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United States Patent Application |
20060240692
|
Kind Code
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A1
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Regen; Paul
;   et al.
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October 26, 2006
|
Thumb drive with retractable USB connector
Abstract
A thumb drive comprises on-board memory for storing digital information, a
male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory for connecting to a USB
port of a computer appliance, internal control elements for managing MP3
player functions for the thumb drive, a display for displaying downloaded
song titles, user-operable controls for selecting and playing songs
recorded as audio files in the on-board memory as audio output at an
output connector, a Bluetooth.TM. compatible transmitter for transmitting
selected data and audio output to external Bluetooth.TM. compatible
devices, and an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector
for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for
retracting the connector when not in use.
Inventors: |
Regen; Paul; (Felton, CA)
; Garrett; Peter; (Aptos, CA)
; Hale; Everett; (Tehachapi, CA)
|
Correspondence Address:
|
CENTRAL COAST PATENT AGENCY
PO BOX 187
AROMAS
CA
95004
US
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Serial No.:
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473638 |
Series Code:
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11
|
Filed:
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June 22, 2006 |
Current U.S. Class: |
439/131 |
Class at Publication: |
439/131 |
International Class: |
H01R 13/44 20060101 H01R013/44 |
Claims
1. A thumb drive comprising: on-board memory for storing digital
information; a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory for
connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance; internal control
elements for managing MP3 player functions for the thumb drive; a display
for displaying downloaded song titles; user-operable controls for
selecting and playing songs recorded as audio files in the on-board
memory as audio output at an output connector; a Bluetooth.TM. compatible
transmitter for transmitting selected data and audio output to external
Bluetooth.TM. compatible devices; and an extension/retraction mechanism
coupled to the connector for extending the connector from an enclosure of
the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use.
2. The thumb drive of claim 1 further comprising a set of Bluetooth.TM.
compatible ear pieces.
3. The thumb drive of claim 2 wherein the ear pieces are configured to
attach to a pair of glasses.
4. The thumb drive of claim 1 wherein the extension/retraction mechanism
comprises a set of guides within a body of the thumb drive for
translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and a slide button
extending through an opening in the body and connected to the coupled USB
port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate the coupled memory
and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide button from
outside the body.
5. The thumb drive of claim 4 wherein the opening through the body
comprises detents which provide, in concert with the slide button,
detention of the coupled memory and USB connector in a fully extended or
a fully withdrawn position.
6. The thumb drive of claim 1 wherein the on-board memory is digital flash
memory.
7. The thumb drive of claim 4 wherein memory capacity is equal to or
exceeds 256 Mbytes.
8. The thumb drive of claim 1 further comprising a light integrated into
the body and directed in the same direction as extending the USB
connector, and an on-board power supply for energizing the light.
9. The thumb drive of claim 8 comprising a set of guides within a body of
the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and USB connector, and
a slide button extending through an opening in the body and connected to
the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a user may translate
the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides by urging the slide
button from outside the body, and wherein depressing the button also
turns on the light.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS
[0001] The present application claims priority to co-pending patent
application Ser. No. 10/903,412, filed on Jul. 29, 2004 which claims
priority to provisional application No. 60/528,645 filed Dec. 10, 2003.
Both applications above are incorporated in their entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is in the field of computer mass storage
devices, and pertains more particularly to solid-state USB connectable
drives.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the computer arts there continues to be motivation for increased
density and ease-of-use in mass storage devices. A solid state device
known now in the art as a thumb drive was relatively recently introduced
advancing the standard for both density and ease-of-use, and such
hot-plug drives are made by several manufacturers. A common feature of
thumb drives as known in the art is a male USB connector, and
functionality to hot-plug and remove, that is, without turning off the
computer to which the drive is connected and disconnected. Another common
feature is a plastic protective cover for the male USB connector.
[0004] Although the advance in the mass storage art with the advent of
thumb drives is dramatic, there are still some problems with such a
system. For example, the plastic covers for use on the male USB
connectors are not very secure, and tend to come loose and be lost. As a
remedy, many manufacturers provide two and sometimes three plastic covers
with each device sold, often with different colors. Still another problem
is that USB ports on computers are not universally easily visible and
accessible. Some such ports are on the back of tower cases which are
often placed under desks or other furniture, so finding an unused USB
female port for connecting the male USB connector of a thumb drive is
often not trivial. When a female port is out of sight or in a darkened
area, the connection must often be made by feel alone. Still further,
when the thumb drive is connected to a computer, the plastic protective
cover is removed, and is easily misplaced.
[0005] There are also other functions that may be accomplished with the
considerable memory available with thumb drives, and their relatively
easy connectivity to personal computers and other computerized
appliances. One such function is as an MP3 player, to download MP3 files,
such as music files, from a computerized appliance, and an ability to
play these files into an ear piece, headphone or amplifier from the thumb
drive.
[0006] Therefore what is clearly needed is a way to dispense with the
plastic covers and still protect the male USB connector for thumb drives,
a way to aid in the search for unused USB ports, and aid in the
engagement of the male USB connector of the thumb drive with the female
port on the computer, and a way to use the thumb drive as an MP3 player.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In an embodiment of the invention a thumb drive is provided,
comprising on-board memory for storing digital information, a male USB
connector coupled to the on-board memory for connecting to a USB port of
a computer appliance, internal control elements for managing MP3 player
functions for the thumb drive, a display for displaying downloaded song
titles, user-operable controls for selecting and playing songs recorded
as audio files in the on-board memory as audio output at an output
connector, a Bluetooth.TM. compatible transmitter for transmitting
selected data and audio output to external Bluetooth.TM. compatible
devices, and an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector
for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for
retracting the connector when not in use.
[0008] In some embodiments the thumbdrive further comprises a set of
Bluetooth.TM. compatible ear pieces. Also in some embodiments the ear
pieces are configured to attach to a pair of glasses. Also in some
embodiments the extension/retraction mechanism comprises a set of guides
within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and
USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the
body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a
user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides
by urging the slide button from outside the body. The opening through the
body may comprise detents which provide, in concert with the slide
button, detention of the coupled memory and USB connector in a fully
extended or a fully withdrawn position.
[0009] In some embodiments the on-board memory is digital flash memory,
which in some cases may be equal to or exceed 256 Mbytes. In some cases
there may be a light integrated into the body and directed in the same
direction as extending the USB connector, and an on-board power supply
for energizing the light. In some cases there may be a set of guides
within a body of the thumb drive for translating the coupled memory and
USB connector, and a slide button extending through an opening in the
body and connected to the coupled USB port and on-board memory, wherein a
user may translate the coupled memory and USB connector along the guides
by urging the slide button from outside the body, and wherein depressing
the button also turns on the light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a thumb drive according to an
embodiment of the present invention, with the connector retracted.
[0011] FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the thumb drive of FIG. 1a with
the connector partly extended.
[0012] FIG. 1c is a perspective view of the thumb drive of FIG. 1a with
the connector fully extended.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thumb drive according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3a is an exploded view of the thumb drive of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 3b, c, and d show details for detenting in an embodiment of
the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4a and 4b are a diagrams showing one way a protective cover
may be implemented.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a thumb drive according to yet
another embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a [perspective view of a thumb drive associated with a
Bluetooth.TM. headset in yet another embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention a thumb drive has a manually
extendable and retractable male USB connector. FIG. 1a is a perspective
view of such a drive 101 according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] Drive 101 has in this example a physical opening 102 generally
rectangular in shape, matching the rectangular cross section of a male
USB connector. Port 102 is closed, when the connector is withdrawn within
a body of the thumb drive, by a retractable physical closure, such as a
flap gate 103, which may be hinge mounted in one embodiment to allow
passage of a male USB connector.
[0021] It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that there are a variety
of ways a closure may be implemented for opening 102. Such a closure may
be made of a number of different materials, such as rubber or plastic
materials, and may be implemented in a number of different ways. For
example, the gate could be a solid metal or rigid plastic material, and a
mechanism for opening and closing may be provided also in a number of
different ways.
[0022] Further to the above description, a sliding button 104 is
implemented through an opening in a wall of a case for the drive. This
button in one embodiment has two functions. Firstly the button is
implemented in a manner to turn on a flashlight element 105 when the
button is depressed. Secondly, the button is detented in a way that when
depressed it may be pushed forward, causing an internal mechanism to
translate forward, urging a male USB connector to extend through port
102, and to lock in place as extended. The locking in place in one
embodiment is a function of the detenting of the button mechanism.
[0023] It will also be apparent to the skilled artisan that such a manual
operator for translation of a mechanism to extend the male connector
through opening 102 may be implemented in several ways as well, such as
by a knob or a slide. In one embodiment, for example, the retractable
connector is spring-loaded into the case of the thumb drive with a detent
for keeping it retracted until a user trips the detent. A similar detent
keeps the connector in an extended position until the user pushes the
connector back into the case.
