Lip stick universal serial bus flash drive with deploying and retracting functionalities

In one embodiment of the present invention, a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive rotary device is disclosed to include a plastic frame including a USB flash drive and a USB plug connector and a rotary tube at least partially enclosing said plastic frame for deploying said USB plug connector, the USB flash drive is coupled to the USB plug connector, the rotary tube is turned to retract said USB plug connector, the USB flash drive rotary device is for deploying the USB plug connector to couple the USB flash drive to a USB port.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of universal serial bus (USB) flash drives and particularly to a method and apparatus for designing rotary USB flash drives having lipstick shape with deployable and retractable structures.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As computers have gained enormous popularity in recent decades, so has the need for better and more efficient ways of storing memory. Notable among memory devices are the portable ones that may be carried around by the user to access computers at different locations. This is particularly common in the case of personal computers (PC) where the need often arises to transfer data from one PC to another. Examples of portable memory devices include nonvolatile memory devices such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive that is removably connectable to a computer.

Universal serial bus (USB) flash drives are available in various shapes and forms. The USB flash drive needs a USB plug connector to be coupled to a USB port of a host device such as a PC. The USB flash drive generally has a metal casing and a cover which is screwed in or otherwise attached to the casing. To access the USB plug connector the user needs to open the metal cover and put it back on the casing after finishing the work with the USB flash drive. The shape of the casing and cover may be in the form of a pen or some other configuration.

However, use of the metallic parts such as the casing and the cover generally results in a heavy USB flash drive which is not very convenient to carry. The dimensions of the casing and cover are often large resulting in a long USB flash drive which is another impediment to easy carriage of the unit. In addition, once the cover is removed, it may be lost or forgotten and not be replaced.

It is therefore desirable to design and develop a USB flash drive with a relatively short and compact configuration that is light and may therefore be easily carried around by the user. In particular, packaging style and shape of the portable USB flash drive maybe improved to generate additional interest and enthusiasm in using the device. In addition, the desired USB flash drive should not incur substantial cost of manufacturing but should rather improve the manufacturing and assembly process over the existing USB flash drives with metallic components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, an embodiment of the present invention includes a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive rotary device is disclosed to include a plastic frame including a USB flash drive and a USB plug connector and a rotary tube at least partially enclosing said plastic frame for deploying said USB plug connector, the USB flash drive is coupled to the USB plug connector, the rotary tube is turned to retract said USB plug connector, the USB flash drive rotary device is for deploying the USB plug connector to couple the USB flash drive to a USB port.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which make reference to several figures of the drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now toFIG. 1(a), a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive rotary device10is shown to include a rotary tube16, an end tube14and a USB plug connector12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The USB flash drive rotary device10is for deploying and retracting the USB plug connector12which is shown inFIG. 1(a) to be in the deployed position. The USB plug connector12is used for connecting the USB flash drive rotary device10to a host device such as a personal computer (PC) by deploying the USB plug connector12. The USB plug connector12is coupled to a USB port of a host device. When connected, information such as data and images may be transferred between the USB flash drive and the host device.

The USB plug connector12is deployed and retracted by turning the rotary tube16clockwise (CW) and counter clockwise (CCW), respectively, relative to the end tube14. Thus, the USB flash drive rotary device10has a lipstick shape which makes it portable and quite convenient to be carried in, for example, a ladies' hand bag, much like a fashion item. However, it is more than an ordinary lipstick and may be referred to as a “tech lipstick” which functions as a portable storage device connectable to a wide variety of electronic devices for transfer and storage of information such as data and images.

Referring now toFIG. 1(b), a detailed view of the USB flash drive rotary device10is shown to include the end tube14, rotary tube16, printed circuit board (PCB) assembly20, PCB cover26and a PCB holder24, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PCB assembly20includes the USB plug connector22.

The PCB assembly20is positioned inside the PCB holder24and the PCB cover26and is secured onto the PCB holder24to form a plastic frame. The PCB holder24is positioned substantially on the bottom of the PCB assembly20and the PCB cover26is positioned substantially on top of the PCB assembly20. Thus the PCB assembly20is partially enclosed by the PCB cover26and the PCB holder24. One end of the plastic frame is pressed inside of the rotary tube16to be secured therein. The other end of the plastic frame having the USB plug connector22is pressed inside the end tube14so that the USB plug connector22may be deployed and retracted through the cut-out28of the end tube14. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the rotary tube16is rotatably connected to the end tube14with the latter housing the USB plug connector12.

