Protective case for mobile electronic device with storage compartment and pivot stand

Abstract

A protective case for a mobile electronic device that includes a storage compartment for a user's personal items and a pivot stand is disclosed herein. The protective case includes a first or main panel and a second or sub-panel that are configured to cover the storage compartment and provide access thereto. Such access may be provided, for example, via a hinged connection. Each panel may also function as independent pivot stand capable of positioning the case in one or more viewing/operating positions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protective case configured to reversibly receive and retain a mobile electronic device, said protective case comprising:
 a device compartment;   a bottom shell portion;   an upper portion that is co-molded to the bottom shell portion;   a user storage compartment defined by the bottom shell portion and the upper portion, wherein the user storage compartment is dimensioned to receive at least one personal item;   a first panel that is co-molded to the upper portion at a first hinge, wherein the first panel is configured to lock closed into the bottom shell portion at a first end and swing outwardly at a second end along the first hinge to allow access to the storage compartment; and   a second panel that is co-molded to the upper portion at a second hinge, wherein the second panel is configured to swing open and closed along the second hinge independently from the first panel,   wherein when the second panel is moved independently from said first panel, the second panel forms a support stand configured to allow positioning of the case in a first operating position,   wherein the bottom shell portion comprises a first material and the upper portion comprises a second material different than the first material, and   wherein the first material is more rigid than the second material, and   wherein the second panel is lockable within the first panel.