Abstract:
An electronic data storage unit configured to be worn as a bracelet is disclosed herein. In a preferring embodiment, medical records are recorded to a USB flash memory device that is deployed in various ways and is integrated to jewelry design. Also in a preferred embodiment, a bracelet design is provided to a storage compartment that could carry other small items in addition to the memory device. Further, novel clasping structure is provided by the present invention.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of the priority date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/316,315 filed on Mar. 22, 2010 and entitled, DATA STORAGE UNIT HAVING CLASPING FEATURE, accordingly, the entire contents of this provisional patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention pertains generally removable storage media. More particularly, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a USB data storage device having decorative elements, such as those found in jewelry, and further having a clasping feature. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    The observation known as Moore&#39;s Law in the area of computer hardware projects that the number of transistors that can be inexpensively etched to a semiconductor doubles about every two years. Therefore recently, removable storage devices have reduced enough in actual size so that a reasonable amount of storage capacity can be carried by a user wherever they travel without being overly cumbersome. Also recently, individuals in the medical field have brought fourth designs for portable storage devices that contain a personal medical history and other information. One such proposal was made by Hasvold in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2008/0291744, entitled “Portable Medical Storage Device And Program.” 
         [0006]    As told by Hasvold, medical records are normally stored at individual&#39;s doctor&#39;s offices or hospitals in either hard copy or electronic files. Most patients see more than one doctor or are admitted to more than one hospital in their lifetimes. Presently, there is no communication between individual doctor&#39;s offices or hospitals enabling a patient&#39;s medical records to be compiled into one comprehensive group either in hard copy or electronic format. There is further no ability for a new doctor treating a patient to see a complete set of new patient medical records. There is a great need for all of a patient&#39;s medical records from each doctor to be compiled and stored in one central location. A complete set of each patient&#39;s medical records would enable doctors and hospitals to provide better and more complete care to individuals and would reduce the amount of misdiagnosis or inaccurate prescriptions. 
         [0007]    Additionally, first responders and emergency room physicians would greatly benefit from easily accessible and relevant patient medical information. Also, elderly patients and those with complicated medical and pharmaceutical histories can greatly benefit from portable storage of medical information. 
         [0008]    In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to combine decorative elements such as those found in jewelry to a storage device further having clasping features incorporated thereto. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection incorporated to a clasp of a bracelet or a necklace. It is still an additional objective of the present invention to provide electronic heath information portably for individual and family, in addition to any other financial or other records that could be useful in emergency situations. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention in a first aspect, the present invention is an electronic storage device, for portably providing storage of digital files to a user, the device comprising: a first half enclosure housing having a digital memory chip there within; a USB connection electronically coupled to the digital memory chip and protruding from the first half enclosure housing; a second half enclosure housing removably coupled to the first half, the second half enclosure providing housing to the USB connection when the device is in the stored position; and a bracelet portion coupled to the first half enclosure housing, the bracelet portion providing portability thereof to the user. 
         [0010]    The invention in this aspect is additionally characterized in the bracelet portion comprises material chosen from a group consisting of metal, leather, plastic, leather, cloth, and hemp. Also with regard to the bracelet portion, the first half enclosure housing is coupled thereto via a first extension coupled to the first half enclosure, the first extension further coupled a fixed ring which is coupled to the bracelet portion of the device, providing portability thereof to the user. 
         [0011]    Further to the electronic storage device in this aspect a first latch on a first lateral side of the first half enclosure housing is provided, extending to the second half enclosure housing. Similarly, an opposing latch is provided on an opposing lateral side of the second half enclosure extending to the first half enclosure housing, the first and opposing latch providing a removable connection to the device. 
         [0012]    In a second aspect, the invention may be characterized as a bracelet for providing portable storage of digital information comprising: a first curved rail; a second curved rail opposite the first curved rail; a fixed axis of rotation configured between and perpendicular to the first and second curved rail; and a first door hinge rotatable coupled to the fixed axis of rotation, the first door hinge having a USB flash memory device configured thereto. 
         [0013]    The invention in this aspect may be additionally characterized wherein the first door hinge and the USB flash memory device configuration comprises a relief in the first door hinge; and a thumb protrusion coupled to the USB flash memory device, the thumb protrusion configured to inside the relief, the thumb protrusion for slidingly deploying the USB flash memory device. Alternatively, the first door hinge could provide access to a first storage compartment, as described in other embodiments herein. 
