Mobile telephone or portable digital media player case having interchangeable panels

Abstract

A case for a portable digital device, such as a mobile telephone or a portable digital media player, includes a set of interchangeable rear panels having different appearances or functions at least at one outer surface thereof. Two mutually interlocking shells engage one of the rear panels. The shells and the panels cooperate for receiving and locking the device within the shells and in front of the one rear panel.

1 . A case for a portable digital device, the case comprising:
 a set of interchangeable rear panels having different appearances or functions at least at one outer surface thereof; and   two mutually interlocking shells for engaging one of said rear panels;   said shells and said panels cooperating for receiving and locking the device within said shells and in front of said one rear panel.   
     
     
         2 . The case according to  claim 1 , which further comprises a locking device disposed on said shells for locking said shells together. 
     
     
         3 . The case according to  claim 2 , wherein said locking device includes a tongue protruding from one of said shells and having a catch formed thereon and a slot formed in the other of said shells for receiving said catch. 
     
     
         4 . The case according to  claim 1 , wherein said shells each have a respective channel formed therein for receiving one of said rear panels. 
     
     
         5 . The case according to  claim 1 , which further comprises different coverings disposed on said panels for providing said different appearances. 
     
     
         6 . The case according to  claim 5 , wherein said different coverings are selected from the group consisting of natural and synthetic materials. 
     
     
         7 . The case according to  claim 1 , wherein said different appearances of said rear panels are provided by different colors, surface designs, textures, patterns or finishes. 
     
     
         8 . The case according to  claim 1 , which further comprises a belt clip articulating on one of said panels. 
     
     
         9 . The case according to  claim 1 , wherein the portable digital device is a mobile telephone or a portable digital media player.