Abstract:
The present invention discloses a system including: (a) a host device including: (i) a cavity; and (ii) a socket, recessed in the cavity; and (b) a UFD configured to be reversibly operationally connected to the host device via the socket, wherein the UFD is configured to physically reside substantially in the cavity when the UFD is operationally connected to the socket. Also disclosed is a UFD system including: (a) a first part having components of a UFD, wherein the components include a primary connector and an electronics assembly; and (b) a second part having a UFD holder and a secondary connector, wherein the UFD holder is configured to reversibly accommodate the first part, wherein a dimension of the first part parallel to an insertion direction of the primary connector is shorter than a dimension of the second pail parallel to an insertion direction of the secondary connector.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/550,813, filed Oct. 19, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/803,050, filed on May 24, 2006, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to systems and methods for accommodating an internal UFD (USB flask disk) in a host system such that the UFD does not significantly protrude beyond the exterior of the host system. 
         [0003]    A UFD is a well-known device for portable data storage. A typical shape of a UFD resembles a short, straight, flat stick, malting the UFD easy to grip by a user, hang on a key chain, and store in a pocket. When plugged into a host system, typically a notebook computer or a digital TV, a prior art UFD generally significantly protrudes beyond the exterior of the host system. The UFD typically protrudes perpendicular to the panel containing the USB socket. 
         [0004]    This configuration makes it easy to plug the UFD into the host, see that the UFD is plugged in, and unplug the UFD when desired. In this configuration, however, the UFD alters the natural form factor of the host system, making it cumbersome and risky to handle the host system while the UFD is plugged in. In addition, the protrusion of the UFD presents an increased risk of damage to both the host system and the UFD. Furthermore, in situations where the aesthetic appearance of the host system is important, such as an expensive digital TV in a living room, the protrusion of the UFD from the panel is considered a noticeable problem as well. 
         [0005]    Traditionally, this was not considered a significant issue, as the UFD was a short-term “guest” to the host system, which was operated most of the time without a resident UFD. Recently, with the proliferation of large-capacity UFDs, which sometimes include not only data files but applications and operating systems as well, there are cases where a UFD has to remain coupled to the host system for a long period of time, including when the host system is being powered down, or when host system is placed in (or removed from) the system carrying case. This is practically impossible with the current state-of-the-art UFD. 
         [0006]    Many home entertainment devices are designed to be used in living rooms, and are considered as “part of the furniture”. This implies that the device facade is carefully designed to be aesthetic and safe. When such devices require a UFD for device operation, such as a digital TV that uses a dongle (i.e. socket connection and controller) for porting of content, the dongle is preferably used on the facade of the device. This configuration is chosen for the convenience of the user, and to enable a good line-of-sight connection with a wireless remote control. 
         [0007]    Prior art dongles are typically long enough to be conveniently held by a user (e.g. 40-80 mm), and stick out when plugged into the USB socket on the front panel of a device. This not only interferes with tire aesthetic design of the device, but also creates a practical problem as the dongle may be accidentally pulled out or damaged by user passing by the device. In addition, the entertainment room is a location frequented by young children. A television is typically located at an elevation that is accessible to a child&#39;s reach. An easily-removable device protruding from a television is both a safety hazard and a candidate for domestic vandalism. 
         [0008]    It would be desirable to have an internal UFD that does not protrude beyond the exterior contour of a host system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is the purpose of the present invention to provide systems and methods for a UFD that does not protrude beyond the contour of a host system. 
         [0010]    For the purpose of clarity, several terms which follow are specifically defined for use within the context of this application. The term “UFD” is used in this application to refer to a USB flash disk. The term “dongle” is used in this application to refer to a relatively small physical device, rigidly or semi-rigidly supported by a socket of a host system, containing data storage, and typically (but not necessarily) having one or more controls. The term “host panel” is used in this application to refer to a panel that hosts a USB socket in a device that has one or more generally planar panels and a USB socket in one of the panels. The expression “reside substantially in a cavity” is used in this application to refer a UFD with more than half of the volume of the UFD inside the cavity. 