         [0014]    Also, the invention in the second aspect further comprises a second door hinge wherein the first door hinge connects to the fixed axis of rotation at a mid-point thereof and wherein the second door hinge connects to the fixed axis of rotation on opposite sides of the mid-point, the second door hinge having a second USB device configured thereto. Still further, the first curved rail is characterized as comprising an eyelet at an end thereof, the eyelet coupled to a bracelet portion wherein the eyelet and the curved rail are a contiguous piece. Also to this embodiment, the first rail is coupled to a first bracelet portion and the second rail is coupled to a second bracelet portion, the first and second bracelet portions forming parallel loops. 
         [0015]    In still a third aspect, the invention may be characterized as a bracelet for providing portable storage to relatively small items comprising: a circular band; a rectangular storage compartment configured to the band, a storage compartment door hingedly coupled to the rectangular storage compartment, the storage compartment door providing access to the storage compartment. 
         [0016]    The bracelet in this aspect is additionally characterized in that the circular band further has a break cut out thereof, the break further having opposing ends, the opposing ends each having a cylindrical groove carved out thereof. Further, the storage compartment comprises cylindrical protrusions configured to be removably received by the opposing ends each having the cylindrical groove carved out thereof. In alternative embodiments, the compartment door comprises a rectangular shape or that of an isosceles trapezoid. 
         [0017]    These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0018]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1B  is a top plan view thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1C  provides a profile view; 
           [0023]      FIG. 1D  is a perspective view of the first embodiment unclasped to reveal a USB connection; 
           [0024]      FIG. 1E  is a perspective illustration of the first preferred embodiment in use; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2A  is a top plan view of a second preferred embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2B  is a top plan view thereof; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2C  provides a profile view; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2D  is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2E  and  FIG. 2F  illustrate a digital storage device being deployed; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective illustration of yet another invention embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3B  is a top plan view thereof; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3C  is a profile view this bracelet embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3D  is an enlarged view of the area defined by line  3 B in  FIG. 3C . 
           [0034]      FIG. 3E  is an additional perspective view of the invention embodiment shown having a compartment in an open position; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3F  is an additional top plan view showing an alternative compartment door design; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of yet another bracelet embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in  FIG. 1A  through  FIG. 1E ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4B  is a top plan view thereof; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4C  provides a profile view; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of the first embodiment unclasped to reveal a USB connection; 
           [0040]      FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of yet another invention embodiment is a perspective view of yet still another bracelet embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5B  is a profile view thereof; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5C  and  FIG. 5D  provide perspective view of the invention embodiment in use; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are perspective illustrations of yet a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 1A  through  FIG. 1C , a first preferred device  10  of the present invention is illustrated in perspective. Generally, the device forms part of a bracelet  10  wherein two ends  11 ,  12  mate together. A union where the two ends  11 ,  12  mate together is part of a clasping feature; and additionally the clasping feature is also a housing  11 ,  12  for a USB connection  13  coupled to a digital storage medium (housed within first half enclosure housing  11 ). As shown in  FIG. 1D , a first end comprises the USB connection  13  along with a storage medium. A second half enclosure houses the USB connection  13  when clasp  15 ,  16  is engaged. Each of the first and second ends contains an arm  15 ,  16  that is able to latch one end to the other via a snap  18  connection . The arms  15 ,  16  can additionally rotate out of the way ( FIG. 1E ) for when the USB connection  13  is coupled to a computer device USB port  99 . The storage medium could comprise data including health information for individual and family, in additional to any financial or other records that could be useful in emergency situations. 
         [0045]    Optionally, the USB and storage portions  13  could slide out of the housing  11 ,  12  (bracelet first/second end), and therefore, there would be no need to make the arms  15 ,  16  rotatable. One advantage to this option is that many storage devices could be swapped out of any particular bracelet  10 . 
         [0046]    Further with regard to  FIG. 1A  through  FIG. 1E , a ball joint  17  is provided coupling first  11  and second  12  enclosures further connected to an eyelet  19 . The ball joint  17  further comprises ball and socket portions, the ball fixed to each of the first and second ends  11 ,  12 ; and the socket fixed to corresponding eyelets  19 . Additionally, the eyelets  19  are coupled to structure  14  that will form the rest of the bracelet or necklace (or the like). In an alternative embodiment, the housing  11 ,  12  and ball joints  17  are comprised of biodegradable material. 
