic device. The rear surface of the shell is preferably further designed with various openings to allow additional access to features of the handheld electronic device that may be located on the rear of the device (such as a camera) or to reduce the weight of the shell. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a preferred embodiment having certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , protection system  100  may include more, fewer or different components than those shown. Protection system  100  includes a body or shell that, in the illustrated arrangement, is comprised of an upper shell piece  102  and lower shell piece  104 . Protection system  100  is shown in two pieces to facilitate installation of the protection system  100  on a handheld electronic device. Lower shell piece  104  is designed, in one embodiment, to fit together with upper shell piece  102  preferably using an interlocking or tab/slot attachment. However, in other arrangements, the upper shell piece  102  and lower shell piece  104  could be secured together with other arrangements (e.g., mechanical fasteners, such as screws) or could be portions of a unitary or single-piece shell in which installation of the electronic device is accomplished through another method, such as by deformation of the side walls or other portions of the shell to pass over the electronic device. Thus, references to the upper shell piece  102  or lower shell piece  104  herein are also intended to refer to the entire shell of an integrated or unitary shell arrangement. 
     Upper shell piece  102  preferably includes an attachment region  106  for attaching mounting member  108 . The attachment region  106  contains an engagement structure that allows the upper shell piece  102  and, thus, the protection system  100  to be releasably attached the mounting member  108 . A preferred engagement structure is described in greater detail below. As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 9A-C , mounting member  108  may be comprised of an interlocking member  902  and at least one mounting base  904 . As described further below and shown in  FIG. 6 , the mounting member  108  can also include one or more optional spacers, which could be similar or identical to the mounting base  904 . Upper shell piece  102  also preferably includes a non-slip region  110 , which includes a non-slip arrangement that enhances frictional engagement of protection system  100  with a surface on which the protection system  100  may be placed. In the illustrated arrangement, the non-slip region  110  incorporates an opening or cavity in the protection system  100  (e.g., the upper shell piece  102 ) into which non-slip member  112  may be inserted. As depicted more clearly in  FIG. 8C , non-slip member  112  may also preferably comprise a rare earth magnet  802  in order to removably attach the handheld electronic device contained within protection system  100  to a magnetic surface. 
       FIG. 1  further depicts a preferred embodiment of the invention further comprising a lanyard  140 , which may attach to protection system  100  to facilitate easy carrying and transport of a handheld electronic device. For example, the lanyard  140  can be looped through openings  142  and  144  on the upper shell piece  102  and lower shell piece  104 , respectively. Additional accessories, not shown in  FIG. 1 , may be used with protection system  100 . For example, one accessory that may be used with protection system  100  includes a bike mount, one embodiment of which is shown in  FIG. 11 . Another accessory that may be used with protection system  100  includes a tripod (not shown), which can support the protection system  100  and associated electronic device in a suitable position (e.g., portrait or landscape) preferably at an elevated position relative to a surface on which the tripod rest to take photographs or video. The accessory can be coupled to the protection system  100  via an interlocking arrangement the same as or similar to the mounting member  108  or via other suitable arrangements, such as the same as or similar to the lanyard  140  arrangement. In addition to the lanyard  140 , bike mount and tripod, other types of accessories can also be provided, such as adjustable or non-adjustable stands, mounting or securing clip arrangements, etc. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the assembled upper shell piece  102  and lower shell piece  104  of the protection system  100  together define an interior region or space in which a handheld electronic device may be enclosed. Each of the upper shell piece  102  and the lower shell piece  104  has a rear wall portion  200  that defines an interior rear surface  202  positioned adjacent the back surface of an electronic device placed in the protection system  100 . The upper shell piece  102  and the lower shell piece  104  also include at least one or a plurality of enclosing edges to surround the sides of a handheld electronic device and provide protection for the handheld electronic device. In the illustrated arrangement, the enclosing edges are defined by a sidewall portion  150  that extends from the rear wall portion  200 . The illustrated sidewall portion  150  extends along an entire periphery of the rear wall portion  200 . As described above, however, the sidewall portion  150  is not necessarily solid or continuous, but can include one or more openings configured to allow access to controls or other components or features of the handheld electronic device, or simply to reduce weight. In alternative arrangements, the sidewall portion  150  can be constructed of one or several distinct sidewall portions, such as four corner portions, for example. A forward wall portion is spaced from the rear wall portion  200  by the sidewall portion  150 . The forward wall portion defines a forward interior surface that is positioned adjacent a forward surface of the handheld electronic device placed in the protection system  100 . In the illustrated arrangement, the forward wall portion is defined by a lip  152  that extends in an inward direction from the sidewall portion  150 . Preferably, the lip  152  extends around the entire periphery of the rear wall portion  200 . However, in other arrangements, the lip  152  can extend only around a portion of the periphery, which can be the same portion or a different portion than the portion surrounded by the sidewall portion  150 . As discussed above, the upper shell piece  102  and lower shell piece  104  can be unitarily-formed. Accordingly, the sidewall portion  150  and/or lip  152  could be unitary, as well. 
