Universal serial bus (USB) flash drive having locking pins and locking grooves for locking swivel cap

This application is a continuation in part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/478,720, entitled “Electronic Data Storage Medium with Fingerprint Verification Capability”, filed Jan. 6, 2000, which claims CIP benefit to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/366,976, entitled “Integrated Circuit Card with Fingerprint Verification Capability”, filed Aug. 4, 1999, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,130.

This application is further a CIP of a U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/309,594, entitled “Single-Chip Multi-Media Card/Secure Digital (MMC/SD) Controller Reading Power-On Boot Code from integrated Flash Memory for User Storage”, filed on Aug. 28, 2006, which is a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/707,277, entitled “Single-Chip USB Controller Reading Power-On Boot Code from Integrated Flash Memory For User Storage”, filed on Dec. 2, 2003. This application is a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/257,575 entitled “Reduced-Length, Low profile USB Device and Card-Like Carrier” and filed on Oct. 24, 2005. This application relates to U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,780, filed May 13, 2004, and entitled “Portable Computer Peripheral Apparatus with Retractable Plug Connector”, which is incorporated herein by reference as though set in full.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of portable flash drives and particularly to portable drives with swivel caps and optional fingerprint verification capability and methods for manufacturing thereof.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As computers have gained enormous popularity in recent decades, so has the need for better and more efficient ways of storing memory. Notable among memory devices are the portable ones that may be carried around by the user to access computers at different locations. This is particularly common in the case of personal computers (PC) where the need often arises to transfer data from one PC to another. Examples of portable memory devices include nonvolatile memory devices such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive that is removably connectible to a computer.

Universal serial bus (USB) flash drives are available in various shapes and forms. The USB flash drive needs a USB connector to be coupled to a USB port of a host device such as a PC. The USB flash drive generally has a metal casing and a cover which is screwed in or otherwise attached to the casing. To access the USB connector the user needs to open the metal cover and put it back on the casing after finishing the work with the USB flash drive. The shape of the casing and cover may be in the form of a pen or some other configuration.

However, use of the metallic parts such as the casing and the cover generally results in a heavy USB flash drive, which is not very convenient to carry. The dimensions of the casing and cover are often large resulting in a long USB flash drive, which is another impediment to easy carriage of the unit. In addition, once the cover is removed, it may be lost or forgotten and not be replaced.

It is therefore desirable to design and develop a USB flash drive with a relatively short and compact configuration that is light and may therefore be easily carried around by the user. In particular, packaging style and shape of the portable USB flash drive may be improved to generate additional interest and enthusiasm in using the device. In addition, the desired USB flash drive should not incur substantial cost of manufacturing but should rather improve the manufacturing and assembly process over the existing USB flash drives with metallic components.

Another consideration is protection of sensitive materials stored in a portable, removable memory drive. Specifically, it is not uncommon for a user of such a drive to store thereon sensitive or private information. If the drive is lost, misplaced, or stolen, it is often desirable to have a mechanism to prevent, or at least impede, unauthorized users from accessing data stored thereon.

In light of the foregoing, an improved USB flash drive is needed.

Briefly, an embodiment of the present invention includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive with locking swivel cap having a USB device, a swivel cap having a top swivel cap face and a bottom swivel cap face. The swivel cap is connectably attached to the USB device, four locking pins, two of which disposed on the top swivel cap face and two of which disposed on the bottom swivel cap face, two top locking grooves disposed on a top surface of the USB device, and two bottom locking grooves disposed on a bottom surface of the USB device, wherein the locking pins disposed on top swivel cap face coupled with the two top locking grooves and the locking pins disposed on the bottom swivel cap face couple with the two bottom locking grooves allowing the swivel cap to lock in fully open (substantially 180 degrees) and fully closed (substantially 0 degree). A USB connector is connected to the USB device to couple the USB flash drive to a host device. A fingerprint sensor area is disposed on the top side of the USB device, the fingerprint sensor scans fingerprints of a user of the portable flash drive with swivel cap and optional fingerprint verification capability, and allowing access to data stored on the portable flash drive with swivel cap and optional fingerprint verification capability.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which make reference to several figures of the drawing.