         [0047]    With regard to  FIG. 2A  through  FIG. 2F , a second preferred embodiment is disclosed herein comprising a metallic bracelet/data storage unit  20 . Alternatively, the metallic bracelet is polarized/ionized so that it can help discharge bioelectric ions that may be the result of anxiety, malnutrition or some other type of exposure or stress to the body. Also alternatively, the bracelet  20  may be magnetized to take advantage of purported health benefits of magnetotherapy. As shown, the bracelet comprises first  21 ,  22  and second door hinges having a cover rotating about a common fixed rotational axis  28  ( FIG. 2F ). The second door hinge  22  engages the axis at a mid-section; while the first door hinge engages the hinge on opposite sides of the mid-section. Further, the door hinges  21 ,  22  are flanked by to metallic bars  25 ,  26  that are curved and generally in a shape of a user&#39;s wrist. 
         [0048]    As stated, in this particular embodiment  20 , the invention comprises a first curved rail  25 , a second curved rail  26  opposite the first curved rail  25 , a fixed axis of rotation  28  configured between and perpendicular to the first  25  and second curved rail  26 . A first door hinge  21  is provided rotatably coupled to the fixed axis of rotation  28 . The first door hinge  21  further has a USB flash memory device  23  configured thereto. As best shown in  FIG. 2F , the first door hinge  21  has a relief wherein a thumb protrusion  29  coupled to the USB flash memory device can be accessed. The thumb protrusion  29  is for slidingly deploying the USB flash memory device  23 . Alternatively, the first door hinge  21  could provide access to a first storage compartment (e.g.  31 ), as described in other embodiments  30  herein. 
         [0049]    Additionally, the curved rails  25 ,  26  are characterized as comprising an eyelet  27  at an end thereof, the eyelet coupled to bracelet portions  24 ,  24   a  wherein the eyelet  27  and the curved rail are a contiguous piece  25 . Also to this embodiment, the first  24  and second  24   a  bracelet portions form parallel loops. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 3A  through  FIG. 3D , an additional embodiment  30  is illustrated in perspective and various other views. As shown, the bracelet  30  comprises a continuous smooth surface having a break  35  cut out of the circular bracelet  30 . Further, two cylindrical channels  36  are carved out of ends  35  of the break. A storage compartment  31  is configured to fit inside of the break  35 . In a preferred embodiment, the storage compartment  31  is rectangular in shape and is configured to store an electronic storage medium with a USB connector further as illustrated in  FIG. 3E . The compartment  31  additionally comprises a compartment door  31  that is rectangular in shape in a preferred embodiment. Alternatively, the compartment door could be shaped like an envelope flap or an isosceles trapezoid such as illustrated in  FIG. 3F . 
         [0051]    Further with regard to  FIG. 3C , the break  35  has opposing ends each having a cylindrical groove  36  carved out thereof. The storage compartment  31  has cylindrical protrusions  36  that are further configured to be slidingly received by the opposing cylindrical grooves  33 . The bracelet  30  could further be comprised of plastic material or even polymer magnetic material. 
         [0052]      FIG. 4A  through  FIG. 4D  illustrates an additional embodiment  40  similar to that illustrated in the  FIG. 1A  through  FIG. 1E  wherein a bracelet  44  is configured with a thicker portion  41 ,  42  that houses an electronic storage device with a USB connection  43 . A logo  46  is provided to the thicker portion  41 ,  42  having first  41  and second  42  enclosure housings. 
         [0053]      FIG. 5A  through  FIG. 5D  illustrate an additional invention embodiment  50  intended to resemble a watch face  52  coupled to a watch band  54 . However, the watch face  52  actually provides a combination lock to a secure latch  53 . Storage compartment  51  could house a USB device as in other embodiments or another small item. 
         [0054]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  illustrate an additional embodiment  60  in perspective wherein multiple storage devices  13  may be configured to the same bracelet portion  64 . Similar to the  FIG. 1A  through  FIG. 1E  embodiment  10 , first  11  and second  12  housing enclosures are initially provided with latches  15 ,  16 . These are connected to similar structure via a ball and ring connection  69  providing functionality in addition to a visually pleasing jewelry piece  60 . 
         [0055]    Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
         [0056]    While the particular Data Storage Unit Having Clasping Feature as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
         [0057]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.