Referring now toFIG. 2, an perspective front view32of the end tube40is shown and a perspective back view34of the end tube40is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The end tube40is the same as the end tube14ofFIG. 1. In view32, the end tube40is shown to include a plurality of ridges36and a cut-out38to accommodate the USB plug connector22ofFIG. 1(b). In other embodiments of the present invention the end tube40has one or more ridges. The ridges36are used to secure the end tube40to the rotary tube16, as described in more detail hereinbelow.

Shown in the view34are the notches44and a tube end stop42, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The end tube40has two notches44but in other embodiments of the present invention the end tube40has one or more notches. Notches44are aligned with recess slots on the PCB cover26and PCB holder24to slide the plastic frame into the end tube40so that the USB plug connector22may move through the cut-out38to be deployed. The tube end stop42is used to stop the plastic frame from moving any further once the PCB plug connector22is deployed.

The ridges36are positioned substantially at one of the end tube40to secure the end tube40to the rotary tube16and the cut-out38is positioned to allow the USB plug connector to be deployed or retracted.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a rotary tube46that may be used in the USB flash drive rotary device10as the rotary tube16is shown to include two ridges50, two spiral slots52and a rotary tube end stop48, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In other embodiments of the present invention rotary tube46has one or more ridges and one or more spiral slots52. The structure of the rotary tube46, being hollow inside, serves to encapsulated the spiral slots52.

The PCB cover26and PCB holder24ofFIG. 1(b) include spiral tabs which move inside the spiral slots52to deploy and retract the USB plug connector22. Specifically, by turning the rotary tube46CW the spiral tabs move inside the spiral slots52to deploy the USB plug connector22out of the end tube14. Conversely, by turning the rotary tube46CCW, the spiral tabs move inside the spiral slots52to retract the USB plug connector22back into the end tube14.

The rotary tube end stop48prevents the plastic frame from moving any further in the rotary tube46when the USB plug connector22is fully retracted.

To assemble the USB flash drive rotary device10, the end tube14is pressed into the rotary tube46partially enclosing the plastic frame. The ridges36of the end tube pass the ridges50of the rotary tube to prevent the end tube40from moving out of the rotary tube46. Rotary tube46can only rotate CW or CCW relative to the end tube14. The outer surfaces of the rotary tube46and end tube40comprise the outer surface of the USB flash drive rotary device10. Ridges36are part of the end tube40and ridges50are part of rotary tube46. End tube40and rotary tube46are made of plastic which enable ridges36and50to pass each other without being permanently deformed upon force pressing rotary tube46into end tube40. The assembly process is performed using alignment fixture and press tool to hold end tube40and rotary tube46in proper positions to be pressed together. A user is able to remove the end tube40from the rotary tube46if the user applies the same force as the press tool. Under normal circumstances, after the ridges pass each other, the end tube40cannot be retracted from rotary tube46. The ridges being made of plastic pass each other due to elasticity of the plastic material.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a top view56and a bottom view58of the PCB holder is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown in top view56is a channel60and four slots62. Shown in bottom view58are recess slots64and spiral tabs68. The PCB assembly20inFIG. 1(b) is positioned in channel60by being slid therein. To secure the PCB assembly in place the PCB cover26is positioned on top of the PCB holder and pressed therein to snap the tabs into the slots62. The assembled unit forms the plastic frame.

The end of the plastic frame in close proximity of the PCB holder is pressed inside the rotary tube46which is turned until the spiral tabs68of the PCB holder and similar spiral tabs of the PCB cover move into the spiral slots52of the rotary tube46.

To complete assembly of the USB flash drive rotary device the other end of the plastic frame having the USB plug connector22is positioned next to the end tube40such that the recess slot64is aligned with the notch44. The plastic frame is then pressed into the end tube until the ridges36of the end tube pass the ridges50of the rotary tube46.

Referring now toFIG. 5(a), a standard PCB assembly70is shown to include a USB plug connector72, four cut-outs74and a PCB substrate76, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PCB substrate76is coupled to the USB plug connector72. The PCB substrate76is positioned approximately centered relative to the USB plug connector72. The PCB substrate76includes all the hardware devices such as the integrated circuits (IC)77and the controller75. The cut-outs74provide clearance for the tabs of the PCB cover to be snapped into the slots62of the PCB holder.

Referring now toFIG. 5(b), a USB memory card78with a standard PCB assembly and a USB metal plug is shown and is used in other embodiments of the present invention in place of the standard PCB assembly70and USB plug connector72. The USB memory card78is shown to include the standard PCB assembly70, a plastic PCB support71, and the metal case72. The end of PCB substrate with contact fingers is seated inside of the plastic support71snuggly fitting in the metal case71. After assembly, the configuration of the PCB substrate with contact fingers, the plastic support71, and the metal case72combination, referred to the USB metal plug is identical to the USB plug connector. The advantage of this USB memory card in compared with the standard PCB assembly and USB plug connector is this card has shorter length because a partial PCB substrate and the controller IC could be placed inside the USB metal plug as shown inFIG. 5(b).