FIG. 1 shows a top angular view 134 of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 and a bottom angular view 136 of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top view 138 of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 shown in the open position and a top view 140 of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 shown in the closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view 125 of a slim USB device 126 to include a transparent plastic end-cap 112 , a slim USB housing 114 , a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) with fingerprint sensor 116 , and a PCBA support 118 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a the slim USB device 126 .

FIG. 5 shows a top and bottom view of the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 116 .

FIG. 6 shows a top and side view of the transparent plastic end-cap 112 .

FIG. 7 shows a step in the manufacturing process where the PCB support 118 is inserted into the slim USB housing 114 to form the slim USB housing with PCB support 122 .

FIG. 8 shows a step in the manufacturing process where the PCBA 116 is inserted into the slim USB housing with PCB support 122 to form the slim USB housing with PCBA 124 .

FIG. 9 shows a step in the manufacturing process where the transparent plastic end-cap 112 is inserted into the slim USB housing with PCBA 124 to form the slim USB device 126 .

FIG. 10 , a top angular view of the swivel cap 108 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which piece is comprised of a transparent or translucent plastic material.

FIG. 11 shows a top angular view 106 F of the pivot block 106 and a bottom angular view 106 G of the pivot block 106 to include three pivot block end stops 106 A, a pivot block slope 106 B, pivot block fitting edge 106 C, pivot block ventral face 106 D, pivot block snap coupling 106 E, snap coupling aperture 106 H, pivot block dorsal face 1061 ; and a snap coupling lip 106 J.

FIG. 12 shows a top angular view of the lower housing 110 to include nine snap coupling slots 110 A, lower housing channel 110 B, USB connector opening 110 C, pivot block aperture 110 D, two lock groove snap couplings 110 E, semi-circular shaped end 110 F, and a lower housing lip 110 G in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a bottom angular view 102 K of the upper housing 102 and a top angular view 102 L of the upper housing 102 are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a step in the manufacturing process where the partial USB device assembly 128 is formed by placing the slim USB device 126 and a pivot block 106 into the lower housing 110 .

FIG. 15 shows a step in the manufacturing process where a top angular view of the USB Device 130 assembly is formed by placing a pivot block 106 into the partial USB device assembly 128 and connecting the upper housing 102 to the lower housing 110 .

FIG. 16 , shows a step in the manufacturing process where the USB Device with swivel cap assembly 132 is formed by affixing the sliding the swivel cap 108 onto the USB device 130 .

FIG. 17 shows an alternative embodiment, a USB storage device with one-way swiveling cap 200 is shown to include a USB connector 200 a , an insertion indicator 200 b , USB interface slots 200 c , lower plastic housing 200 d , upper plastic housing 200 e , an LED 200 f , a pivot 200 g , a clear plastic swivel cap 200 h , a lanyard hole 200 i , and an opening in the plastic swivel cap 200 j in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a top angular view 134 of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 and a bottom angular view 136 of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is shown to include a USB device 130 ; a swivel cap 108 ; four lock pins 108 A; a pivot block aperture 102 D; two lock groove snap couplings 102 E; two pivot snap couplings 108 B; two pivot block snap couplings 106 E; a USB connector 126 B; a fingerprint sensor area 126 A; a pivot block aperture 110 D; and two lock groove snap couplings 110 E.

As shown in the top angular view 134 , the USB device 130 has a USB connector 126 B exposed on one end of the device, and the USB device is joined to the swivel cap 108 about the connection of the pivot snap coupling 108 B to the pivot block snap coupling 106 E. Two lock pins 108 A rest within the pivot block aperture 102 D. On the interior face of the pivot block aperture 102 D two lock groove snap couplings 102 E protrude. The lock groove snap couplings 102 E generally protrude inward relative to the pivot block aperture 102 D at an angle that is substantially 0 and 180 degrees about the y-axis. As shown in the bottom angular view 136 , the USB device 130 is joined to the swivel cap 108 about the connection of the pivot snap coupling 108 B to the pivot block snap coupling 106 E. Two lock pins 108 A rest within the pivot block aperture 110 D. On the interior face of the pivot block aperture 110 D two lock groove snap couplings 110 E protrude. The lock groove snap couplings 110 E generally protrude inward relative to the pivot block aperture 110 D at an angle that is substantially 0 and 180 degrees about the y-axis. The fingerprint sensor area 126 A is positioned generally about the center of the USB device 130 .

