ATTACHABLE PROTECTIVE DATA STORAGE DEVICE

Abstract

A molded reinforced polymer case, which houses an integrated solid-state data storage drive, which attaches to a laptop. The solid-state drive connects to the laptop drive through a connective data cable.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with a laptop, comprising: a case for protecting the laptop, wherein the case is configured to attach to the laptop; a solid-state drive data storage contained within the case; and an electrical connector for connecting the solid-state drive to processing circuitry within the laptop.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Some Embodiments of the Present Invention are Illustrated as an Example and are not Limited by Figures of the Accompanying Drawings, in which References May Indicate Similar Elements and in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of all elements of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a bottom up view of the case (Element 1) of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cross section of the constructed invention;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view of the cross section of the Attachable Protective Data Storage Case highlighting the manner in which the internal reinforcement (Element 3) is attached to the case (Element 1) via fixtures (Element 4).

[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view highlighting the snap fit interaction between Attachable Protective Data Storage Case and the laptop.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the slot provided for access to the invention's data port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Referring now to an embodiment, the embodiment is comprised of an external case 1, a data storage mount 2, internal reinforcement 3, and fixtures 4, as depicted in FIG. 1.

[0015] Elements 1 and 3 fit together to provide a space for the containment of an on-board storage, mounted via a printed circuit board 2, in the space (a) shown in FIG. 3 as hexagonal. These elements are secured in place by fixtures 4, which provides a buffer to fit a subsequent laptop. The resultant gap, denoted in FIG. 3 as (a) in the form of fatigue wear, prevents embedment of contaminants, e.g. grit, dust, dirt et al, into the main body of the laptop. The laptop is secured in place by integrated snap fittings, highlighted in FIG. 5 as D. Between the snap fittings integrated on the case 1 of FIG. 1, depicted in FIG. 5 as (a), and the fixtures between elements 1 and 3 provided by fixtures 4 as depicted in FIG. 3, a space is manifested that allows for the secure fit of a laptop whilst simultaneously producing a semi-permanent fixing for the storage drive, which is integrated by, and within, the assembled construct of the elements depicted in FIG. 1.

[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 shows a top down wireframe view of the case. Within FIG. 2, holes are denoted as element 5. The holes provide a space for the insertion of the fixtures in (FIG. 1, Element 4), that directly or indirectly, holds the internal reinforcement and subsequently the storage drive within the case. Secondly, as shown in FIG. 4, (Element 4) provides support that ensures an even pressure distribution in the high tolerance fitting of the laptop's distribution in the semi-permanent fitting between the laptop and the assembled elements of the invention, depicted in FIG. 1. Simultaneously, these ensure the laptop itself does not come into direct contact with the case's interior. Furthermore, the lower edge of (Element 1), the external case, features molded tabs. These tabs act as snap fittings, whereby a laptop can be semi-permanently attached and held within the case, as shown in FIG. 5. It is this attachment that serves a dual purposeholding the data storage within and providing a hold between case and laptop.

[0017] The data connection between laptop and drive will be achieved through the use of an additional cable. This cable can be attached to the drive through a provided slot, highlighted in FIG. 6 as (a), which is designed to fit the female USB-C port.

[0018] The data storage drive will be mounted on the interior of the internal reinforcement respective to geometry that allows integration of the female USB-C directly into the slot featured on the external case as depicted in FIG. 6 as (b).

[0019] The advantages of the embodiments include, without limitation, the amalgamation of product and laptop, hence preserving the portability of personal computers whilst concurrently combining the convenience of external storage and physical protection for the laptop. Furthermore, the connection between storage drive and laptop is reliably secure as a result of the semi-permanent fixing between the laptop and the product. Connective data cables utilize the robust USB-C connection.

[0020] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.