[0024] Light 105 in one embodiment is offset to one side of the thumb
drive as shown, and is provided for aiding in finding a USB port on a
candidate computer. The light may also be used as a utility flashlight
for a number of other purposes. The skilled artisan will understand that
there are a variety of ways control for the light may be provided in
addition to the slide button 104, such as by a separate switch
implemented through the body of the thumb drive.
[0025] FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the thumb drive of FIG. 1 with a
USB male connector extended part way through port 102. It may be seen
that the relative position of slide button 104 corresponds to the
relative extension of the USB port 106.
[0026] FIG. 1c is a perspective view of the thumb drive of FIG. 1a and 1b
with male connector 106 fully extended and locked into place. In some
embodiments of the invention a connection ring 107 may be provided to
facilitate attachment to a neck cord or key ring.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thumb drive 208 in yet another
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment a body shape is
implemented that provides a more comfortable and secure grip when using
the drive. Many of the elements for the embodiment shown by FIG. 2 are
the same as for the embodiment shown by FIGS. 1a-1c. There is a molded
body that, in this case, is made in two separate parts 213 and 214,
joining along a line 215. A raised portion 209 of the upper section 213
provides a housing for a light 216, which may be one or a cluster of
high-intensity LEDs or an incandescent bulb, for example. A spring-loaded
button 211 is implemented through an opening 210 in section 213 for
on-off input for the light 216 and slide operation for a male USB
connector that may be caused to extend through door 212 by urging button
211 forward. Detents implemented in opening 210 provide for restraining
the USB connector in extended or retracted position, as further described
below.
[0028] FIG. 3a is a partially exploded perspective view of thumb drive 208
of FIG. 2, showing some further detail of inner components. Section 213
is shown disconnected from section 214 and raised to show additional
inner detail. Within the thumb drive a module 301 comprises flash memory,
in quantity of perhaps 256 Mbytes, or more. Module 301 also comprises
button 211 implemented in a structure 302 that allows the button to be
depressed and to make electrical contact to energize light 216 through a
connection path 303 from an on-board battery source 304. The battery can
be any one of many sorts, such as a rechargeable battery.
[0029] The internal flash memory of module 301 is coupled to I/O contacts
of a USB male connector 305 which is built into module 301. Internal
connections, microprocessor, and firmware applying the microprocessor to
functions of the apparatus are not shown, but will be apparent to those
with skill in the art, as these mostly exist in the commercial arena at
the time of filing the present application.
[0030] Module 301 in this an some other embodiments is implemented within
the shell of portions 213 and 214 restrained between molded-in tracks,
such that the module may be translated from a position wherein USB male
connector 305 is fully withdrawn, to a position wherein the USB connector
is fully extended, and back again. Detents molded into upper portion 213
in conjunction with opening 210 provide for retention at the fully
withdrawn and near the fully extended positions, in concert with
depressing button 211. To extend or withdraw one may depress button 211
and release it at the end of the movement. When USB connector 305
extends, door 212 is urged aside in a manner that when the USB connector
is again withdrawn, the door closes again.
[0031] FIG. 3b shows one edge 306 of opening 210 of portion 213 in
elevation. This edge of the opening is formed into lands at two
elevations, these being lands 308 and 310 at a lower level and lands 309
and 311 at a higher level.
[0032] FIG. 3c shows button 211 and structure 302 implemented on module
301. As previously described, structure 302 allows button 211 to be
depressed to make electrical contact to illuminate light 216. Button 211
further has a land 312, also seen in FIG. 3a in perspective that engages
one of lands 308-311 in assembly, depending on the relative extension of
connector 305.
[0033] FIG. 3d shows edge 306 with lands 308-311 with button 211
superimposed at four different positions (a) through (d) representing
four different extensions of connector 305. With button 211 in position
(a) the male USB connector is fully retracted within the body of the
thumb drive. Because button 211 is spring-loaded upward, this provides a
detent that holds the connector retracted until a specific action by the
user.
[0034] To move the connector forward, that is, to extend the connector, a
user depresses button 211 such that land 312 of the button is below land
310 of edge 306. This depressing of button 211 makes electrical contact
turning on light 216. Now module 301 may be moved forward by urging
button 211 forward to extend USB connector 305. Land 310 ensures that the
light stays on if the button is released.
