Abstract:
A computer housing comprises a recessed Universal Serial Bus (USB) slot located along a top surface of a computer adjacent to the keyboard portion. The USB slot is recessed into the computer in order to allow a user to attach a USB mass storage device below a top surface portion in a secure position, thereby avoiding damage to the mass storage device if accidentally impacted while connected.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     There are no current co-pending applications. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention described herein pertains to computer case having a recessed slot configured to fully maintain an attached mass storage device therewithin such that the mass storage device does not extend outwardly from the computer case. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory devices or flash drives are truly a modern marvel. They are capable of holding vast amounts of information that was only dreamed about a few short years ago. In fact, the amount of information they are capable of holding allow a number of computer users to carry not only all of the data files they need but their applications as well. This allows them to make any computer they use their own “personal” computer. These devices plug into common USB jacks on desktop and notebook computers. 
     However, their design leaves them protruding at all times making them prone to breakage and damage of itself and/or the computer to which it is attached. Desktop computers sitting on the floor are susceptible to damage whenever a person or chair may brush against them. Portable computers cannot be placed into bags or sleeves with such devices attached forcing a shutdown just to move what is otherwise a portable computer. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a USB memory device can be used with all types of computers without the disadvantages as described above. The use of a recessed USB Port allows one to use USB memory devices in computers without worry of damage to either component in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the deficiencies in the art pertaining to insertion and retention of a USB mass storage device within notebook computers. 
     An object of the present invention provides for a computer case having conventional features and devices associated with computers, such as a bottom section having processor, a memory storage device, mouse pad, a keyboard, a plurality of input ports, a plurality of user interface buttons, and a speaker; and a upper section hingedly attached to said bottom section and further having a display. One (1) of the plurality of input ports is configured to electrically connect a mass storage device to the computer and housed within a recessed slot. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide such a slot having a generally rectangular five-sided shape. The slot is configured such that a port for providing an electrical connection for a mass storage device to the computer aligns and maintains the mass storage device within the slot such that the mass storage device does not extend outward from the case. 
     In at least one (1) embodiment, the slot is located within an upper surface of the bottom section. The slot is located parallel to the side surface of the bottom section and is approximately three-quarters of an inch (¾ in.) in width and two-and-a-half inches (2½ in.) in length. The mass storage port is located on a side wall of the slot. 
     In another embodiment, the slot is located within a bottom surface of the bottom section. The slot is located parallel to the side surface of the bottom section and is approximately three-quarters of an inch (¾ in.) in width and two-and-a-half inches (2½ in.) in length. The mass storage port is located on a side wall of the slot. 
     In yet another embodiment, the slot is located within a side surface of the bottom section. The slot is located perpendicular to the side surface of the bottom section and is approximately two-and-a-half inches (2½ in.) in length. The mass storage port is located on a rear wall of the slot opposite the opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a computer case with a recessed USB) port  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a section view of a recessed USB port portion  20  of the computer case with a recessed USB port  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is an internal USB port embodiment  200 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
       
           
             10  computer case with a recessed USB port 
             20  recessed USB slot 
             22  USB port 
             24  internal cable 
             30  computer 
             40  first lower case 
             41  internal space 
             42  keyboard 
             44  mouse pad 
             46  button 
             48  audio terminal 
             50  hinge 
             60  upper case 
             62  display 
             100  portable mass storage device 
             101  USB connector 
             200  internal USB port embodiment 
             210  second lower case 
             220  internal USB cavity 
         
      
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and in terms of an alternate embodiment, herein depicted in  FIG. 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a computer case with a recessed USB port (herein described as the “feature”)  10 , which provides integration of an enhanced feature into a desktop or notebook-type personal computer system  30  enabling protective installation of various portable USB-type portable mass storage devices  100 , as well as similarly shaped mobile broadband dongles/sticks, via an integrally-molded recessed USB slot  20 . The feature  10  is depicted here being a unitary recessed area integrated into a laptop-type computer  30 . Said laptop-type computer  30  is illustrated here having conventional and expected portions including a lower plastic molded case  40 , a keyboard  42 , a mouse pad  44 , a plurality of digit-operated buttons  46 , an audio terminal  48 , a pair of hinges  50 , an upper case  60 , and a flat screen display  62 . The feature  10  is intended to allow transport of the computer  30  with the portable mass storage device  100  installed, without worry of breakage or damage. 
     It is understood that the computer  30  may incorporate a plurality of units of the present invention  10  being integrated a various locations upon the computer  30 , and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention. The feature  10  is illustrated here comprising a five-sided recessed USB slot  20 , thereby positioning the portable mass storage device  100  below a top surface portion and in a parallel manner with regards to a side edge portion. The feature  10  may also be integrated into the case portions  40 ,  60  in various other positions and orientations (see  FIG. 3 ). It is envisioned that the feature  10  would have a rectangular cross-sectional shape of approximately three-quarters of an inch (¾ in.) in width and two and one-half inches (2½ in.) in length. The recessed USB slot  20  is to be sized so as to accept most commonly sized USB portable mass storage devices  100  of all memory capacities. The feature  10  protects the USB portable mass storage device  100  as well as a USB port portion  22  of the computer  30  from damage should the drive be accidentally impacted. The feature  10  also allows notebook-type computers  30  to be placed in bags, or similar containers, and transported while the portable mass storage device  100  remains connected. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a section view of a recessed USB slot portion  20  of the feature  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The feature  10  is envisioned being integrally-molded into a top surface portion of the lower case  40  and protruding downward into an internal space portion  41  of the computer  30 ; however, said feature  10  may also be integrated into a bottom surface portion with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . The feature  10  provides nested positioning of the portable mass storage device  100  into the lower case  40  such that the USB connector portion  101  of said portable mass storage device  100  is pre-aligned with a corresponding USB port portion  22  of the computer  30 , thereby providing sliding insertion of the portable mass storage device  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an internal USB port embodiment  200 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. An internal USB cavity  220  is illustrated here being integrated into the lower case portion  40  of the computer  30  so as to enable insertion of a small end portion of a portable mass storage device  100  in a perpendicular direction into an internal USB cavity portion  220  within the computer  30 . The internal USB cavity  20  is located along a side surface of the computer  30  and is sufficiently recessed so as to allow a principle portion of the inserted portable mass storage device  100  to remain within the lower case portion  40 , thereby providing protection to the portable mass storage device  100 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the feature  10 , it would be utilized as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the feature  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of a desktop, laptop, or other type computer  30  being equipped with at least one (1) unit of the present invention feature  10 ; placing a portable mass storage device  100  or mobile broadband dongle/stick down into the recessed USB slot  20 ; push the portable mass storage device  100  horizontally toward the USB port portion  22  of the computer  30  until the corresponding USB connector portion  101  of the portable mass storage device  100  is fully engaged; operating the computer  30  and the portable mass storage device  100  in a normal manner to perform computing tasks; and, benefiting from added protection of a portable mass storage device  100  while connected to a computer  30  afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     An alternate internal USB port embodiment  200  may be utilized by inserting a USB connector portion  101  of the portable mass storage device  100  into the horizontal internal USB cavity portion  220  until fully engaged. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.