Semi-rigid protective case and methods of making the same

Abstract

A protective case comprising a rigid or substantially rigid exterior which is preferably divided into a lid section and a base section pivotally joined together with one or more hinge mechanisms is disclosed. A divided first layer of material is preferably joined in continuous contact with the interior of the lid section and the interior of the base section so that no empty space or dead space exists between portions of the first layer of material contacting the lid section and portions of the first layer contacting the base section. A divided second layer of material is preferably joined in continuous contact with the first layer of material so that no empty space or dead space exists between the second layer of material and both portions of the first layer of material contacting the lid section and the base section.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protective case for electronic devices or the like wherein the case comprises a top lid section pivotally joined to a lower base section, each of the top lid section and lower base section containing an exterior layer constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid material and a first interior layer constructed from an elastomer material. 
     
     
         2 . The protective case of  claim 1  wherein the top lid section and lower base section are removably connected by a latch mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . The protective case of  claim 3  wherein the latch mechanism comprises a magnet configured to secure a latch retainer adjacent to a latch anchor. 
     
     
         4 . The protective case of  claim 3  wherein said rigid or semi-rigid material is selected from Kydex, Vikalloy, carbon fiber, metal alloys, ABS plastic, hard rubber, ceramics, or resins. 
     
     
         5 . The protective case of  claim 4  wherein said elastomer material is selected from; impact absorbing foams, ARTiLAGE artificial cartilage foam, Poron XRD foam, other ARTiLAGE foams, Poron foams, silicone foams, rubber foams, plastic foams, elastic plastics, elastic silicone, elastic rubbers, or silicone rubbers. 
     
     
         6 . The protective case of  claim 2  further comprising a second interior layer configured with a recessed to accept an object such as an electronic device. 
     
     
         7 . The protective case of  claim 6  wherein the second interior layer contains silicone rubber. 
     
     
         8 . The protective case of  claim 7  further comprising a folder holder connected to the exterior layer. 
     
     
         9 . The protective case of  claim 8  wherein the folder holder  400  comprises gusseted accordion style sides configured to expand when receiving bulky items such as notebooks files and folders. 
     
     
         10 . The protective case of  claim 7  further comprising an accessary case removably connected to the exterior layer. 
     
     
         11 . The protective case of  claim 10  wherein the accessory case is removably connected to the exterior layer through a bayonet style mount comprising male attachment points and female attachment points. 
     
     
         12 . The protective case of  claim 2  further comprising a folder holder connected to the exterior layer. 
     
     
         13 . The protective case of  claim 12  wherein the folder holder comprises gusseted accordion style sides configured to expand when receiving bulky items such as notebooks files and folders. 
     
     
         14 . The protective case of  claim 13  wherein the folder holder further comprises an upper flap configured to fold over an opening within the folder holder. 
     
     
         15 . The protective case of  claim 2  further comprising an accessary case removably connected to the exterior layer. 
     
     
         16 . The protective case of  claim 15  wherein the accessory case is removably connected to the exterior layer through a bayonet style mount comprising male attachment points and female attachment points.