     As more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 2 , upper shell piece  102  also preferably includes an attachment region  106 . The illustrated attachment region  106  defines an opening  160  in the interior rear surface  202  of upper shell piece  102 . As described above, attachment region  106  is configured to allow attachment of mounting member  108  through an interlocking attachment that selectively secures the shell  102  to the mounting member  108  an inhibits or prevents removal in at least one direction. As pictured, attachment region  106  comprises at least one tab  162 , each of which preferably defines two interlocking surfaces,  116  and  126 . In the illustrated arrangement, the attachment region  106  includes four tabs  162 ; however, other numbers of tabs  162  could also be provided, such as two, three, five, six or more tabs  162 . Interlocking surface  116  is disposed towards the interior rear surface  202  of upper shell piece  102 , while interlocking surface  126  is disposed within a different plane than that defined by interlocking surface  116 . Preferably, the interlocking surface  116  is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the interlocking surface  126 . Preferably, the interlocking surface  116  is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the interior rear surface  202 . The plane of interlocking surface  126  preferably is offset or disposed “below” the plane defined by the interior rear surface  202  or towards the outer rear surface of upper shell piece  102 . In addition, preferably, the interlocking surface  116  is offset from at least a portion of the interlocking surface  126  in a circumferential direction to provide a space  164  in which a portion (e.g., tab  912 ) of the interlocking member  902  may be inserted. The opening  160  preferably also includes at least one access space  166  located beside or circumferentially offset from the at least one tab  162 . Preferably, the number of access spaces  166  corresponds to the number of tabs  162 . In the illustrated arrangement, four access spaces  166  are provided; however, the number of access spaces  166  can vary in the same manner as the number of tabs  162 . Each of the tabs  912  of the interlocking member  902  can be inserted through one of the access spaces  166  and then turned to enter the space  164  and rest against the interlocking surfaces  116  and  126  to form an attachment with upper shell piece  102 . Preferably, the access opening  166  is located on an opposite side of the interlocking surface  126  from the interlocking surface  116 . In the illustrated arrangement, a circumferential dimension of the access opening  166  is smaller than a circumferential dimension of the tab  162  and can be approximately one-half of the circumferential dimension of the tab  162 . The circumferential dimension of the space  164  is less than the circumferential dimension of the tab  162  and can be approximately one-half of the circumferential dimension of the tab  162 . In the illustrated arrangement, the interlocking surface  116  is defined by a rib  168  that extends at least partially, and preferably entirely, around the opening  160 . Preferably, the opening  160  passes completely through the upper shell piece  102  such that the surface of the associated electronic device is exposed through the opening  160 . Such an arrangement advantageously minimizes the overall thickness of the protection system  100 , while still providing the desired interlocking mount functionality. In an alternative arrangement, however, a rear wall portion can be provided to define a closed internal end of the opening  160 , such that the rear wall portion is positioned in between the interlocking mount and the associated electronic device. Such an arrangement may increase the overall thickness of the protection system  100 , but can also provide increased protection to the associated electronic device. 
     The interior rear surface  202  preferably also includes a non-slip region  110  within which a non-slip arrangement can be provided. For example, a non-slip member  112  may be inserted within the non-slip region  110  of the protective device  100 . As shown, non-slip region  110  is comprised of a smaller opening  120  disposed within a larger opening  130 . In the illustrated arrangement, the smaller opening  120  extends completely through the rear wall portion  200  and the larger opening  130  extends partially through the rear wall portion  200  from the interior rear surface  202 . The recessed surface formed by the disposition of smaller opening  120  within larger opening  130  forms an interference surface to retain non-slip member  112  within the non-slip region  110 .  FIG. 2  shows one orientation of attachment region  106  and non-slip region  110 , though other embodiments may include different orientations. A number of additional open spaces (generally  170 ) may be provided in the interior rear surface  202  of upper shell piece  102  for any of a number of reasons, including providing access to rear-mounted features of a handheld electronic device such as a camera, microphone, or speaker, or to reduce the weight of the protection system  100 . Upper shell piece  102  may further comprise one or more of recesses  204  configured to accommodate one or more tabs  206  to facilitate attachment and retention of lower shell piece  104  to upper shell piece  102  to provide further protection for a handheld electronic device. In the illustrated arrangement, a pair of recesses  204  are located on the rear wall portion  200  of the upper shell piece  102  and a pair of tabs  206  are located on the rear wall portion  200  of the lower shell piece  104 . However, in other arrangements, the recesses  204  and tabs  206  could be located elsewhere (e.g., sidewall  150  or front wall/lip  152 ) and/or could be provided in different numbers. In addition, the arrangement could be reversed such that the tabs  206  are provided on the upper shell piece  102  and the recesses  204  are provided on the lower shell piece  104 . 