The swivel cap 108 rotates axially about the pivot snap couplings 108 B. The lock pins 108 A rotate within the pivot block aperture 110 D and pivot block aperture 102 D, where the lock pins 108 A lock into the lock groove snap couplings 102 E and the lock groove snap couplings 110 E at both a substantially 180 degree (“open position”) and substantially 0 degree (“closed position”) positions about the y-axis. That is, the lock pins 108 A snapping into the lock groove snap couplings 102 E and the lock groove snap couplings 110 E when the swivel cap 108 is rotated serve to lock the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 in the open or closed position. When the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is locked in the closed position, the USB device 130 is fully enclosed within the swivel cap 108 to protect the USB device 130 from physical damage. When the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is locked in the open position, the USB connector 126 B and the fingerprint sensor area 126 A are fully exposed for operation. In ordinary use, the swivel cap 108 and the USB device 130 are permanently attached to each other, preventing the swivel cap 108 from being misplaced.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , a top view 138 of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 in the open position and a top view 140 of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 in the closed position are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is shown to include a USB device 130 ; USB connector 126 B; a swivel cap 108 ; a pivot snap coupling 108 B; two USB connector spacer lips 108 D; two fingerprint sensor area spacer lips 108 E; a closed semi-circular end cap 108 F; two lock pins 108 A; a pivot block aperture 102 D; two lock groove snap couplings 102 E; and a pivot block snap coupling 106 E.

As shown in the top view 138 , the USB device 130 is joined to the swivel cap 108 about the connection of the pivot snap coupling 108 B to the pivot block snap coupling 106 E. Two lock pins 108 A rest within the pivot block aperture 102 D. On the interior face of the pivot block aperture 102 D two lock groove snap couplings 102 E protrude. The lock groove snap couplings 102 E generally protrude inward relative to the pivot block aperture 102 D at an angle that is substantially 0 and 180 degrees about the y-axis. In the open position, the swivel cap 108 is rotated axially about the pivot snap coupling 108 B to the open position, generally at 180 degrees. In this position, the lock pins 108 A are coupled with the lock groove snap couplings 102 E in the pivot block aperture 102 D. The USB connector 126 B and fingerprint sensor area 126 A are exposed for operation.

As shown in the top view 140 , the USB device 130 is joined to the swivel cap 108 about the connection of the pivot snap coupling 108 B to the pivot block snap coupling 106 E. Two lock pins 108 A rest within the pivot block aperture 102 D. On the interior face of the pivot block aperture 102 D two lock groove snap couplings 102 E protrude. The lock groove snap couplings 102 E generally protrude inward relative to the pivot block aperture 102 D at an angle that is substantially 0 and 180 degrees about the y-axis. In the open position, the swivel cap 108 is rotated axially about the pivot snap coupling 108 B to the closed position, generally at 0 degrees. In this position, the lock pins 108 A are coupled with the lock groove snap couplings 102 E in the pivot block aperture 102 D.

In the top view 140 , the USB device 130 is enshrouded by the swivel cap 108 , and the fingerprint sensor area spacer lips 108 E and the USB connector spacer lips 108 D occlude gaps in the lateral sides of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 in the closed position. The USB device 130 is of a shorter length than the swivel cap 108 , with the leading edge of the USB connector 126 B generally situated flush with the inward facing edge of the closed semi-circular end cap 108 F of the swivel cap 108 .

The swivel cap 108 rotates axially about the pivot snap couplings 108 B. The lock pins 108 A rotate within the pivot block aperture 110 D and pivot block aperture 102 D, where the lock pins 108 A lock into the lock groove snap couplings 102 E and the lock groove snap couplings 110 E at both the open and closed positions about the y-axis. That is, the lock pins 108 A snapping into the lock groove snap couplings 102 E and the lock groove snap couplings 110 E when the swivel cap 108 is rotated serve to lock the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 in the open or closed position. When the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is locked in the closed position, the USB device 130 is fully enclosed within the swivel cap 108 to protect the USB device 130 from physical damage. The fingerprint sensor area spacer lips 108 E and the USB connector spacer lips 108 D occlude gaps in the lateral facings of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 while in the closed position, preventing damage and debris accumulation due to the intrusion of foreign matter into the area between the interior facing edge of the swivel cap 108 the fingerprint sensor area 126 A and USB connector 126 B respectively. When the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is locked in the open position, the USB connector 126 B and the fingerprint sensor area 126 A are fully exposed for operation. In ordinary use, the swivel cap 108 and the USB device 130 are permanently attached to each other, preventing the swivel cap 108 from being misplaced.