Referring now toFIG. 5(c), a single chip USB memory card80is shown and is used in other embodiments of the present invention in place of the standard PCB assembly70and a USB plug connector72. The single chip USB memory card80can be implemented using the same described chip on board (COB) manufacturing method to build up an USB card using a core piece memory card57by placing it into the cavity63of a plastic substrate carrier61and then sliding the sub-assembly55into a metal case51followed by plugging an end piece47into the back end45of the metal case51to lock and secure the memory card57in a secure position in the chamber of metal case51. The end piece47is made up of the plastic plug structure over mold onto a metal cover53. The metal cover53's height is higher than the thickness of a plastic plug structure83. The final USB product front37and back35views are also shown inFIG. 5(c).

Referring now toFIG. 6(a), a top view84and a bottom view86of the PCB cover is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown in top view84are the recess slot88, spiral tabs90and tabs94. Shown in bottom view86are the channel96and tabs94.

To assemble the plastic frame channel96is positioned on top of the PCB assembly such that the tabs94are aligned with the cut-outs74. The tabs94are then pressed into the slots62of the PCB holder to complete assembly of the plastic frame. The end of the plastic frame in closer proximity to the spiral tabs90is pressed into the rotary tube46. The rotary tube46is then turned to move the spiral tabs90and68into spiral slots52. Movement of spiral tabs90and68inside spiral slots52initiated by turning the rotary tube46CW or CCW causes the USB plug connector to be deployed or retracted.

Referring now toFIG. 6(b), a side view of the plastic frame97is shown to include PCB cover109, PCB holder98and spiral tabs99and106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Spiral tabs99are part of the PCB holder98and spiral tabs106are part of the PCB cover109. After tabs94are inserted into slots62to assemble the plastic frame97, spiral tabs99and106are aligned and combine to form continuous long spiral tabs shown inFIG. 6(b). Combination of spiral tabs99and106move into spiral slots52to deploy and retract the USB plug connector.

Referring now toFIG. 7(a), a detailed view of internal components of the plastic frame is shown to include a PCB cover107, a PCB assembly116and a PCB holder112, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PCB cover107includes tabs106and the PCB holder112includes slots108. The PCB cover107is positioned on top of the PCB assembly such that the tabs106are aligned with the PCB cut-outs74. The tabs are then pressed into the slots108to complete assembly of the plastic frame.

FIG. 7(b) shows an assembled view of the plastic frame118, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 8, an assembled view of a plastic frame120and rotary tube126is shown to include spiral tabs124, spiral slots128and rotary tube steps122, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The plastic frame120has been pressed into the rotary tube126which is turned to position the spiral tabs124into the spiral slots128. Movement of spiral tabs124inside spiral slots128causes plastic frame120and consequently the USB plug connector to move in and out relative to the rotary tube126.

Referring now toFIG. 9, an assembled view of the rotary tube148and plastic frame142and a separate end tube130is shown to include notches136, recess slots138, spiral tabs146, spiral slots140, rotary tube ridges144and end tube ridges134, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The plastic frame142has been positioned inside the rotary tube148such that spiral tabs146can move inside spiral slots140. To assemble the USB flash drive rotary device, plastic frame142is pushed inside the end tube130so that the end tube130is positioned adjacent to the rotary tube148. The notches136are aligned with the recess slots138and the end tube130is pushed inside the rotary tube148so that the notches136move inside the recess slots138until ridges134pass ridges144whereby the end tube130is secured to the rotary tube148.

However, rotary tube148may still turn relative to the end tube130which causes the USB plug connector to be deployed or retracted according to CW or CCW rotation of the rotary tube148.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a USB flash drive rotary device151in the deployed position is shown to include a rotary tube152, an end tube162, a USB plug connector166, spiral slots156, spiral tabs154, recess slots158and notches160, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, notches160are at least partially positioned inside recess slots158.

As rotary tube152is turned CW spiral tabs154move inside spiral slots156to push the USB plug connector166out of the end tube162. As the plastic frame edges come in contact with the end-stop surface168, the USB plug connector166is in the deployed position and the rotary tube152cannot be turned CW anymore.

