Lockable removable disk drive

• US 20070016965A1
• Filed: 12/28/2005
• Published: 01/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: SanDisk IL Ltd. (Western Digital Corporation)
• Original Assignee: M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. (Western Digital Corporation)
• Inventors: Pomerantz, Itzhak, Dan, Raz
• Application Number:
  US11/318,473
• Publication Number:
  US 20070016965A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 726/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/78 to assure secure storage of data address-based protection against unauthorised use of memory G06F12/14; record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/022 Cases
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/121 the apparatus comprising a single recording/reproducing device
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6397 with means for preventing unauthorised use

Abstract

Systems and methods for reversibly preventing the coupling of a non-volatile memory device to a host device such as a microcomputer are disclosed. Exemplary non-volatile memory devices include but are not limited to hard disk drives and flash memory devices. According to some embodiments, a locking mechanism reversibly prevents physical coupling. According to some embodiments, a mechanical locking mechanism is operative to prevent the coupling of the non-volatile memory to the host device when in a locked configuration, and upon engagement with a proper key the mechanical locking mechanism adopts an unlocked configuration to permit coupling of the non-volatile memory device to the host device. According to some embodiments, a locking mechanism prevents coupling of the non-volatile memory device to the host device without a presence of a proper electronic token.

Claims

1. A system for providing storage for a host device, the system comprising:

a) a non-volatile memory device for providing storage to the host when reversibly coupled to the host; and

b) a mechanical locking mechanism having locked and unlocked configurations, said locking mechanism operative to prevent said coupling of the host device to said non-volatile memory device when in said locked configuration, said mechanical locking mechanism operative to adopt said unlocked configuration upon engagement with a proper key.

2. ) The system of claim 1 wherein said mechanical locking mechanism physically obstructs a connection between the host device and said non-volatile memory device when in said locked configuration.

3. ) The system of claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism in said locked configuration prevents an insertion of said non-volatile memory device into a computer chassis of the host device.

4. ) The system of claim 1 wherein the system further comprises:

d) a connection cable for electrically connecting said non-volatile memory device to the host device for said coupling,

wherein said locking mechanism is operative to prevent said electrical connecting when in said locked configuration.

5. ) The system of claim 1 wherein said prevention includes a disconnection of electric connectivity.

6. ) The system of claim 1 wherein said locked configuration and said unlocked configuration are visibly different.

7. ) The system of claim 1 wherein said non-volatile memory device is a USB flash drive.

8. ) The system of claim 7 wherein said locking mechanism is an external locking mechanism.

9. ) The system of claim 8 wherein said USB flash drive includes an elongated connector having a plurality of holes, and said external locking mechanism includes a mechanism for engaging said holes to prevent insertion of said USB connector into a port of said host device.

10. ) The system of claim 8 wherein said external locking mechanism serves as a lockable cap of said USB flash drive.

11. ) A system for providing storage for a host device, the system comprising:

a) a non-volatile memory device for providing storage to the host when reversibly coupled to the host; and

b) a locking mechanism for preventing said coupling of the host device to said non-volatile memory device without a presence of a proper electronic token.

12. ) The system of claim 11 wherein said non-volatile memory device includes a port for receiving said electronic token.

14. ) The system of claim 11 wherein said electronic token is a USB token.

15. ) The system of claim 11 wherein an identity of a recognized token is logged.

13. ) The system of claim 111 wherein said electronic token is a contactless electronic token.

16. ) A system for providing storage for a host device, the system comprising:

a) a non-volatile memory device for providing storage to the host when reversibly coupled to the host; and

b) a locking mechanism for preventing physical coupling of the host device to said non-volatile memory device without a presence of a proper key.

17. A method of securing data, the method comprising:

a) providing a non-volatile memory device operative to provide storage to a host when reversibly coupled to the host;

b) providing a mechanical locking mechanism having locked and unlocked configurations, said locking mechanism operative to prevent said coupling of the host device to said non-volatile memory device when in said locked configuration, said mechanical locking mechanism operative to adopt said unlocked configuration upon engaging a proper mechanical key; and

c) placing said locking mechanism into said locked configuration to prevent said coupling of said non-volatile memory device.

18. ) A method of securing data, the method comprising:

a) providing a non-volatile memory device operative to provide storage to a host when reversibly coupled to the host;

b) providing a locking mechanism for preventing said coupling of the host device to said non-volatile memory device without a presence of a proper electronic token; and

c) placing said locking mechanism into said locked configuration to prevent said coupling of said non-volatile memory device.

19. ) A method of securing data, the method comprising:

a) providing a non-volatile memory device operative to provide storage to a host when reversibly coupled to the host; and

b) providing a locking mechanism for preventing physical coupling of the host device to said non-volatile memory device without a presence of a proper key;

c) placing said locking mechanism into said locked configuration to prevent said physical coupling of said non-volatile memory device.