In one alternative embodiment of the invention, there is no fingerprint sensor area 126 A on the USB device 130 . In this embodiment, the swivel cap 108 does not have the fingerprint sensor area spacer lips 108 E as there is no resulting gap in the side of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 in the closed position from the fingerprint sensor area 126 A.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 , an exploded view 125 and complete view 127 of the slim USB device 126 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The slim USB device 126 is shown to be comprised of a transparent plastic end-cap 112 , a slim USB housing 114 , a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) with fingerprint sensor 116 , and a PCBA support 118 . When these devices are placed together they form the completed slim USB device 126 .

The transparent plastic end-cap 112 is shown to include PCBA support shelf 112 d , fingerprint sensor support bars 112 f , LED gap 112 h , guide tabs 112 i , stop bar 112 k , and snap tabs 112 j . The PCBA support shelf 112 d is used to support the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 from below while the fingerprint sensor support bars 112 f flank the fingerprint sensor 116 a to provide additional lateral support. The LED gap 112 i is a space for the LED 116 b to cast light through the transparent transparent plastic end-cap 112 . The guide tabs 112 i help align the transparent plastic end-cap 112 when inserted. The stop bar 112 k prevents over-insertion. The snap tabs 112 j prevent the transparent plastic end-cap from inadvertently falling out. In addition, while this view shows snap-tabs 112 j only on one sides, a second snap tab 112 j is disposed in the same position on the opposite side of the transparent plastic end-cap.

The slim USB housing 114 is shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/874,108, entitled “UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB) FLASH DRIVE HOUSING A SLIM USB DEVICE AND HAVING SWIVEL CAP FUNCTIONALITIES ALLOWING FOR TWO LOCKING POSITIONS”, filed on Oct. 17, 2007, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference as though set forth in full. The slim USB housing 114 is comprised of snap slots 114 a , a recessed surface 114 b , finger-print reader slot 114 c , rear snap-slot 114 d , USB interface slots 114 e , insertion indicator 114 f , stop shoulders 114 g , a front-opening 114 h , and rear guide-slots 114 n , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The recessed surfaces 114 b are slightly lower than the rear top surface 114 i and front top surface 114 j . This slight recession allows the user of the 100 to more easily access the fingerprint reader, which is described later. Disposed near the front of the slim USB housing 114 are two USB interface slots 114 e . These slots, in conformity with USB standards, help lock the 100 into place when coupled with a host device. An insertion indicator 114 f is also disposed near the front of the slim USB housing 114 . The insertion indication informs the user of the device how to insert 100 into a host-device.

The PCBA with fingerprint sensor is shown to include a fingerprint sensor 116 a , an LED 116 b , contact fingers 116 c , a memory chip 116 d , and front leading corners 116 i in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. While it is a single, physical piece, the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 has fore 116 f and aft 116 g portions which differ in width and are demarcated by the PCB shoulders 116 h . The fingerprint sensor 116 a is disposed along the aft portion 116 g of the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 . The fingerprint sensor 116 a is a security device which reads a user's fingerprint and compares it to an exemplar stored on the PCBA before granting read and/or write access to the information stored in the memory chip 116 d . The LED 116 b is disposed immediately behind the fingerprint sensor and emits light when the device is being read from or written to. Four contact fingers 116 c are disposed on the front portion 116 f . The contact fingers 116 c are positioned in conformity with USB standards. The contact fingers 116 c align with corresponding contact pins in the host device and, when connected, transfer data to/from the host device and the 100 .

The PCBA support 118 is shown to include lateral side 118 b , leading lateral side 118 c , lateral side 118 d , floor 118 e , PCBA stop-tabs 118 f , and snap-tabs 118 g in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Sides 118 b , 118 c , and 118 d frame three sides of floor 118 e , leaving opening 118 h to allow the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 to slide into the PCBA support 118 . PCBA stop-tabs 118 f prevent PCBA misalignment during normal use. Snap-tabs 118 g prevent the PCBA support 118 from falling out of the 100 during use.

During a step in the manufacturing process, the PCBA support 118 is inserted into the slim USB housing 114 whereupon snap-tabs 118 g snap into snap-slots 114 d , locking the PCBA support into place forming the slim USB housing with PCBA support 122 . In a second step of the manufacturing process, the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 is inserted into the slim USB housing with PCBA support 122 . The PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 slides into the slim USB housing with PCBA support 122 so that front corners 116 i are positioned underneath the PCB stop-tabs 118 f while the fingerprint sensor 116 a sticks through the fingerprint sensor slot 114 c inbetween the two recessed surfaces 114 b . In a third step in the manufacturing process, the transparent plastic end-cap 112 is inserted into the slim USB housing with PCBA 124 . When the transparent plastic end-cap 112 is fully inserted into the slim USB housing with PCBA 124 , the guide tabs 112 i sit in the alignment slots 114 n . The PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 (now inserted) is supported on the back by the floor 112 d of the transparent plastic end-cap 112 . The fingerprint sensor 116 a is supported laterally by the fingerprint sensor support bars 112 f . Snap-tabs 112 j snap into corresponding snap-slots 114 d to prevent the transparent plastic end-cap from falling out.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a detailed view of the PCBA 116 , showing a top-view 117 and bottom view 119 of the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 116 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The top-view 117 of the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 is shown to include a fingerprint sensor 116 a , an LED 116 b , contact fingers 116 c , a memory chip 116 d , front leading corners 116 i , and fingerprint sensor fits 116 j in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. While it is a single, physical piece, the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 has fore 116 f and aft 116 g portions which differ in width and are demarcated by PCB shoulders 116 h . The fingerprint sensor 116 a is disposed along the aft portion 116 g of the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 . The fingerprint sensor 116 a is a security device which reads a user's fingerprint and compares it to an exemplar stored on the PCBA before granting read and/or write access to the information stored in the memory chip 116 d . The LED 116 b is disposed immediately behind the fingerprint sensor and emits light when the device is being read from or written to. Four contact fingers 116 c are disposed on the front portion 116 f in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The contact fingers are positioned in conformity with USB standards. When 100 is inserted into a host-device, the contact fingers 116 c align with corresponding contact pins in the host device data transfer to/from the host device and the 100 .

The LED 116 b is disposed on the top 117 and bottom 119 sides aft portion 116 g of the PCBA with fingerprint sensor and is disposed behind the memory chip 116 d . The controller chip 116 e is located on the fore portion 116 f , bottom side 119 of the PCBA. The controller chip 116 e controls the flow of data to and from the PCBA/fingerprint sensor 116 and the host device. The controller chip 116 e is also responsible for controlling the fingerprint sensor 116 a 's security functions.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , a more detailed view of the transparent plastic end-cap 112 , showing a side view 113 and top view 115 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The transparent plastic end-cap is shown to include lateral sides 112 a , 112 b , and 112 c , floor 112 d , PCBA grooves 112 e , fingerprint sensor support bars 112 f , gap for fingerprint sensor 112 g , LED gap 112 h , guide tabs 112 i , stop-bar 112 k , and snap-tabs 112 j.

The support grooves 112 e are disposed above lateral sides 112 a and 112 c and below fingerprint sensor supports bars 112 f . In an exemplary application, the rear of PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 fits into the support grooves 112 f thereby stabilizing the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 . The support groves 112 e add lateral and torsional support and help prevent damage to the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 . The fingerprint sensor support bars 112 f give lateral support to the fingerprint sensor 116 a on the PCBA with fingerprint sensor 116 helping to keep it in place when a user swipes his or her finger over the fingerprint sensor 116 a . The LED gap 112 h allows for the LED 116 b to sit inside of it for the purposes of transmitting light that is visible to the user when the 100 is being read or written to. Guide-tabs 112 i guide the transparent plastic end-cap into proper position when inserted into the slim USB housing 114 and fit into the rear guide-slots 114 n on the slim USB housing 114 . Stop-bar 112 k prevents over-insertion. Snap-tab 112 j prevents the transparent plastic end-cap from falling out during normal use.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , which is shown to include the slim USB housing 114 and the PCB support piece 118 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, snap slots 114 a are used to hold the PCB support piece 118 in place after the PCB support piece 118 is slid into the front opening 114 h of the slim USB housing 114 . Corresponding snap-tabs 118 g snap into the snap slots 114 a holding the PCB support piece 118 in place. Guide shoulders 114 g act as stops, preventing the completed slim USB device from sliding past the lower housing lip 110 g when placed into the plastic casing. Lateral side 118 b , leading lateral side 118 c , lateral side 118 d , and floor 118 e support the PCB when it is inserted into the slim USB housing. Stop-tabs 118 f are disposed at the corner of lateral sides 118 b and 118 d and leading lateral side 118 c . These tabs prevent the PCB from lifting up and becoming misaligned during normal use.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , showing a step in the manufacturing process, the PCBA 116 and the slim USB housing with PCB support 122 are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the PCBA 116 is shown to include the fingerprint sensor 116 a , light emitting diode (LED) 116 b , contact fingers 116 c , and memory chip 116 d.

During this step of the manufacturing process, the PCBA 116 is inserted into the slim USB housing with PCB support 122 to form slim USB housing with PCBA 124 . After proper insertion, the front corners 116 i of the PCBA 116 align themselves under the PCB stop-tabs 118 f . In addition, the fingerprint sensor fits into the fingerprint sensor slot 114 c.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , showing a step in the manufacturing process where the transparent plastic end-cap 112 is inserted into the slim USB housing with PCBA inserted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the transparent plastic end-cap 112 is inserted until the snap tabs 112 j snap into the rear snap-slots 114 d and the stop-bar 112 k is flush against the rear top surface 114 i to form the slim USB device 126 .

Referring now to FIG. 10 , a top angular view 142 of the swivel cap 108 is shown and a top angular view 144 of the swivel cap 108 are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The swivel cap 108 is shown to include four lock pins 108 A; two pivot snap couplings 108 B; swivel cap slot 108 C; four USB connector spacer lips 108 D; two fingerprint sensor area spacer lips 108 E; closed semi-circular end cap 108 F; open semi-circular end point 108 G; top swivel cap face 108 H; bottom swivel cap face 108 I; and two USB connector gaps 108 J. The swivel cap 108 is made of a transparent or translucent plastic material in an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the top angular view 142 , the swivel cap 108 is generally in the shape of a rectangular box with a open semi-circular end point 108 G and a closed semi-circular end cap 108 F opposite each other. A swivel cap slot 108 C traverses the length of the swivel cap 108 from the outer edge of the open semi-circular end point 108 G to the interior edge of the closed semi-circular end cap 108 F such that the swivel cap 108 has one open end and one closed end. The swivel cap slot 108 C separates the top swivel cap face 108 H from the bottom swivel cap face 108 I such that the two components are joined by the closed semi-circular end cap 108 F.

As shown in the top angular view 144 , abutting the interior edge of the closed semi-circular end cap 108 F, two USB connector spacer lips 108 D protrude from the outer adjoining edges of the swivel cap slot 108 C faces of both the top swivel cap face 108 H and the bottom swivel cap face 108 I. In one embodiment of the invention, the four USB connector spacer lips 108 D are thin rectangular protuberances of a length along the exterior edge of the top swivel cap face 108 H and bottom swivel cap face 108 I generally equal to that of the USB connector 126 B. The four USB connector spacer lips 108 D create two USB connector gaps 108 J through which the USB connector 126 B of the USB device 130 may pass freely. Generally centered about the y-axis of the swivel cap 108 , two fingerprint sensor area spacer lips 108 E protrude from the opposing outer edges of the swivel cap slot 108 C face of the top swivel cap face 108 H. In one embodiment of the invention, the fingerprint sensor area spacer lips 108 E are thin rectangular protuberances generally contoured to mirror the contour of the recessed area 102 N, and they are of a length along the exterior edge of the top swivel cap face 108 H substantially equal to that of the recessed area 102 N. The two fingerprint sensor area spacer lips 108 E obstruct access to the fingerprint sensor area 126 A when the USB device 130 is swiveled into the swivel cap slot 108 C.