         [0011]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the UFD is configured to match a deep cavity in the contour of the host panel, so that practically all of the UFD&#39;s volume is contained within the cavity when the UFD is inserted in the host system. 
         [0012]    In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the UFD is configured to have a very low profile, spreading the functional components of the UFD inside and around the socket with minimal protrusion beyond the host panel. 
         [0013]    As the UFD in that preferred embodiment may be too small to be handled when not engaged in the host system, another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a UFD holder configured to accommodate the small UFD when the UFD is outside the host system. This configuration enables the UFD to be safely and conveniently carried and used with other host systems. In a variation of this embodiment, the UFD holder connects to the small UFD at an end of the UFD holder, thus changing the form factor of the combined UFD/UFD holder unit into the form factor of a standard UFD. 
         [0014]    In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the UFD holder encompasses the small UFD when the UFD is engaged in the UFD holder. In this embodiment, the original size of the UFD holder is not altered. 
         [0015]    In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the UFD is engaged in the host panel, an ejection mechanism ejects the UFD out of the cavity of the host panel only when the host system is instructed by the user or by the host software. This mechanism serves two purposes: The mechanism eliminates untimely ejection of the UFD from the host panel during file transfer, and enables easy removal of the UFD from the host panel without using tools. 
         [0016]    In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the UFD has an aperture or a recess near the outer edge of the UFD. In the event that the ejection mechanism that ejects the UFD from the cavity fails to operate, the user can extract the UFD from the host panel by pulling the UFD out with a hooked tool via the aperture or recess. 
         [0017]    In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cavity of the host panel is configured to have at least one parallel alignment guide, and the UFD is configured to have a matching tunnel. Thus, when the UFD is inserted into the cavity, the UFD slides accurately into place as the UFD tunnel aligns with the cavity&#39;s alignment guide, ensuring a smooth engagement of the UFD plug into the USB socket. 
         [0018]    In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the USB socket of the host panel is recessed in the host panel cavity by an amount that is slightly more than the width of a typical UFD (typically 20 mm), and has a mechanism for rotating approximately 90 degrees in a vertical or horizontal plane. When a general-purpose UFD is plugged into a USB socket, the UFD typically protrudes beyond the contour of the host panel by an amount that is approximately the difference between the length of the UFD and the depth of the host panel cavity. After engaging the UFD in the USB socket, the user can rotate the UFD and the USB socket together to a position in which the major plane of the UFD is practically parallel to the major plane of the host panel, and is completely accommodated in the recess. An optional door or shutter can cover the recess in order to hide the UFD. 
         [0019]    In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, an internal UFD for a host system is part of a host panel of the host system. In such embodiments, the UFD is inserted into a slot or compartment of the host panel, providing an unobtrusive, and yet easily accessible, UFD for the host system. 
         [0020]    Therefore, according to the present invention, there is provided for the first time a system including: (a) a host device including: (i) a cavity; and (ii) a socket, recessed in the cavity; and (b) a UFD configured to be reversibly operationally connected to the host device via the socket, wherein the UFD is configured to physically reside substantially in the cavity when the UFD is operationally connected to the socket. 
         [0021]    Preferably, the UFD is configured to substantially occupy the cavity when the UFD is operationally connected to the socket. 
         [0022]    Preferably, the UFD is configured to physically reside completely in the cavity when the UFD is operationally connected to the socket. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the UFD includes at least one recess for connecting an extraction tool to the UFD. 
         [0024]    Preferably, the UFD includes a handle for removing the UFD from the cavity. 
         [0025]    Preferably, the UFD includes at least one ridge for removing the UFD from the cavity. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the UFD includes at least one clip for securing the UFD in the cavity. 
         [0027]    Preferably, the system further includes: (c) a wicket for reversibly covering the cavity when the UFD is not occupying the cavity, the wicket configured to uncover the cavity when the UFD is inserted in the cavity. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the host device includes an ejection mechanism for automatic ejection of the UFD from the socket. 
         [0029]    More preferably, the ejection mechanism is operative to eject the UFD in such a way that the UFD can then be manually extracted from the cavity. 
         [0030]    More preferably, the ejection mechanism is controlled by a user-activated key. 
