Thumb drive with retractable USB connector
DCFirst Claim
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1. A thumb drive comprising:
- a housing enclosure;
on-board memory within the housing enclosure for storing digital information;
a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory and constrained to translate from a position within the housing enclosure to a position outside the housing enclosure, the USB connector for connecting to a female USB port of a computer appliance; and
a slide button coupled through an opening in the housing to the USB connector;
wherein moving the slide button in one direction extends the connector from the housing to couple to a female connector, and moving the slide button in the opposite direction retracts the connector within the housing enclosure.
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Abstract
A thumb drive has an on-board memory for storing digital information, a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory for connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance, and an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector and on-board memory for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use. In various embodiments a light is also provided for use with finding female USB ports for connection, and as a utility light.
134 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A thumb drive comprising:
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a housing enclosure; on-board memory within the housing enclosure for storing digital information; a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory and constrained to translate from a position within the housing enclosure to a position outside the housing enclosure, the USB connector for connecting to a female USB port of a computer appliance; and a slide button coupled through an opening in the housing to the USB connector; wherein moving the slide button in one direction extends the connector from the housing to couple to a female connector, and moving the slide button in the opposite direction retracts the connector within the housing enclosure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A thumb drive comprising:
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on-board memory for storing digital information; a male USB connector coupled to the on-board memory and having an engagement direction for connecting to a USB port of a computer appliance; a light element positioned to provide light substantially in the engagement direction of the male USB connector; and an extension/retraction mechanism coupled to the connector for extending the connector from an enclosure of the drive and for retracting the connector when not in use. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification