Patent Publication Number: US-8539125-B1

Title: Combined USB flash drive cap audio device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/444,604, which is entitled “A BATTERY POWERED USB/THUMB DRIVE CAP THAT CONVERTS A USB/THUMB DRIVE INTO A MEDIA PLAYER AND RECORDING DEVICE”, which was filed on Feb. 18, 2011, and which is incorporated in full by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The technology described herein relates generally to media devices, USB devices, audio players, audio recorders, data storage devices, and the like. More specifically, this technology relates to a combined USB flash drive cap audio device, wherein a battery powered USB/thumb drive cap converts a USB/thumb drive into a media player and recording device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable flash memory drives have become so popular they now seem nearly ubiquitous. Portable flash memory drives are data storage devices used, for example, to save electronic digital data such as music, files, texts, multimedia files, graphics, and so forth. Portable flash memory drives are both compact and portable, often carried in purses, pockets, on key chains, and on lanyards around one&#39;s neck. Typically, portable flash memory drives have large storage capacities and offer stability and durability against data corruption and physical damage. A preferred standard in portable flash memory drives is the USB (Universal Serial Bus). USB flash drives are useful to transfer electronic data. 
     Related utility patents known in the art include the following: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,438,638, issued to Jones et al. on Aug. 20, 2002, discloses a flashtoaster for reading several types of flash-memory cards with or without a PC. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,733,329, issued to Yang on May 11, 2004, discloses a USB flash drive. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,281, issued to Jones et al. on Dec. 14, 2004, discloses a flashtoaster for reading several types of flash-memory cards with or without a PC. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,044, issued to Chou et al. on Mar. 29, 2005, discloses a flash drive/reader with serial-port controller and flash-memory controller mastering a second RAM-buffer bus parallel to a CPU bus. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,993,618, issued to Chen et al. on Jan. 31, 2006, discloses a dual-mode flash storage exchanger that transfers flash-card data to a removable USB flash key-drive with or without a PC host. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,103,684, issued to Chen et al. on Sep. 5, 2006, discloses a single-chip USB controller reading power-on boot code from integrated flash memory for user storage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,205, issued to Jones et al. on May 22, 2007, discloses a flashtoaster for reading several types of flash-memory cards with or without a PC. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,051, issued to Mambakkam et al. on Oct. 2, 2007, discloses a field-operable, stand-alone apparatus for media recovery and regeneration. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,814,337, issued to Lee et al. on Oct. 12, 2010, discloses a secure flash-memory card reader with host-encrypted data on a flash-controller-mastered bus parallel to a local CPU bus carrying encrypted hashed password and user ID. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,329,153, issued to Lin et al. on Feb. 12, 2008, discloses an audio output device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,400,859, issued to Dayan on Jul. 15, 2008, discloses a combined modulator and MP3 player having socket power supply adapter and/or universal connector. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,425, issued to Regen et al. on Jul. 4, 2006, discloses a thumb drive with retractable USB connector. 
     Related design patents known in the art include the following: 
     U.S. Patent No. D562,819, issued to Yu et al. on Feb. 26, 2008, discloses the ornamental design for a memory card reader. 
     U.S. Patent No. D569,375, issued to Yu et al. on Feb. 26, 2008, discloses the ornamental design for a memory card reader. 
     Related patent application publications known in the art include the following: 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0191920, filed by Regen et al. and published on Jul. 30, 2009, discloses a multi-function electronic ear piece. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0198355, filed by Powell and published on Aug. 6, 2009, discloses an ear-mounted MP3 player with radio and remote control. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0020443, filed by Kesselman and published on Jan. 22, 2009, discloses a credit card carrying pack for rolling papers having a USB drive. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0133832, filed by Bhavnani and published on Jun. 5, 2008, discloses a flash drive-radio combination. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0288169, filed by Steiner and published on Dec. 21, 2006, discloses a lighter apparatus with data storage capabilities and a data transfer interface. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0217150, filed by Chen and published on Sep. 28, 2006, discloses a multi-function remote controller. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0084929, filed by Watanabe et al. and published on Apr. 19, 2007, discloses a bar code reader with a music player. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0069456, filed by Stringer et al. and published on Mar. 30, 2006, discloses a portable audio player. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0064185, filed by Yeh and published on Mar. 23, 2006, discloses a structure of removable storage media player. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0079738, filed by Ahn and published on Apr. 14, 2005, discloses a USB storage device including USB plug with top and bottom terminals. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0288804, filed by Peng and published on Dec. 29, 2005, discloses a USB music player capable of receiving at least one portable memory. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0165302, filed by Lu and published on Aug. 26, 2004, discloses a structure of a multi-purpose thumb-like hard disk device. 
     Related non-patent literature known in the art includes the following: 
     Royal EZVue Vista USB Drive, found online, http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story — 5729.html. 
     KJB, D1400 USB Flash Drive &amp; Voice Recorder 2 GB, found online, http://www.surveillance-video.com/d1400.html?productid=d1400@channelid=FROOG. 
     Retractable Biometric USB Flash Drive with USB Screen, found online, http://www.mydigitallife.infoketractable-biometric-usb-flashdrive-with-oled-screen/. 
     The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor&#39;s acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor&#39;s claimed invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a combined USB flash drive cap audio device, wherein a battery powered USB/thumb drive cap converts a USB/thumb drive into a media player and recording device. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a thumb drive cap. The thumb drive cap includes: a portable housing defined as a USB cap for a portable USB storage thumb drive; a female USB connector interface defined within the portable housing and configured to receive and electronically couple to a male USB connector on the portable USB storage thumb drive; a control unit disposed within the portable housing and configured to enable audio playback through the thumb drive cap of audio data stored on the connected portable USB storage thumb drive; and a plurality of user interface buttons disposed upon the portable housing and through which the thumb drive cap is controlled by a user for audio playback and audio record. 
     In at least one embodiment of the thumb drive cap, the control unit is further configured to enable audio record input through the thumb drive cap and stored on the portable USB storage thumb drive. 
     In at least one embodiment of the thumb drive cap, the thumb drive cap is further configured not to store audio files in the thumb drive cap but to access audio files stored on the portable USB storage thumb drive for playback through the thumb drive cap. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, also includes a microprocessor. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, further includes an audio amplifier. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, also includes a signal amplifier. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, further includes a digital signal processor. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, also includes a memory. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, further includes firmware logic. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, also includes a microphone disposed within the portable housing. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, further includes a microphone disposed within the portable housing and configured to activate the thumb drive cap by voice actuation. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, also includes a microphone disposed within the portable housing and configured to receive input audio signals to be processed by the control unit. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, further includes a microphone disposed within the portable housing and configured to receive input audio signals to be processed by the control unit and stored on the attached portable USB storage thumb drive. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, also includes a power source disposed within the portable housing. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, further includes an audio output port. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, also includes a speaker. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, further includes: a power button; and an LED indicator light defined within the power button and configured to illuminate when the drive cap is in an ON state and to not illuminate when the drive cap is in an OFF state. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, also includes a Bluetooth interface. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, further includes a visual display. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, also includes a scroll mechanism. 
     The thumb drive cap, in at least one embodiment, further includes: a VOLUME control; a PLAY button; a RECORD button; a NEXT TRACK button; and a PREVIOUS track button. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a portable media player/recorder system. The portable media player/recorder system includes: at least one portable USB storage thumb drive; a portable housing defined as a USB thumb drive cap for the portable USB storage thumb drive; a female USB connector interface defined within the portable housing and configured to receive as a cap and electronically couple to a male USB connector on the portable USB storage thumb drive; a control unit disposed within the portable housing and configured to enable audio playback through the thumb drive cap of audio data stored on the connected portable USB storage thumb drive; a plurality of user interface buttons disposed upon the portable housing and through which the thumb drive cap is controlled by a user for audio playback and audio record; and an audio output port. 
     In at least one embodiment of the portable media player/recorder system, the control unit is further configured to enable audio record input through the thumb drive cap and stored on the portable USB storage thumb drive. 
     In at least one embodiment of the portable media player/recorder system, the thumb drive cap is further configured not to store audio files in the thumb drive cap but to access audio files stored on the portable USB storage thumb drive for playback through the thumb drive cap. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, also includes a microprocessor. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, further includes an audio amplifier. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, also includes a signal amplifier. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, further includes a digital signal processor. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, also includes a memory. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, further includes firmware logic. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, also includes a microphone disposed within the portable housing. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, further includes a microphone disposed within the portable housing and configured to activate the thumb drive cap by voice actuation. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, also includes a microphone disposed within the portable housing and configured to receive input audio signals to be processed by the control unit. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, further includes a microphone disposed within the portable housing and configured to receive input audio signals to be processed by the control unit and stored on the attached portable USB storage thumb drive. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, 
     also includes: a power source; a power button; and an LED indicator light defined within the power button and configured to illuminate when the drive cap is in an ON state and to not illuminate when the drive cap is in an OFF state. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, further includes a speaker. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, also includes a Bluetooth interface. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, further includes a visual display. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, also includes a scroll mechanism. 
     The portable media player/recorder system, in at least one embodiment, 
     further includes: a VOLUME control; a PLAY button; a RECORD button; a NEXT TRACK button; and a PREVIOUS track button. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a method audio playback utilizing a thumb drive cap. The method includes: utilizing a thumb drive cap comprising: a portable housing defined as a USB cap for a portable USB storage thumb drive; a female USB connector interface defined within the portable housing and configured to receive and electronically couple to a male USB connector on the portable USB storage thumb drive; a control unit disposed within the portable housing and configured to enable audio playback through the thumb drive cap of audio data stored on the connected portable USB storage thumb drive; and a plurality of user interface buttons disposed upon the portable housing and through which the thumb drive cap is controlled by a user for audio playback and audio record; enabling audio playback through the thumb drive cap of audio data stored on the connected portable USB storage thumb drive; and retrieving audio data stored on the connected portable USB storage thumb drive. 
     It at least one embodiment, wherein the control unit is further configured to enable audio record input through the thumb drive cap and stored on the portable USB storage thumb drive, the method further includes: enabling audio record input through the thumb drive cap; and storing recorded data on the portable USB storage thumb drive. 
     It at least one embodiment, wherein the thumb drive cap is further configured not to store audio files in the thumb drive cap but to access audio files stored on the portable USB storage thumb drive for playback through the thumb drive cap, the method further includes: accessing audio files stored on the portable USB storage thumb drive; and playing the accessed audio files through the thumb drive cap. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a control unit further having a microprocessor. 
     The method also includes, in at least one embodiment, amplifying an audio input. 
     The method further includes, in at least one embodiment, amplifying a signal. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a control unit further having a digital signal processor. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a control unit further having a memory. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a control unit further having firmware logic. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a microphone disposed within the portable housing. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a microphone disposed within the portable housing and configured to activate the thumb drive cap by voice actuation, and including the method step of actuating by voice the thumb drive cap. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a microphone disposed within the portable housing and configured to receive input audio signals to be processed by the control unit, and including the method step of receiving input audio signals. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a microphone disposed within the portable housing and configured to receive input audio signals to be processed by the control unit and stored on the attached portable USB storage thumb drive, and including the method step receiving input audio signals. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a power source disposed within the portable housing. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having an audio output port. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a speaker. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a power button; and an LED indicator light defined within the power button and configured to illuminate when the drive cap is in an ON state and to not illuminate when the drive cap is in an OFF state. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a Bluetooth interface. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a visual display. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a scroll mechanism. 
     It at least one embodiment, the method includes utilizing a thumb drive cap further having a VOLUME control; a PLAY button; a RECORD button; a NEXT TRACK button; and a PREVIOUS track button. 
     Advantageously, the technology described herein provides a portable, small, pocket friendly sized device that will directly interface with any removable USB storage device portably and powered by batteries. This will allow a user to directly access audible media on any USB storage device and to also record audible media directly to the USB storage device while on the go. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein. 
     Further objects and advantages of the technology described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a combined USB flash drive cap audio device, wherein a battery powered USB/thumb drive cap converts a USB/thumb drive into a media player and recording device, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 2  is a planar view of the inside back panel of the combined USB flash drive cap audio device depicted in  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 3  is a planar view of the inside front panel of the combined USB flash drive cap audio device depicted in  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; and 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the inside of the back panel with the circuit board removed, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a combined USB flash drive cap audio device, wherein a battery powered USB/thumb drive cap converts a USB/thumb drive into a media player and recording device. 
     Referring now to the Figures, a thumb drive cap  10  is shown. The thumb drive cap  10  is a portable, small, pocket friendly sized device that will directly interface with any removable USB storage device  12  portably. This will allow a user to directly access audible media on any USB storage device  12  and to also record audible media directly to the USB storage device  12  while on the go. The thumb drive cap  10  also serves as a protective cap to the USB storage device  12 . 
     The thumb drive cap  10  includes a portable housing defined as a USB cap for a portable USB storage thumb drive  12 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the portable housing includes a front panel  13   a  and a back panel  13   b . In at least one embodiment, the front panel  13   a  and the back panel  13   b  are manufactured from a polymer for durability and functionality. 
     The thumb drive cap  10  includes a female USB connector interface  14  defined within the portable housing  13   a ,  13   b . The female USB connector interface  14  is configured to receive and electronically couple to a male USB connector on the portable USB storage thumb drive  12 . 
     The thumb drive cap  10  includes a control unit ( FIG. 2 ) disposed within the portable housing. The control unit ( FIG. 2 ) is configured to enable audio playback through the thumb drive cap  10  of audio data stored on the connected portable USB storage thumb drive  12 . In at least one embodiment of the thumb drive cap  10 , the control unit ( FIG. 2 ) is further configured to enable audio record input through the thumb drive cap  10  and stored on the portable USB storage thumb drive  12 . In at least one embodiment of the thumb drive cap  10 , the control unit ( FIG. 2 ) is further configured not to store audio files in the thumb drive cap  10  but to access audio files stored on the portable USB storage thumb drive  12  for playback through the thumb drive cap  10 . 
     The thumb drive cap  10  includes multiple user interface buttons  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 . The multiple user interface buttons  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  are disposed upon the portable housing  13   a  and electronically coupled to the button switch board  38 . By use of the multiple user interface buttons  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 , the thumb drive cap  10  is controlled selectively by a user for both audio playback and audio record. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, also includes a printed circuit board  32  upon which components of the thumb drive cap  10  are coupled and interconnected for electronic communication. The button switch board  38  is coupled to the printed circuit board  32  via connecting ribbon  40  attached to input connector  36 . 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, also includes one or more microprocessor  34  for control functions of the thumb drive cap  10 . The microprocessor  34  is multipurpose and programmable. The microprocessor  34  is configured to accept digital data as input and to process it for the functional purposes of the thumb cap drive  10 . The microprocessor  34  is configured to process the input data according to instructions stored in its memory  35  and provide results as output. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, further includes an audio amplifier  31 . The audio amplifier  31  is an electronic amplifier that amplifies a low-power audio signal to a level suitable for speakers, headphones, or the like. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, also includes a signal amplifier  33 . The signal amplifier  33  is configured to increase the power a signal in the thumb cap drive  10  by use of an energy source. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, further includes a digital signal processor. In this embodiment, the microprocessor  34  is a specialized microprocessor  34  with an architecture optimized for the fast operational needs of digital signal processing. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, also includes a memory  35 . The memory  35  is an electronic data storage device, such as semiconductor memory. It stores data for use by the microprocessor  34 . The memory  35  is used in at least one embodiment to store firmware logic. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, also includes a microphone  18 . The microphone  18  is disposed within the portable housing  13   a . In at least one embodiment, the microphone  18  is configured to activate the thumb drive cap  10  by voice actuation. In at least one embodiment, the microphone  18  is configured to receive input audio signals to be processed by the control unit ( FIG. 2 ). In at least one embodiment, the microphone  18  is configured to receive input audio signals to be processed by the control unit and stored on the attached portable USB storage thumb drive  12 . 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, also includes a power source disposed within the portable housing. As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the power source is a battery  42  in at least one embodiment. By way of example, the battery  42  is a lithium ion battery suitable for portable, compact electronic devices. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, further includes an audio output port  16 . The audio output port  16  is configured to receive headphones, a speaker, or the like. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, also includes a speaker  19 . The speaker  19  provides audio output from the thumb drive cap  10  as audio is played. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, further includes a power button  20 . In yet another embodiment, the power button  20  further includes an LED indicator light  21  defined within the power button  20  and configured to illuminate when the thumb drive cap  10  is in an ON state and to not illuminate when the thumb drive cap  10  is in an OFF state. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, also includes a Bluetooth interface  37 . The Bluetooth interface  37  provides for the thumb drive cap  10  to use Bluetooth and to be paired with Bluetooth compatible devices. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, further includes a visual display  15 . The visual display  15  is configured to provide a user with visual information. The display information can include, for example, song title, artist, length, album title, file size, and so forth. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, also includes a scroll mechanism  17 . The scroll mechanism  19  can be utilized to scroll through items on the visual display  15 , for example. 
     The thumb drive cap  10 , in at least one embodiment, further includes: a VOLUME control  30 ; a PLAY button  24 ; a RECORD button  22 ; a NEXT TRACK button  28 ; and a PREVIOUS track button  26 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a portable media player/recorder system. The portable media player/recorder system includes: at least one portable USB storage thumb drive  12 ; a portable housing  13   a ,  13   b  defined as a USB thumb drive cap  10  for the portable USB storage thumb drive  12 ; a female USB connector interface  14  defined within the portable housing  13   a ,  13   b  and configured to receive as a cap and electronically couple to a male USB connector on the portable USB storage thumb drive 12 ; a control unit ( FIG. 2 ) disposed within the portable housing  13   a ,  13   b  and configured to enable audio playback through the thumb drive cap  10  of audio data stored on the connected portable USB storage thumb drive  12 ; a plurality of user interface buttons  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  disposed upon the portable housing and through which the thumb drive cap  10  is controlled by a user for audio playback and audio record; and an audio output port  16 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a method audio playback utilizing a thumb drive cap. The method includes any one or more of the following method steps, and in an order that can vary:
         utilizing a thumb drive cap comprising: a portable housing defined as a USB cap for a portable USB storage thumb drive; a female USB connector interface defined within the portable housing and configured to receive and electronically couple to a male USB connector on the portable USB storage thumb drive; a control unit disposed within the portable housing and configured to enable audio playback through the thumb drive cap of audio data stored on the connected portable USB storage thumb drive; and a plurality of user interface buttons disposed upon the portable housing and through which the thumb drive cap is controlled by a user for audio playback and audio record;   enabling audio playback through the thumb drive cap of audio data stored on the connected portable USB storage thumb drive;   retrieving audio data stored on the connected portable USB storage thumb drive;   enabling audio record input through the thumb drive cap; and storing recorded data on the portable USB storage thumb drive;   accessing audio files stored on the portable USB storage thumb drive; and playing the accessed audio files through the thumb drive cap;   amplifying audio;   amplifying a signal;   actuating by voice the thumb drive cap; and   receiving input audio signals.       

     Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.