         [0031]    More preferably, the ejection mechanism is controlled by a software program of the host device. 
         [0032]    Most preferably, the software program is configured to verify that the automatic ejection is safe to perform. 
         [0033]    According to the present invention, there is provided for the first time a host panel of a host device, the host panel including: (a) a recess for accommodating a UFD; (b) a socket, in the recess, for operational connection of the UFD; and (c) a socket-swivel mechanism for positioning the socket alternately in: (i) a first position in which the UFD is substantially perpendicular to the host panel for operational connection and disconnection of the UFD from tire socket, and (ii) a second position in which the UFD is substantially parallel with the host panel. 
         [0034]    Preferably, the recess is configured to accommodate the UFD in a way that the UFD substantially occupies the recess. 
         [0035]    Preferably, the host panel further includes: (d) a wicket for reversibly covering the recess when the UFD is not occupying the recess, the wicket configured to uncover the recess when the UFD is inserted in the recess. 
         [0036]    According to the present invention, there is provided for the first time a UFD including: (a) an end cap for housing electronic circuitry of the UFD; and (b) a connector, wherein a dimension of the end cap parallel to an insertion direction of the connector is smaller than a dimension of the connector parallel to an insertion direction of the connector. 
         [0037]    According to the present invention, there is provided for the first time a UFD system including: (a) a first part having components of a UFD, wherein the components include a primary connector and an electronics assembly; and (b) a second part having a UFD holder and a secondary connector, wherein the UFD holder is configured to reversibly accommodate the first part, wherein a dimension of the first part parallel to an insertion direction of the primary connector is shorter than a dimension of the second part parallel to an insertion direction of the secondary connector. 
         [0038]    Preferably, the UFD system is configured to be operational upon satisfying at least one condition of: (a) the first part being operationally engaged in a host device; and (b) the first part being operationally engaged in the second part, and the second part being engaged in the host device. 
         [0039]    According to the present invention, there is provided for the first time a UFD including: (a) a UFD body; and (b) a connector, wherein a dimension of the UFD body parallel to an insertion direction of the connector is smaller than at least one other dimension of the UFD body. 
         [0040]    According to the present invention, mere is provided for the first time a method for configuring a host device for unobtrusive operational connection of a UFD. The method including the steps of: (a) recessing a cavity in a host panel of the host device; and (b) providing a socket in the cavity for reversibly operationally connecting the UFD to the host device. 
         [0041]    These and further embodiments will be apparent from the detailed description and examples that follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0042]    The present invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0043]      FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of a notebook computer having an internal UFD slot, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of a UFD compatible with the computer shown in  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 3A  shows a rear view of the UFD shown in  FIG. 2  plugged into the computer of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of tire present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional view of the UFD shown in  FIG. 2  plugged into the computer of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 3C  shows an end view of the recess shown in  FIG. 1  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 3D  shows a front view of the recess shown in  FIG. 1  when a UFD is not present, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram of a mini-UFD plugged into a host system, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 5A  shows a side view of the mini-UFD shown in  FIG. 4 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 5B  shows a top view of the mini-UFD shown in  FIG. 4 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 5C  is a schematic block diagram of an empty mini-UFD holder, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 5D  is a schematic block diagram of the mini-UFD holder shown in  FIG. 5C  containing the mini-UFD shown in  FIG. 5A , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 6A  shows an example of a television having an internal UFD compartment, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 6B  shows the television shown in  FIG. 6A  with a UFD inside the recess, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 7A  shows a top view of a host panel, of a host system, having an internal UFD slot in an edge of the host panel, according to a preferred embodiment of the present Invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 7B  shows a cut-away side view of the host system having an internal UFD slot in an edge of the host panel, shown in  FIG. 7A , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 7C  shows a top view of a UFD for the host panel shown in  FIG. 7A , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 7D  shows a side view of the UFD, shown in  FIG. 7C , for the host panel shown in  FIG. 7A , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 8A  shows a top view of a host panel, of a host system, having an internal UFD slot in an edge of the host panel, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 8B  shows a top view of a UFD for the host panel shown in  FIG. 8A , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 8C  shows a side view of the UFD shown in  FIG. 8B , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 9A  shows a top view of a host panel, of a host system, having an internal UFD compartment in the host panel, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 9B  shows a top view of a UFD for the host panel shown in  FIG. 9A , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 9C  shows a side view of the UFD shown in  FIG. 9B , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0066]    The present invention relates to systems and methods for accommodating an internal UFD in a host system such that the UFD does not protrude beyond the exterior of the host system. The principles and operation for an internal UFD according to the present invention, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and tire drawings. 
         [0067]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of a notebook computer having an internal UFD slot, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A notebook computer  10 , having a form factor similar to a ThinkPad™ computer (available from Lenovo™ Group Ltd., 1 Manhattanville Rd., Suite PH, Purchase, New York) is configured to have a deep recess  12 , long enough to accommodate the full length of a UFD  14  (typically 4-7 cm). A USB socket  16  is installed in the inner wall of recess  12 , accommodating a USB connector  18  of UFD  14 . Longitudinal guide rails  20  (shown in phantom) on the side walls of recess  12  accommodate two longitudinal guide supports (not shown) on the sides of UFD  14 , guiding UFD  14  into USB socket  16  when UFD  14  is inserted into recess  12 . Longitudinal guide rails  20  are presented more clearly in  FIG. 3C . Returning to  FIG. 1 , a wicket  22 , which is pushed by a spring  24 , turns on an axis  26 . Wicket  22  normally shuts the opening of recess  12  when UFD  14  is not inserted in recess  12 . UFD  14  pushes wicket  22  down upon insertion of UFD  14 . 
         [0068]    An ejection button  28  on the host panel (not explicitly shown) of computer  10 , or on the exposed end of UFD  14 , is used to initiate ejection of UFD  14 . A software application (not shown) senses the depression of ejection button  28 , and activates an actuator  30  to push a pin  32  against UFD  14 , pushing UFD  14  slightly out of recess  12 . A user can then grab and remove UFD  14 . Once UFD  14  is removed, wicket  22  shuts the opening of recess  12 , leaving computer  10  with a “closed” aesthetic appearance. Optionally, the activation of ejection button  28  initiates a software program that verifies that it is safe to extract UFD  14 , before mechanically ejecting UFD  14 . Such software is available, among others, from MicroSoft® in the Windows® operating system. 
         [0069]      FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of a UFD compatible with the computer shown in  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. UFD  14  is shown with USB connector  18 , which connects to internal USB socket  16  (shown inside computer  10  in  FIG. 1 ), using longitudinal guide supports  38 , located on both sides of UFD  14 , to slide into recess  12  of  FIG. 1 , and safely connect to USB socket  16  of  FIG. 1 . Ejection button  28  enables safe ejection of UFD  14 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 3A  shows a rear view of UFD  14  of  FIG. 2  plugged into computer  10  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A UFD rear panel  42  is visible as shown when UFD  14  is plugged into computer  10 . Ejection button  48  helps to safely remove UFD  14 . Apertures  44  and  46  are available in the event that ejection button  48  is not activating ejection, enabling a user to mechanically hook a tool (not shown) through apertures  44  and  46 , and extract UFD  14  manually. Moreover, indicator lights  50  provide indications about the status of UFD  14 . 
         [0071]    A better understanding of the structure of recess  12  may be gained by inspection of  FIGS. 3B and 3C , which show a cross-sectional view and end view (with and without UFD  14  engaged in recess  12 , respectively) taken along a perspective line  36  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional view of UFD  14  of  FIG. 2  plugged into computer  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3B  shows recess  12  when UFD  14  is engaged in recess  12  of computer  10 . For smooth insertion, UFD  14  slides along longitudinal grooves  52  and  54 . The electronics  56  of UFD  14  are located inside UFD body  58 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 3C  shows an end view of recess  12  of  FIG. 1  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3C  shows recess  12  when UFD  14  is not engaged in recess  12  of computer  10 . USB socket  16 , which is located substantially within computer  10 , as well as longitudinal guide rails  20 , which help UFD  14  to reach USB socket  16  at the proper angle for insertion, are shown.  FIG. 3D  shows a front view of the recess shown in  FIG. 1  when a UFD is not present.  FIG. 3D  shows recess  12  when UFD  14  is not engaged in computer  10 . In this case, wicket  26  is shown covering recess  12  of computer  10 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram of a mini-UFD plugged into a host system, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. A mini-UFD  60  is shown engaged in a host system  62 . A USB connector  64  is shown engaged in a USB socket  66  of a host system  62 . USB connector slots  68  are shown as well. Electronics assembly  69  is shown as a dotted box which includes a portion that extends into USB connector  64  indicating that electronics assembly  69  is partially located inside USB connector  64 . Electronics assembly  69  includes a printed circuit board (not shown). In order to minimize changes in appearance and dimensions of the exterior of host system  62 , a UFD end cap  70  contours to the exterior of host system  62 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 5A  shows a side view of mini-UFD  60  of  FIG. 4 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Both USB connector  64  and UFD end cap  70  are shown. USB connector  64  meets the USB 2.0 industry specification, USB connector  64  can be a Mini-A or Mini-B connector within the USB 2.0 specification. Dimension L (connector length), dimension W {connector width), dimension C (cap diameter), and dimension D (cap depth) of mini-UFD  60  are also shown in  FIG. 5A . Dimension D is less than any of dimension L, dimension W, and dimension C. The electronic circuitry of mini-UFD  60  resides primarily in end cap  70 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 5B  shows a top view of the mini-UFD shown in  FIG. 5A , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dimensions C and W of mini-UFD  60  are shown. Other elements of mini-UFD  60  from  FIG. 5A  are not shown in  FIG. 5B  to emphasize dimension C and dimension W. While end cap  70  is indicated in  FIG. 5B  with dimension C representing cap diameter, it is noted that end cap  70  can have contours other than a circle. 
         [0076]      FIG. 5C  is a schematic block diagram of a UFD holder, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. An empty UFD holder  72  is shown with a USB connector  74  and a carrying aperture  76 . UFD holder  72  also includes a dedicated opening  78  and a USB socket  79  (located inside UFD holder  72 ), which can accommodate a mini-UFD, such as mini-UFD  60  of  FIG. 5A .  FIG. 5D  is a schematic block diagram of mini-UFD holder  72  of  FIG. 5C  containing mini-UFD  60  of  FIG. 5A , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In order to convert the form factor of mini-UFD  60  into the form factor of a standard UFD, mini-UFD  60  is inserted into UFD holder  72  in dedicated opening  78 , and USB connector  64  is engaged in USB socket  79 . As was mentioned above, USB connector  64  can be a Mini-A or Mini-B USB connector. Once inserted, a user can use the device (i.e. UFD holder  72  containing mini-UFD  60 ) as a regular UFD, and transport the device easily using carrying aperture  76 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 6A  shows an example of a television having an internal UFD compartment, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A television  80  is shown with a screen  82  on a host panel  84 , and a dedicated recess  86  having a USB socket  88 . Socket  88  is shown in an orientation where the insertion direction is perpendicular to host panel  84 . Since a UFD is not inserted into socket  88  in  FIG. 6A , a back plate  90  of recess  86  which is parallel to host panel  84 , is visible. To engage a UFD (not shown) into television  80 , the UFD is inserted into socket  88 , and then rotated, as will be explained in  FIG. 6B . 
