Flash memory drive with quick connector

• US 6,991,483 B1
• Filed: 11/12/2004
• Issued: 01/31/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Henry Milan
• Original Assignee: Henry Milan
• Inventors: Milan, Henry, Beard, John C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Zarroli, Michael C.
• Application Number:
  US10/987,242
• Time in Patent Office: 445 Days
• Field of Search: 439/502, 439171-172, 439/638, 439/650, 439/528, 439/518, 439/131, 439/76.1
• US Class Current: 439/171
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/64 Means for preventing incorrect coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/00 Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for dissimilar contact members H01R13/35; supported only by co-operation with a counterpart H01R31/00; with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/90
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94

Abstract

A flash memory device includes a flash memory drive with a quick connector in a housing. The quick connector is adapted to engage a cooperating quick connector of a selected one of a plurality of different interchangeable connectors. The interchangeable connectors each have standard connector for connection with computers and other device that are compatible with the flash memory. A universal computer cable kit includes a universal cable having quick connectors on opposing ends thereof, a plurality of the interchangeable connectors, the flash memory device, a container for storing the interchangeable connectors and the flash memory device, and a blister pack for packaging and displaying the kit.

Claims

1. A flash memory device comprising:

a housing having opposed first and second ends;

a flash memory drive enclosed in said housing; and

a quick connector mounted in said housing and having a plurality of pins exposed at said second end, said pins being configured for electrical connection to a selected one of at least a first interchangeable connector and a second interchangeable connector, the first interchangeable connector having a first pin configuration for mating with said pins of said quick connector and being connected to a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration, the second interchangeable connector having the first pin configuration for mating with said pins of said quick connector and being connected to a third pin configuration different from the first pin configuration and the second pin configuration, the second and third pin configurations being pin configurations of different types of conventional connectors.

2. The flash memory device according to claim 1 wherein said housing includes a loop portion extending from said first end.

3. The flash memory device according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of pins is six female pins arranged in two parallel rows of three pins each.

4. The flash memory device according to claim 3 including a female connector body extending about said pins.

5. The flash memory device according to claim 1 wherein said flash memory drive is electrically connected to said pins.

6. A universal computer cable kit, comprising:

a flash memory device including a flash memory drive connected to a female quick connector;

cable portion having a first end, a second end electrically connected to said first end, and a female quick connector attached to each of said first and second ends;

at least three interchangeable connectors each having a male quick connector electrically connected to a different type of conventional connector and each said male quick connector being adapted to engage said female quick connectors of said flash memory device and said cable portion; and

a container for storing said interchangeable connectors and said flash memory device when not in use.

7. The kit according to claim 6 wherein said flash memory device has a housing with a loop portion extending from one end thereof.

8. The kit according to claim 6 wherein each of said female quick connectors has six female pins arranged in two parallel rows of three pins each.

9. The kit according to claim 8 wherein each of said female quick connectors includes a female connector body extending about said pins.

10. The kit according to claim 8 wherein said flash memory drive is electrically connected to said pins.

11. The kit according to claim 6 including a blister pack enclosing said flash memory device, said universal cable, said interchangeable connectors and said container.

12. The kit according to claim 11 wherein said blister pack has a transparent wall having a plurality of protuberances formed therein receiving said flash memory device, said universal cable, said interchangeable connectors and said container.

13. A flash memory kit comprising:

a flash memory device including a flash memory drive connected to a female quick connector; and

at least two interchangeable connectors each having a male quick connector with a first pin configuration adapted to engage said female quick connector, a first one of said interchangeable connectors having said male quick connector connected to a second pin configuration different from said first pin configuration and a second one of said interchangeable connectors having said male quick connector connected to a third pin configuration different from said first pin configuration and said second pin configuration, said second and third pin configuration being pin configurations of different types of conventional connectors.

14. The flash memory kit according to claim 13 including a container for storing said interchangeable connectors and said flash memory device when not in use.