Protective case for mobile devices

Abstract

A protective case for a portable mobile device is disclosed. The protective case comprises a shell that defines a compartment for receiving and retaining a mobile device, a cover panel, and a connector component. The shell has a main panel that includes an aperture and a subpanel that is hinged at a first side within the aperture and reversibly attached to the aperture via mechanical protrusions or detents at a second side so that it can rotatably attach and detach, or snap, into and out of the main panel. The hinge may be formed by one or more flexible layers overlaid on the shell or via mechanical swivel joint such as a pin and socket connection. A connector portion connects the cover panel to the shell and forms a flexible spine between the cover panel and the shell. The connector portion is comprised of opposing inner and outer layers that are overlaid over the internal and external facing surfaces of the shell and cover panel. The main panel of the shell is configured to receive and retain the mobile device within its compartment and may be snap-fitted over the mobile device. In operation, the case can be opened and the subpanel detached from the main panel to allow the main panel to rotate relative to the subpanel and rest on the inner surface of the cover component to provide varied viewing/operating positions to the user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a protective case for a mobile device, comprising:
 providing a molded polymer shell contoured to the external configuration of the mobile device and configured to receive and retain the mobile device within a compartment defined by the shell, said shell having a main panel and a subpanel that is hinged at a first location within an aperture of said main panel;   providing a cover component; connecting the cover component to the subpanel of the shell via a spine; and providing a mechanical connection between the subpanel and the aperture in a second location, wherein the mechanical connection is configured to allow the subpanel to snap into and out of the main panel at the second location so that when the subpanel is snapped into the main panel, the position of the subpanel is fixed relative to the main panel and when the subpanel is snapped out of the main panel, the subpanel may rotate about a hinge at the first location.   
     
     
         2 . The method of manufacturing of  claim 1 , wherein the shell is formed of a different material than the cover component. 
     
     
         3 . The method of manufacturing of  claim 1 , wherein the cover opponent is attached to recessed regions provided in the shell.