         [0078]      FIG. 6B  shows television  80  of  FIG. 6A  with a UFD inside recess  86 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A UFD  92 , having a connector  94 , has been rotated, after insertion into socket  88  of  FIG. 6A  (not shown in  FIG. 6B ), to become parallel to host panel  84 , thus residing inside recess  86 , and not changing the form factor of television  80 . When UFD  92  is in this orientation, the status of UFD  92  can be viewed via a UFD indication panel  96  that is integral with UFD  92  and changed via a UFD control button  98  that is integral with UFD  92 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 7A  shows a top view of a host panel, of a host system, having an internal UFD slot in an edge of the host panel, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A host panel  100  of a host system (not shown) having a UFD slot  102  with a concealed socket region  104  is shown. An example of a host system suited for this embodiment is a laptop computer. For example, host panel  100  may be the cover of the laptop computer. UFD slot  102  is shown vacant, but is occupied when a UFD (not shown) is engaged in UFD slot  102 . UFD slot  102  can also be occupied by a slot protector (not shown) when no UFD is engaged in UFD slot  102 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 7B  shows a cut-away side view of the host system having air internal UFD slot in an edge of the host panel, shown in  FIG. 7  A, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A host system side cut-away  106  is shown with UFD slot  102 . The top edge cut-away  106  represents host panel  100 . A UFD socket  108 , having a contact-engaging spring, is shown in concealed socket region  104 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 7C  shows a top view of a UFD for the host panel shown in  FIG. 7A . A UFD  112  is shown having a UFD connector  114  at one end for operationally connecting UFD  112  to UFD socket  108  of  FIG. 7B . UFD connector  114  is located on the bottom side of UFD  112 , as shown by the dashed line in  FIG. 7C . UFD  112  has ridges  116  for grasping UFD  112  when inserting and removing UFD  112  from UFD slot  102  (shown in  FIG. 7  A). An arrow indicates the direction in which UFD  112  is inserted into and removed from UFD slot  102 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 7D  shows a side view of the UFD, shown in  FIG. 7C , for the host panel shown in  FIG. 7A , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. UFD  112  is configured to have a very thin profile. An arrow indicates the direction in which UFD  112  is inserted into and removed from UFD slot  102  (shown in  FIG. 7B ). UFD  112  of  FIG. 7D  and UFD slot  102  of  FIG. 7B  are shown at different scales. 
         [0083]    In another preferred embodiment a UFD of the present invention is configured to operate with a different insertion/extraction mechanism.  FIG. 8A  shows a lop view of a host panel, of a host system, having an internal UFD slot in an edge of the host panel, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. A host panel  120  of a host system (not shown) having a UFD slot  122  with a UFD socket  124  is shown. Support elements  126  and clip recesses  128  secure a UFD (not shown) when engaged in UFD slot  122 . In this embodiment, UFD socket  124  is configured to serve as an engaging spring as well. 
         [0084]      FIG. 8B  shows a top view of a UFD for the host panel shown in  FIG. 8A . A UFD  130  having ridges  132  is shown. An arrow, incorporated into ridges  132 , indicates the direction in which UFD  130  is inserted into and removed from UFD slot  122  (shown in  FIG. 8  A).  FIG. 8C  shows a side view of the UFD shown in  FIG. 8B , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that the side profile of UFD  130  has a slight curvature which enables a user to insert and remove UFD  130  with his/her fingertip by pressing on ridges  132 . Clips  134  engage in clip recesses  128  of UFD slot  122  (shown in  FIG. 8A ) in order to secure UFD  130  in host panel  120 , and to make contact between a UFD connector  136  arid UFD socket  124 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 9A  shows a top view of a host panel, of a host system, having air internal UFD compartment in the host panel, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A host panel  140  of a host system (not shown) having a UFD compartment  142  is shown. Within UFD compartment  142 , there are a fingertip recess  144 , a deep recess  146 , clip recesses  148 , and a UFD socket  150 . In this embodiment UFD socket  150  is configured to serve as an engaging spring as well. 
         [0086]      FIG. 9B  shows a top view of a UFD for the host panel shown in  FIG. 9A . A UFD  152  is shown with clips  154 . Clips  154  are located on the bottom side of UFD  152 , as shown by the dashed in  FIG. 9B .  FIG. 9C  shows a side view of the UFD shown in  FIG. 9B . UFD  152  is shown with clips  156  for securing UFD  152  in UFD compartment  142  (shown in  FIG. 9A ). A UFD connector  158  operationally connects to UFD socket  150  when UFD  152  is engaged in UFD compartment  142 . It can be seen in  FIG. 9C  that UFD  152  has a finger catch  160  with a loop handle  162  for inserting and removing UFD  152  from UFD compartment  142 . Finger catch  160  and loop handle  162  reside in fingertip recess  144  and deep recess  146 , respectively, when UFD  152  is engaged in UFD compartment  142 . 
         [0087]    While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications, and other applications of the invention may be made.