[0035] Land 308 allows the user to move connector 305 to a maximum forward
position, passing land 309, at which point the light will stay lit. This
allows for the user to release the button while looking for a female USB
port for connection, and keeps the light on.
[0036] When the female USB port is found and male connector 305 is
inserted, the action of insertion will retract the male connector in the
thumb drive until the spring-loaded button clicks up to land 309,
providing a detent near the fully extended poison with the light off and
the thumb drive connected to the appliance having the female USB port.
[0037] The skilled artisan will be aware that the detent mechanisms
described above with reference to FIGS. 3b-3d are exemplary of one such
mechanism that might be used, and that are there are a variety of other
ways the detents may be provided.
[0038] One simple rendition of a door 112 or 212 is shown in FIGS. 4a and
4b. In this example a rubber-like panel 112 is affixed behind an opening
between upper and lower portions 113 and 114. As connector 305 is
extended from the poison shown in FIG. 4a the rubber-like panel is simply
urged aside, until with full extension, panel 112 is positioned as shown
in FIG. 4b. When connector 305 is again withdrawn panel 112 springs back
to an upright position as shown in FIG. 4a, closing the opening to dust
and debris, for example.
[0039] It will be apparent to those with skill in the art that the door
for the opening through which the male USB connector protrudes, such as
panel 112 in FIG. 4a and 4b, is not in and of itself the patentable
feature of the invention, but a convenience to protect the internal
details of the novel thumb drive when the connector is withdrawn. Simple
examples of such a door have been provided, but there are a further
variety of ways such a protective door might be implemented. There might
be, for example, a rigid door hinged in some manner, and the door may or
may not be closed by a spring detent. There are many other possibilities
as well.
[0040] In embodiments of the invention described above there is no need
for a protective plastic cap for the male USB connector as is common in
the art at the time of filing the present application, and the light
integrated into the thumb drive in some embodiments provides real aid to
a user in finding and connecting to unused USB ports. The light has other
uses as a simple utility flashlight as well.
[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG.
5, further enhancement is provided such that a thumb drive 501 may also
operate as a music repository and player, such as an MP3 player. In this
embodiment the memory capacity of the thumb drive is controlled in the
same manner that is done in the art for MP3 players and the like, so that
music and other audio material may be downloaded to the unique thumb
drive from a computer device, and may be played back to a user. For this
purpose a display 502 is provided, which may be an LED (light-emitting
diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display) is provided, and additional
firmware for internal microprocessor control is provided to manage
storage of audio files, such as MP3 files, for songs, and to display and
render the songs at a user's command.
[0042] Appropriate controls, such as buttons 503 for scrolling through a
playlist, are provided, and audio rendition is through line 504 to a set
of ear-buds 505. Earphones may be used as well, or any set of
battery-powered or conversion unit powered speakers, such as those sorts
of speakers used with PCs from a soundcard. In some embodiments a
microphone 506 is also provided, and controls are provided for a user to
record such as memorandums and notes, using the thumb drive as a personal
digital recorder. A small, built-in speaker 507 may also be implemented
in some embodiments.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a thumb drive 601 associated with a
Bluetooth.TM. headset in still another embodiment of the invention.
Bluetooth.TM. is a well-known system and protocol for wireless
transmission of audio and other date over relatively short distances, and
information relative to same is easily accessible to the skilled artisan.
In this embodiment thumb drive 601 comprises a Bluetooth.TM. transmitter,
which transmits to left and right earpieces 603 adapted to a pair of
glasses 602, such as sunglasses. The controls for thumb drive 601 are
essentially the same as described above for drive 501. In alternative
embodiments the Bluetooth.TM. earpieces may be worn separately from the
glasses, or may be associated with a hat or a cap for example.
[0044] In various embodiments of the invention different features may be
combined. For example, in one embodiment a retractable male USB connector
is provided, but there is no light and no MP3 capability. In another
there is a light, but no MP3 and no retractable connector. In yet another
embodiment the light and the retractable connector are combined as shown
in various embodiments described above. Different embodiments may
incorporate any different combination of features.
[0045] It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that there are a broad
variety of changes that may be made in the embodiments of the invention
described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. For example, there are a broad variety of materials that may
be used for various elements of the thumb drive in embodiments of the
invention. The controls in those embodiments that provide audio playback
can be done in several ways. There are various ways the extendable male
connector may be implemented, and the like. There are a wide variety as
well of ways the control functions may be implemented. Therefore the
invention should only be limited by the claims which follow.
* * * * *