Referring now toFIG. 11, a USB flash drive rotary device173in the retracted position is shown to include a rotary tube176, an end tube182, a USB plug connector184, spiral slots174, spiral tabs172, notches178and recess slots180, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The rotary tube176is turned CCW causing spiral tabs172to move inside spiral slots174to retract the USB plug connector184inside the end tube182. As the end of the plastic frame comes in contact with the end stop surface170of the rotary tube, the USB plug connector184reaches a fully retracted position wherein rotary tube176cannot be turned CCW anymore. Turning of rotary tube176CW would re-deploy the USB plug connector184. In the retracted position notches178are positioned at least partially inside recess slots180to prevent the plastic frame from turning with rotary tube176.

Referring now toFIG. 12(a), an alternative embodiment of a USB flash drive rotary device194is shown to include a USB plug connector196, an end tube198and a rotary tube200. The USB plug connector196may be deployed or retracted into the end tube198by turning the rotary tube200CW or CCW.

Referring now toFIG. 12(b), a detailed view of the internal components of the USB flash drive rotary device194is shown to include the end tube198, PCB assembly214, PCB cover218, PCB holder216and rotary tube200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PCB assembly214includes the USB plug connector196and the end tube198includes a cut-out210through which the USB plug connector196is deployed and retracted.

Description of the end tube198and PCB assembly214is similar to that of the components14and20of the USB flash drive rotary device described in relation toFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 12(b), the PCB cover218includes a button220and so does the PCB holder216albeit not visible inFIG. 12(b). Rotary tube200has spiral slots so that once assembled, button220and another button of the PCB holder216move inside spiral slots to deploy and retract the USB plug connector196, as described in more detail hereinbelow.

The PCB assembly214is positioned inside the PCB holder216by being slid therein and the PCB cover218is secured onto the PCB holder216to form a plastic frame. Thus, the PCB assembly214is partially enclosed by the PCB cover218and PCB holder216.

Referring now toFIG. 13(a), an outer view of the end tube232is shown to include a cut-out234and two ridges236, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 13(b) shows an inner view of the end tube232to include an end stop240and two notches238, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Description of ridges236, notches238, cut-out234and end stop240of the end tube232is similar to that of components36,44,38and42as described in relation toFIG. 2. In other embodiments of the present invention the end tube232has one or more ridges and one or more notches.

Referring now toFIG. 14, a rotary tube230is shown to include two ridges248, spiral slots246and an end stop244, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The button220and another button on the PCB holder216move inside spiral slots246to deploy and retract the USB plug connector196. Specifically, by turning the rotary tube230CW the buttons move inside spiral slots246to deploy the USB plug connector196. Conversely, by turning the rotary tube230CCW the buttons move inside spiral slots246to retract the USB plug connector196back into end tube232.

Rotary tube end stop244prevents the plastic frame from moving any further in rotary tube230when the USB plug connector196is fully retracted.

To assemble the USB flash drive rotary device194, the end tube232is pressed into the rotary tube230having partially enclosed the plastic frame. Ridges236of the end tube pass the ridges248of the rotary tube230to prevent the end tube232from moving out of the rotary tube230. Rotary tube230can only rotate CW or CCW relative to end tube232.

Referring now toFIG. 15, a top view250and a bottom view252of the PCB holder is shown to include a channel254, four slots256, recess slot258and a button260, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PCB assembly214shown inFIG. 12(b) is positioned in channel254by being slid therein. To secure the PCB assembly in place PCB cover218is positioned on top of the PCB holder and pressed therein to snap the tabs inside slots256. The assembled unit comprises the plastic frame.

The end of the plastic frame in close proximity to the PCB holder is pressed inside rotary tube230which is turned until buttons260and220move into spiral slots246of the rotary tube230.

To complete the assembly of the USB flash drive rotary device the other end of the plastic frame having the USB plug connector196is positioned next to end tube232such recess slot258is aligned with the notch238. The plastic frame is then pressed into the end tube232until ridges236of the end tube pass ridges248of the rotary tube.

Referring now toFIG. 16, a standard PCB assembly262is shown to include a USB plug connector264, four cut-outs266and a PCB substrate268, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PCB substrate268is coupled to the USB plug connector264. PCB substrate268is positioned approximately centered relative to the USB plug connector264. PCB substrate268includes all the hardware devices such integrated circuits (IC) and flash memory unit. The cut-outs266provide clearance for the tabs of the PCB cover to be snapped into slots256of the PCB holder.

In other embodiments of the present invention a USB memory card with a standard PCB assembly and a USB metal plug or a single chip USB memory card is used in place of the standard PCB assembly262, as described inFIGS. 5(b) and5(c) respectively.

Referring now toFIG. 17, a top view270and a bottom view272of the PCB cover is shown to include a recess slot274, button276, channel280and four tabs284, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

To assemble the plastic frame, channel280is positioned on top of the PCB assembly262such that tabs284are aligned with the cut-outs266. Tabs284are then pressed into slots256of the PCB holder to complete the assembly of the plastic frame. The end of the plastic frame in close proximity to the buttons276and260is pressed into rotary tube230which is then turned to move the buttons276and260into spiral slots246. Movement of buttons276and260inside spiral slots246initiated by turning rotary tube230CW or CCW causes the USB plug connector264to be deployed or retracted.

Referring now toFIG. 18(a), a detailed view of the internal components of a plastic frame is shown to include a PCB cover290, a PCB assembly294and a PCB holder296, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PCB cover290includes tabs298and the PCB holder includes slots292. PCB cover290is positioned on top of the PCB assembly294such that tabs298are aligned with the cut-outs266. Tabs298are then pressed into slots292to complete the assembly of the plastic frame.

FIG. 18(b) shows an assembled view of the plastic frame300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 19, an assembled view of a plastic frame302and rotary tube306is shown to include buttons308and rotary tube ridges304, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The plastic frame302has been positioned inside rotary tube306which is turned to position buttons308inside spiral slots310. Movement of buttons308inside spiral tabs310causes plastic frame302and consequently the USB plug connector to move in or out relative to rotary tube306.

Referring now toFIG. 20, an assembled view of a rotary tube314and plastic frame312and a separate end tube332is shown to include notches324, end tube ridges326, recess slots322, rotary tube ridges316, buttons320and spiral slots318, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To assemble the USB flash drive rotary device, plastic frame312is positioned adjacent to end tube332so that notches324are aligned with recess slots322. Then plastic frame312is pushed inside end tube332allowing notches324to move inside recess slots322until ridges326pass ridges316to secure end tube332to rotary tube314.

However, rotary tube314may still turn relative to end tube332which causes the USB plug connector334to be deployed or retracted according to CW or CCW rotation of rotary tube314.

Referring now toFIG. 21, a USB flash drive rotary device338in the deployed position is shown to include a rotary tube342, buttons344, spiral slots346, recess slots348, notches350, end tube352and a USB plug connector354, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As rotary tube342is turned CW buttons344move inside spiral slots346to push the USB plug connector354out of end tube352. The USB plug connector is fully deployed when plastic frame edges come in contact with end stop surface356of end tube352and rotary tube342cannot be turned CW any further.

Referring now toFIG. 22, a USB flash drive rotary device360is shown in the retracted position to include a rotary tube368, buttons364, recess slots370, spiral slots366, notches374, end tube372and a USB plug connector376, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Rotary tube368is turned CCW to cause buttons364to move inside spiral slots366to retract the USB plug connector376inside end tube372. As the end of the plastic frame comes in contact with the end stop surface362of the rotary tube the USB plug connector376reaches a fully retracted position so that rotary tube368cannot be turned CCW any further. Turning rotary tube368CW would redeploy the USB connector376.

Referring now toFIG. 23(a), an alternative embodiment of a USB flash drive rotary device390is shown to include a USB plug connector392, an end tube394and a rotary tube396, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The USB plug connector392may be deployed or retracted back into the end tube394by turning the rotary tube396CW or CCW relative to end tube394.

Referring now toFIG. 23(b), a detailed view of the internal components of the USB flash drive rotary tube390is shown to include the end tube394, rotary tube396, PCB assembly402, PCB cover410, PCB holder414and two springs406and408, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PCB assembly402includes the USB plug connector392.

The PCB assembly402is positioned inside the PCB holder414by being slid therein and the PCB cover410is secured onto the PCB holder414to form a plastic frame. Thus, PCB assembly402is partially enclosed by PCB cover410and PCB holder414. The end of the plastic frame in close proximity to PCB cover410is pressed inside rotary tube396to be secured therein. The other end of the plastic frame is pressed inside end tube394so that the USB plug connector392may be deployed or retracted through the cut-out400of the end tube394. In the deployed position the springs406and408are compressed by the end tube394and plastic frame. Turning of rotary tube396CCW causes springs406and408to push the plastic frame into rotary tube396thereby retracting the USB plug connector392. In other embodiments of the present invention one or more springs are installed in the USB flash drive rotary device10.

Referring now toFIG. 24(a), an outer view of the end tube420is shown to include the cut-out424and ridges422, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The USB plug connector is deployed through the cut-out424.

Referring now toFIG. 24(b), an inner view of the end tube420is shown to include slots426, pins428and ridges422, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PCB cover410and PCB holder414include bars that move in slots426as the plastic frame is pressed inside end tube394so that the USB plug connector392may protrude out of the cut-out400in the deployed position. One end of each of the springs406and408rests against the pins428to be compressed by the plastic frame.

Referring now toFIG. 25, a rotary tube432is shown to include ridges440, two deploying corners436, two retracting corners434and two wedges438, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The PCB cover410and PCB holder414each have a pointer positioned adjacent to the bars. The end of the plastic frame in close proximity to PCB cover410is positioned inside rotary tube432which is turned to move the pointers in the deploying corners436. The other end of the plastic frame is pressed into the end tube420and springs408and406are compressed until ridges422pass ridges440of the rotary tube. End tube420is then secured to rotary tube432.

The springs406and408while compressed press the pointers firmly into the deploying corners436to lock the USB plug connector392in the deployed position. Further, pressing the pointers in the deploying corners436prevents the rotary tube432from turning CW. However, rotary tube432may be turned CCW to push the pointers out of the deploying corners436. As the rotary tube432is turned CCW, the pointers move along the wedges438into retracting corners434the USB plug connector392is fully retracted into the end tube394. The pointers are locked into the retracting corners434and rotary tube432cannot be turned CCW any further. Turning of rotary tube432CW would redeploy the USB plug connector392.

Referring now toFIG. 26, a top view442and a bottom view446of the PCB holder is shown to include a channel448, four slots450, a pointer452, bar454and a pin456, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PCB assembly402is positioned in channel448by being slid therein. One end of spring406is positioned over the pin456to be compressed by the plastic frame in the deployed position. Pointer452is pressed by spring406in the deploying and retracting corners436and434, respectively, to deploy and retract the USB plug connector. Bar454is aligned with slot426and moves therein as the plastic frame is pressed inside end tube420.

Referring now toFIG. 27, a standard PCB assembly464is shown to include a PCB substrate462, four cut-outs458and a USB plug connector460, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PCB substrate462is coupled to the USB plug connector460. PCB substrate462includes all the hardware devices such as the integrated circuits (IC) and flash memory unit. The cut-outs458provide clearance for the tabs of the PCB cover to be snapped into slots450of the PCB holder.

In other embodiments of the present invention a USB memory card with a standard PCB assembly and a USB metal plug or a single chip USB memory card is used in place of the standard PCB assembly464, as described inFIGS. 5(b) and5(c) respectively.

Referring now toFIG. 28, a top view466and a bottom view468of the PCB cover is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown in top view466are the pin474, bar472and pointer470. Shown in the bottom view468are the channel478and tabs476.

To assemble the plastic frame channel478is positioned on top of the PCB assembly such that the tabs476are aligned with the cut-outs458. Tabs476are then pressed into slots450of the PCB holder to complete assembly of the plastic frame. The end of the plastic frame in close proximity to the PCB cover and holder is pressed into rotary tube432. Rotary tube432is then turned to move pointers452and470in the deploying corners436. Movement of the pointers452and470along wedges438initiated by turning rotary tube432CW or CCW causes the USB plug connector460to be deployed or retracted.

Referring now toFIG. 29(a), a detailed view of internal components of the plastic frame is shown to include a PCB cover482, PCB assembly492and a PCB holder494, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PCB cover482includes tabs484and PCB holder494includes slots490. PCB cover482is positioned on top of the PCB assembly492such that tabs484are aligned with PCB cut-outs458. Tabs484are then pressed into slots490to complete assembly of the plastic frame.

FIG. 29(b) shows an assembled view of the plastic frame496, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 30, an assembled view of the plastic frame498and rotary tube504is shown to include pointer502and ridges508, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Plastic frame498has been pressed into rotary tube504which is turned to position pointer502in the deploying corner506. Movement of pointer502along the wedges438causes plastic frame498and consequently the USB plug connector to move in and out relative to rotary tube504.

Referring now toFIG. 31, an assembled view of rotary tube534and plastic frame538and a separate end tube512is shown to include pins516, ridges514, slots518, springs522, pin526, bars528, pointers530, wedges532and ridges536, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Plastic frame538has been positioned inside rotary tube534so that pointers530are in the deploying corners. To assemble the USB flash drive rotary device the plastic frame538is pushed inside the end tube512which is positioned adjacent to rotary tube534. Bars528are aligned with slots518. Springs are positioned inside end tube512so that spring end520rests against pin516. The other spring end524is positioned adjacent to pin526and end tube512is pushed inside rotary tube534so that bars528move inside slots518until ridges514pass ridges536whereby end tube512is secured to rotary tube534. The spring522is compressed between pins516and526.

