Patent ID: 7216763

Claim:
A carrying case for a portable computer, comprising: an interior storage compartment configured for receiving a portable computer; a first impact protection panel positioned adjacent to a first sidewall of the carrying case; and a second impact protection panel positioned adjacent to a second sidewall of the carrying case, wherein the first sidewall is on the opposite side of the second sidewall, and wherein both the first and second protection panels comprise: a base portion having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces; and an elevated portion surrounded by and projecting outward from the top surface of the base portion, the elevated portion including a substantially planar elevated surface that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the base portion, wherein the elevated portion of the first protection panel is oriented towards the first sidewall and away from the interior storage compartment, and wherein the elevated portion of the second protection panel is oriented towards the second sidewall and away from the interior storage compartment.