     One embodiment of the exterior rear surface  302  of upper shell piece  102  is pictured in  FIG. 3 . The attachment region  106  as viewed from the rear of upper shell piece  102  is preferably disposed above or outwardly of the plane defined by at least a portion of the exterior rear surface  302 , which can be a peripheral portion. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment region  106  has an opening  160  defined by a plurality of equally spaced radial lobes or tabs  162  designed to correspond with the tabs  912  of an interlocking member  902 , more clearly viewed in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Mounting member  108  attaches to the exterior rear surface  302  side of the rear wall portion  200  of the upper shell piece  102  of protection system  100  preferably via an interlocking attachment. Once inserted, the tabs  912  of the interlocking member  902  may then rotate until further rotation is prevented by the interlocking surface  116 , as seen in  FIG. 2 . After rotation, the tabs of interlocking member  902  will preferably be located adjacent to the interior side of interlocking surface  126  and against the edge of interlocking surface  116 , forming an interlocking connection which preferably attaches mounting member  108  to the upper shell piece  102  of protection system  100 . 
     Preferably, non-slip region  110  will also be disposed above the plane defined by exterior rear surface  302 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . In the illustrated arrangement, when inserted, the non-slip member  112  will protrude outwardly as far as or further than any other rearward surface portion of the protection system  100  such that the non-slip member  112  will contact a surface upon which the protection system  100  is placed (assuming the surface is relatively flat or otherwise appropriately shaped) to accomplish a non-slip function. Therefore, when non-slip member  112  is disposed within non-slip region  110 , the non-slip surface will extend beyond at least the plane of exterior rear surface  302  to grip a surface and provide a non-slip feature. 
     A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of upper shell piece  102  is pictured in  FIG. 4 . In this view, the different surfaces of attachment region  106  are more clearly visible. As described above with respect to  FIG. 2 , interlocking surface  116  is disposed towards the interior rear surface  202  of upper shell piece  102  relative to the interlocking surface  126 , while interlocking surface  126  is disposed “below” the plane defined by interlocking surface  116 , or towards the outer rear surface of upper shell piece  102 . As is more clearly seen in  FIG. 4 , the interlocking surface  116  is circumferentially offset from the access opening  166  to provide the space  164  in which an interlocking member  902  may be inserted and then turned to form an attachment with upper shell piece  102 . The rotation of the interlocking member  902  within attachment region  106  forms an interlocking connection with the upper shell piece  102 . This interlocking connection is defined by the tabs  912  of the interlocking member  902  passing without obstruction into the defined areas (e.g., access openings  166 ) of attachment region  106  and then rotating against the interior surface of interlocking surface  126  until the tabs of interlocking member  902  are prevented from further rotation by encountering the interlocking surface  116 . After rotation, the interior-facing surfaces of the interlocking member  902  and the interlocking surface  116  preferably will be substantially within the same plane. 
       FIG. 4  also more clearly depicts a preferred embodiment of the non-slip region  110  and openings  120  and  130 . The smaller opening  120  is disposed within the larger opening  130 . A small lip or ridge  180  is formed by the overlap of the two openings because the larger opening  130  is disposed towards the interior rear surface  202  of upper shell piece  102 . Preferably, this lip or ridge  180  is disposed beneath the plane of the interior rear surface  202 . The flexible non-slip member  112 , such as that described in greater detail below with regard to  FIGS. 8A-C , may be disposed within the non-slip region  110 . An interior portion of the non-slip member  112  preferably has a greater diameter than the smaller opening  120  but also has a diameter sized to fit within larger opening  130 . When inserted into the non-slip region  110 , the larger diameter of the interior surface prevents the non-slip member  112  from falling out of the non-slip region  110 . The smaller diameter of opening  120  will substantially prevent the non-slip member  112  from falling out of the non-slip region  110 . The opening  120  defined by the non-slip region  110  will therefore allow a portion of the non-slip member  112  to contact a surface. The inclusion of the non-slip member  112  into protection system  100  provides non-slip properties and benefits to the protection system  100 , such as preventing a handheld electronic device within the protection system from sliding off a smooth surface such as a desk or counter. The non-slip member  112  can include a peripheral recess  182  that is configured to receive the lip  180  to more securely hold the non-slip member  112  within the opening  120 . 