However, rotary tube534may still turn relative to end tube512which causes the USB plug connector to be deployed or retracted according to the CW or CCW rotation of rotary tube534.

Referring now toFIG. 32, a USB flash drive rotary device540in the deployed position is shown to include a rotary tube542, end tube552, USB plug connector554, bars546, slots548and springs550, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Bars546are shown to be at least partially positioned inside slots548.

As rotary tube542is turned CW the pointers move along the wedges to push the USB plug connector554out of the end tube552. As the pointers move into the deploying corners544the USB plug connector554reaches the deployed position shown inFIG. 32where the rotary tube542cannot be turned CW anymore.

Referring now toFIG. 33, a USB flash drive rotary device560in the retracted position is shown to include a rotary tube562, end tube572, USB plug connector570, slots568, bars566and springs574, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Rotary tube562is turned CCW causing the pointers to move along the wedges to retract the USB plug connector570inside end tube572. As the pointers move into the retracting corners564, the USB plug connector570reaches a fully retracted position shown inFIG. 33so that rotary tube562cannot be turned CCW anymore. Turning of the rotary tube562CW would redeploy the USB plug connector570.

Referring now toFIG. 34(a), a USB flash drive rotary device600with a fingerprint sensor606is shown to include a rotary tube604and an end tube602, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fingerprint sensor606recognizes individual fingerprints and allows the owner or specific individuals to have access to the information such as data files and images stored in the USB flash drive rotary device600. Thus, the fingerprint sensor606is an additional security feature which protects the sensitive information stored in the USB flash drive rotary device600against intrusion.

Referring now toFIG. 34(b), internal components of the USB flash drive rotary device600are shown to include the end tube602, PCB cover610, PCB assembly612, PCB holder614, rotary tube604and an end button608, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PCB assembly612includes fingerprint sensor606and USB plug connector616. The PCB cover610includes a fingerprint area611.

The USB plug connector616is deployed and retracted by turning the rotary tube604CW and CCW, respectively, relative to the end tube602. Rotary tube604has a cut-out clearance through which fingerprint sensor606and fingerprint area611are accessible to the user in the deployed position shown inFIG. 34(a). Thus, the authorized user by placing a finger on the fingerprint sensor606can gain access to the information stored in the USB flash drive rotary device600.

The PCB assembly612is snapped onto the PCB holder614and PCB cover610is snapped onto the PCB assembly612to form a plastic frame. The plastic frame is positioned inside the rotary tube604and end button608closes one end of the rotary tube604by being pressed therein. End tube602is pressed onto the other end of the rotary tube604such that the USB plug connector616may be deployed the end tube cut-out618as shown inFIG. 34(a).

Referring now toFIG. 35, an end tube620is shown to include ridges622, end stop surfaces624and end tube cut-out626, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The two ridges are positioned in the rotary tube604to secure the end tube620to one end of the rotary tube604. At the deployed position the end surfaces of the PCB assembly come in contact with the end surfaces624of the end tube to prevent the USB plug connector from further deployment through the end tube cut-out626.

Referring now toFIG. 36, a rotary tube628is shown to include grooves630, cut-out clearance632and spiral slots634, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Ridges622snap into the grooves630when end tube620is pressed into rotary tube628. Fingerprint area611and fingerprint sensor606show through the cut-out clearance632in the deployed position to be accessible to the user. In the retracted position rotary tube628has turned almost half turn or 180 degrees so that the fingerprint area611and sensor606face away from the cut-out clearance632to be hidden inside the rotary tube628. There are buttons on the plastic frame that move inside spiral slots634as the rotary tube628is turned to either deploy or retract the USB plug connector.

Referring now toFIG. 37, a PCB assembly636is shown to include a PCB substrate646, cut-out clearances638for tabs of the PCB holder, cut-out clearances640for tabs of the PCB cover, PCB end stop surfaces642, USB plug connector648and fingerprint sensor644, in accordance with an embodiment to the present invention.

Mounted on the surface of the PCB substrate646are electronic devices of a USB flash drive such as the memory unit and controller. PCB end stop surfaces642come in contact with end stop surfaces624of the end tube when the USB plug connector648is in the deployed position. PCB holder614includes tabs which are aligned with cut-out clearances638to be snapped into the PCB assembly636. Similarly, PCB cover610includes tabs that are aligned with cut-out clearances640to be snapped into the PCB assembly636. Fingerprint sensor644is positioned to be aligned with a cut-out on the PCB cover610.

