Snap-on protective cover for electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device protective cover that includes a substantially rigid screen protector panel. The electronic device cover attaches by snap-on connection over a portion of the electronic device. The protective cover can optionally secure to a base by a snap-on connection to form a multi-component protective system.

1 . A protective cover for an electronic device, the protective cover comprising:
 a screen protector panel; and   at least one sidewall panel extending from the periphery of said screen protector panel, said protective cover attaching by snap-on connection with a portion of the electronic device to retain the protective cover on the electronic device.   
     
     
         2 . The protective cover of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the screen protector panel is of a thickness sufficiently thin to allow for a user to interact with a touchscreen of the electronic device therethrough. 
     
     
         3 . The protective cover of  claim 2 , wherein the thickness of the screen protector panel is no more than about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm thick. 
     
     
         4 . The protective cover of  claim 1 , comprising a material selected from polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, acrylic, thermoplastic urethane or other substantially transparent material. 
     
     
         5 . The protective cover of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sidewall panel comprises an inwardly extending ledge to clasp the back of the electronic device when attached onto the device. 
     
     
         6 . The protective cover of  claim 5 , wherein the ledge further comprises an inwardly extending flange to engage a corresponding surface of the electronic device and secure the cover to the electronic device. 
     
     
         7 . The protective cover of  claim 1 , further comprising a base for removable attachment to the at least one sidewall opposite the screen protector panel. 
     
     
         8 . The protective cover of  claim 1 , wherein the screen protector panel comprises at least one aperture therethrough to allow a user to operate controls of the electronic device. 
     
     
         9 . The protective cover of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sidewall is contoured and shaped to fit the outer periphery of the electronic device with a snap-on connection. 
     
     
         10 . The protective cover of  claim 1 , wherein the screen protector panel and the at least one sidewall panel comprise a substantially rigid unitary element. 
     
     
         11 . A method of protecting an electronic device from damage, the method comprising:
 securing a hard shell protective cover over at least a screen portion of the electronic device, the hard shell protective cover comprising a screen protector panel and at least one sidewall; and   snap fitting the at least one protective cover sidewalls into engagement with cooperating surfaces of the electronic device, wherein the screen protector panel is retained over the screen portion of the electronic device.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the protective cover further comprises a pressure-transmissive panel with dimensions corresponding to the electronic device screen portion. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the electronic device has a touchscreen, and wherein the method further comprises operating the touchscreen through the pressure-transmissive panel of the protective cover. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the protective cover comprises at least one aperture in the screen protector panel. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the electronic device has at least one control, and wherein the method further comprises accessing the at least one control through the at least one aperture in the screen protector panel. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising securing a base onto the protective cover with the electronic device housed between the base and the protective cover. 
     
     
         17 . A protective cover for an electronic device, the protective cover comprising:
 a screen protector panel having engagement features for snap-fit connection to cooperating features of an electronic device, the screen protector panel comprising at least one aperture; and   at least one flexible insert secured to the at least one panel aperture.   
     
     
         18 . The protective cover of  claim 17 , wherein the screen protector panel is substantially rigid. 
     
     
         19 . The protective cover of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one flexible insert is secured to the screen protector panel with adhesive. 
     
     
         20 . The protector cover of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one flexible insert is insert molded to the careen protector panel. 
     
     
         21 . The protector cover of  claim 17 , further comprising a base panel, the base panel configured to secure with respect to the screen protector panel opposite the electronic device.