The concept is that the first part is the top that holds the cues in and is also hollow on the other side to hold chalk and small tools that a player may carry with them. Then the last part is the top of the compartment used for tools and chalk or whatever else. The example pictured is an old McDermott tube case. They are kind of hard to come by and are really cool!
I am wondering if anyone has an It's George case made in the same fashion?