Referring now toFIG. 38, a PCB holder650is shown to include tabs652, buttons656, PCB holding surfaces654and end stop surface658, In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Buttons656and similar buttons on the PCB cover move inside spiral slots634causing the plastic frame to move in and out relative to rotary tube36. Movement of the plastic frame out of and into rotary tube628causes the USB plug connector to be deployed and retracted, respectively. PCB holding surfaces654are surfaces that the edges of the PCB substrate646come in contact with when PCB assembly636is pressed onto PCB holder650.

Referring now toFIG. 39, a top view660and a bottom view662of the PCB cover is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Top view660includes a fingerprint area664and sensor cut-out668. Bottom view662includes tabs670, PCB holding surfaces672, end stop surface674and buttons676.

Fingerprint area664shows through cut-out clearance632of the rotary tube in the deployed position. Fingerprint sensor644is accessible through sensor cut-out668. The buttons676and656move in spiral slots634causing the plastic frame to move in and out of the rotary tube628. End stop surface674comes in contact with end stop surface of the end button in the retracted position. PCB holding surfaces672are surfaces which the edges of the PCB substrate646come in contact with when the PCB cover is pressed onto the PCB assembly636. Tabs670snap into the PCB assembly636to secure the PCB cover to the PCB assembly636.

Referring now toFIG. 40, an end button678is shown to include a step680and end stop surface682, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Step682is for fitting end button678tightly into the end of the rotary tube628having no grooves. End stop surfaces674and658of the PCB cover and holder, respectively, come in contact with the end stop surface682in the retracted position.

Referring now toFIG. 41, a PCB assembly684and a PCB holder686are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PCB assembly684includes cut-out clearances690and PCB holder includes tabs688. Initially tabs688are aligned with cut-out clearances690. Then PCB assembly684is pressed onto PCB holder686until tabs688snap into the PCB assembly684to form a subassembly.

Referring now toFIG. 42, a PCB cover694and subassembly692are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PCB cover694includes tabs702and sensor cut-out698. Subassembly692includes a PCB assembly having a fingerprint sensor696and cut-out clearances700. Initially tabs702are aligned with cut-out clearances700and sensor cut-out698is aligned with fingerprint sensor696. Then PCB cover694is pressed onto subassembly692until tabs702snap into the PCB assembly of the subassembly692to form the plastic frame.

Referring now toFIG. 43, a plastic frame704and a rotary tube706are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Plastic frame704includes buttons710and USB plug connector714while rotary tube706includes spiral slots with opening712. The end of plastic frame704having the USB plug connector714is pressed into the end of rotary tube706in closer proximity to the spiral slot opening712with buttons710having been aligned with spiral slot openings712. Rotary tube706is then turned CW causing plastic frame704to move therein until the fingerprint area664of the PCB cover is aligned with the cut-out clearance632of the rotary tube.

Referring now toFIG. 44, a rotary tube716, an end tube718and an end button720are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Rotary tube716includes grooves726and cut-out clearance728while end tube718includes a cut-out724. Inserted into the rotary tube716is a plastic frame having a USB plug connector722. Fingerprint area664of the PCB cover is aligned with cut-out clearance728of the rotary tube.

End tube718is pressed onto grooves726with the USB plug connector722aligned with the cut-out724. Onto the other end of the rotary tube716is pressed the end button720to complete assembly of the USB flash drive rotary device.

Referring now toFIG. 45, a USB flash drive rotary device in the deployed position730is shown to include fingerprint area732, rotary tube734, end tube736, USB plug connector740and PCB end stop surfaces738, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the deployed position730the plastic frame has moved inside rotary tube734so that fingerprint area732is almost completely aligned with the cut-out clearance of the rotary tube734to be accessed by the used upon demand. In addition, PCB end surfaces738are in contact with end stop surface of the end tube736to stop rotary tube734from turning CW any more and prevent USB plug connector740from deploying any further.

Referring now toFIG. 46, a USB flash drive rotary device in the retracted position742is shown to include end button744, rotary tube750, USB plug connector752and end stop surfaces of the PCB cover and holder746, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the retracted position742, rotary tube750has turned almost 180 degrees or half turn from the deployed position to turn the fingerprint area748almost completely away from the cut-out clearance. Thus fingerprint area748is almost completely hidden from view in the retracted position742.

In addition, PCB cover and holder end stop surfaces746are in contact with the end stop surface of end button744to stop rotary tube750from turning CCW any more and prevent the USB plug connector752from retracting any further. Turning the rotary tube750CW by almost 180 degrees would re-deploy the USB plug connector752.