     Lower shell piece  104  is shown in  FIG. 5 . In a preferred embodiment, lower shell piece  104  comprises an interior surface and side surfaces that surround the lower sides of a handheld electronic device to provide additional protection. Lower shell piece  104  preferably joins with upper shell piece  102  to provide protection around the sides and back of a handheld electronic device. The lower shell piece  104  can contain one or more openings to allow access to controls and ports on the handheld electronic device, such as a headphone jack or microphone jack. Furthermore, lower shell piece  104  also preferably contains an opening  190  to allow access to the charging area and/or microphone and speakers on the handheld electronic device such that the handheld electronic device does not need to be removed from protection system  102  in order to charge the device.  FIG. 5  depicts only a preferred embodiment of the invention and other openings not shown may be included. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross section of upper shell piece  102  and mounting member  108 . In this figure, mounting member  108  is affixed to upper shell piece  102  in a preferred embodiment. As shown in this figure, the mounting member  108  is affixed to the rear surface of upper shell piece  102  within attachment region  106 . Mounting member  108  extends out from the rear surface  302  of upper shell piece  102  such that protection system  100  may be mounted on a solid surface without being flush against the solid surface. The mounting member  108  depicted in the preferred embodiment is composed of two mounting pieces (e.g., mounting bases  904 ) joined together, along with an interlocking member  902 . Mounting member  108  may be composed of greater or fewer mounting pieces joined together, depending on how far a user desires to mount the handheld electronic device from a solid surface. The interlocking member  902  of the mounting member  108  is joined to the interlocking member  902  preferably via a screw  906 , but other forms of attachment may be used. The mounting bases  904  can be joined together by any suitable arrangement (e.g., snap-fit or mechanical fasteners) or the screw  906  could also hold the mounting bases  904  together in addition to securing the interlocking member  902  to the mounting base(s). If desired, an optional adhesive layer  908  can be provided on the rearward surface of the mounting member  108  to allow the mounting member  108  to be adhesively coupled to a desired surface. 
     A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of protection system  100  containing non-slip member  112  is shown in  FIG. 7 . In the preferred embodiment shown, the non-slip surface of non-slip member  112  extends in a rearward direction at least as far and, preferably, beyond any other portion of exterior rear surface  302  of upper shell piece  102  (and lower shell piece  104 ) in order to provide a gripping surface to prevent a handheld electronic device from slipping on a solid surface. The non-slip member  112  also preferably contains a magnetic member, such as a rare-earth magnet  802 , as further described below in regards to  FIG. 8C . The magnet  802  is positioned or embedded within non-slip member  112  in order to provide a means of attaching protection system  100  to a magnetic surface without impacting the non-slip benefits provided by non-slip member  112  or scratching the surface. 
     One preferred embodiment of a non-slip member  112  is shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C . The non-slip member  112  is composed of a gripping outer surface shown in  FIG. 8B  and an interior-facing surface, as shown in  FIG. 8A . This figure depicts a generally round or cylindrical indentation  192  into which a rare-earth magnet or other magnetic material may be placed without interfering with the non-slip benefits provided by non-slip member  112 . 
       FIG. 8B  depicts the exterior-facing surface of non-slip member  112 . This figure more clearly illustrates the larger diameter of the interior-facing surface of non-slip member  112  versus the exterior-facing surface. These surfaces are separated by the groove or recess  182 , which interacts with the smaller opening  120  in upper shell piece  102 , as discussed above with regard to  FIG. 4 . As discussed above, the larger diameter of the interior surface prevents the non-slip member  112  from falling out of the non-slip region  110  because of interference between the larger diameter of the interior surface of non-slip member  112  and the smaller diameter of opening  120 . The exterior surface of non-slip member  112  preferably has a ridged or roughened surface features in order to provide a better gripping surface and prevent the protection system from slipping on a solid surface. The exterior surface may also comprise different logos or other surface textures as desired. 
     The inclusion of rare-earth magnet  802  into non-slip member  112  is shown in  FIG. 8C . This figure illustrates that the rare-earth magnet is preferably inserted into the indentation  192  on the interior surface of non-slip member  112 . An optional cover piece  804  preferably made of the same material as non-slip member  112  can be placed on the interior-facing side of the rare-earth magnet  802  to provide a buffer between the magnet and the handheld electronic device within protection system  100 . 
       FIGS. 9A-C  illustrate one embodiment of the different components of mounting member  108 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , interlocking member  902  has a plurality of engaging members  912  located preferably at 90 degree intervals around the circumference of the interlocking member  902 . This surface of interlocking member  902  may also display a logo or other information. 
     The connecting surface of interlocking member  902  is shown in  FIG. 9B . Interlocking member  902  is attached to at least one mounting base  904 , shown in  FIG. 9C , preferably via a screw  906  ( FIG. 6 ) received within a boss  920  of the interlocking member  902 . However, other means of attachment may be used to connect the interlocking member  902  to at least one mounting base  904 . Preferably, the interlocking member  902  and the mounting base  904  include complementary interference features that locate the interlocking member  902  and mounting base  904  relative to one another in a rotational direction and inhibit or prevent the relative rotation of the interlocking member  902  and the mounting base  904 . In the illustrated arrangement, the interference features include a projection  922  and a recess  924 , which are generally rectangular in shape but could be other suitable shapes, as well. The projection  922  is positioned on the interlocking member  902  and the recess  924  is located on the mounting base  904 ; however, these positions could be reversed. The projection  922  and recess  924  locate the interlocking member  902  such that the engaging members or tabs  912  are located in a desirable position relative to corresponding projections or feet  926  on the surface of the mounting base  904  that faces the interlocking member  902 . The feet  926  are circumferentially offset from the tabs  912  and contact the tabs  162  of the upper shell piece  102  to provide a stop surface to the rotation of the upper shell piece  102  at a properly aligned position relative to the mounting member  108  when assembled thereto. The illustrated arrangement includes the same number of feet  926  as tabs  912 ; however, a lesser number of feet  926  could also be used. The circumferential dimension of the feet  926  can be configured such that the feet  926  contact an edge of the access opening  166  to provide some amount of resistance to rotation of the upper shell piece  102  in a directing tending to remove the upper shell piece  102  from the mounting member  108  thereby inhibiting unintentional disconnection of the upper shell piece  102  from the mounting member  108 . If desired, active locks could also be provided to prevent unintentional disconnection of the upper shell piece  102  from the mounting member  108 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts one embodiment of an assembled mounting member  108  preferably comprised of two mounting bases  904  and an interlocking member  902 . In other embodiments, mounting member  108  may be further comprised of additional mounting bases  904  or a spacer, not shown, between the mounting bases. 
     The side of interlocking member  902  shown in  FIGS. 9A and 10  is inserted into the attachment region  106  formed by interlocking surfaces  116  and  126  by aligning the tabs or engaging members  912  of interlocking member  902  with the access openings  166  in the attachment region  106 , as seen in  FIG. 2 . Preferably rotating or twisting mounting member  108  in a clockwise direction results in the tabs or engaging members  912  of interlocking member  902  rotating behind or inside of interlocking surface  126  until further rotational movement is stopped by interaction with interlocking surface  116 . This rotational movement of interlocking member  902  results in the rigid yet removable attachment of mounting member  108  to protection system  100 . Similarly, rotation or twisting of interlocking member  902  in the opposite direction allows for removal of mounting member  108 . 
     Attachment or detachment of protection system  100  from the mounting member  108  occurs either through rotation of mounting member  108  (resulting in rotation of interlocking member  902 ) or through rotation of the handheld electronic device within the protection system  100 , as when the mounting member  108  is securely attached to another surface. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , one accessory that may be used with protection system  100  includes a bike mount  1100 . The illustrated bike mount  1100  may be mounted on or as a replacement of the top cap of a bicycle steering stem arrangement, preferably using screw  1120 . In particular, the bike mount piece  1110  preferably replaces the top cap of a standard bicycle steering headset system and rests on the upper surface of the front fork steerer tube or steering stem spacer. As is known, the top cap is utilized to adjust a preload of the bearings in the bicycle steering headset system. Once the steering stem is clamped to the steerer tube, the top cap is no longer providing any function. The present bike mount  1100  can replace the standard top cap. Preferably, the mount piece  1110  is adjustable (e.g., rotatable) with respect to the bike mount attachment piece  1130 . In particular, in the illustrated arrangement, the bike mount attachment piece  1130  includes an arm portion that extends from the mount piece  1110 . The arm portion is rotatably coupled to the mount piece  1110  by a pivot assembly. The bike mount attachment piece  1130  may attach to the upper shell piece  102  using the interlocking mounting arrangement discussed above. 
     Although this application discloses certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Further, the various features of these inventions can be used alone, or in combination with other features of these inventions other than as expressly described above. While the disclosed embodiments are primarily directed to a protection system for a handheld electronic device, aspects of the invention may be used in connection with other types of protection systems. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.