As shown in the top angular view 144 , on the swivel cap slot 108 C facing of the bottom swivel cap face 108 I and generally centered on the open semi-circular end point 108 G, two lock pins 108 A protrude from the bottom swivel cap face 108 I aligned along the y-axis, with a pivot snap coupling 108 B protruding generally equidistantly from the bottom swivel cap face 108 I between the two lock pins 108 A. On the swivel cap slot 108 C facing of the top swivel cap face 108 H and generally centered on the open semi-circular end point 108 G, two lock pins 108 A protrude from the top swivel cap face 108 H aligned along the y-axis, with a pivot snap coupling 108 B protruding generally equidistantly from the top swivel cap face 108 H between the two lock pins 108 A. In one embodiment of the invention, the lock pins 108 A are cylindrical projections of a height generally equal to that of the distance between the snap coupling lip 106 J and the pivot block dorsal face 106 I. The pivot snap coupling is a cylindrical projection bisected about the x-axis, with a tapered flange circumscribing the top of the projection.

The swivel cap 108 is formed from a transparent or translucent plastic material so as to allow the light emanating from the pivot block aperture 110 D and pivot block aperture 102 D to remain visible. The swivel cap 108 protects the USB device 130 from physical damage by enshrouding the USB device 130 within the swivel cap slot 108 C when the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is in the closed position. The swivel cap 108 connects permanently for normal use to the USB device 130 via the two pivot snap couplings 108 B, preventing the swivel cap 108 from being misplaced. The pivot snap couplings 108 B permit the USB device 130 to rotate axially about the pivot snap couplings 108 B once they are connected to the two pivot block snap couplings 106 E of the USB device 130 . The lock pins 108 A rest within the pivot block aperture 110 D and pivot block aperture 102 D such that when the swivel cap 108 is rotated to the 0 or 180 degree position about the y-axis, the lock pins 108 A couple with the lock groove snap couplings 102 E and the lock groove snap couplings 110 E to lock the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 into the closed or open position. In the closed position, the USB connector spacer lips 108 D and the fingerprint sensor area spacer lips 108 E occlude the resultant gaps in the lateral sides of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 when it is in the closed position.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , a top angular view 106 F of the pivot block 106 and a bottom angular view 106 G of the pivot block 106 are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The pivot block 106 is shown to include three pivot block end stops 106 A; a pivot block slope 106 B; pivot block fitting edge 106 C; pivot block ventral face 106 D; pivot block snap coupling 106 E; snap coupling aperture 106 H; pivot block dorsal face 106 I; and a snap coupling lip 106 J. The pivot block 106 is made of a transparent or translucent plastic material in an embodiment of the present invention.

In the top angular view 106 F, the pivot block 106 is shown generally to be cylindrical in shape with three cube shaped pivot block end stops 106 A protruding from the lateral face of the pivot block 106 . Two of the end stops 106 A are positioned on the lateral face of the pivot block 106 opposite each other, and one end stop 106 A is position on the lateral face of the pivot block 106 opposite the rectangularly shaped fitting edge 106 C, which is shown as a flattened and slightly protruding rectangular area on the lateral face of the pivot block 106 . Protruding from the dorsal face 106 I of the pivot block 106 is the pivot block snap coupling 106 E. The pivot block snap coupling 106 E is a cylindrical shaped protuberance from the dorsal face 106 I consisting of a snap coupling lip 106 J and a snap coupling aperture 106 H. The snap coupling lip 106 J is a lip generally protruding inward relative to the snap coupling aperture 106 H toward the snap coupling aperture 106 H from the cylindrical body of the pivot block snap coupling 106 E where the diameter of the snap coupling aperture 106 H is generally smaller than the inner diameter of the pivot block snap coupling 106 E. The snap coupling aperture 106 H is a circle-shaped opening cut out from the same end of the pivot block snap coupling 106 E as the snap coupling lip 106 J.

In the bottom angular view 106 G, a pivot block slope 106 B is shown on the bottom side of the pivot block 106 . The pivot block slope 106 B is centered about the pivot block snap coupling 106 E, with an inner diameter equal to that of the pivot block snap coupling 106 E and an outer diameter being less than that of the outer diameter of the pivot block 106 . A concave slope angling downward from the outer diameter of the pivot block slope 106 B to the inner diameter of the pivot block slope 106 B. In some embodiments of the invention, the angle of the slope in the pivot block slope 106 B may be generally shallow or generally steep. The pivot block ventral face 106 D is the bottom face of the pivot block 106 generally shaped as a ring with the inner diameter equal to and adjoining the outer diameter of the pivot block slope 106 B and an outer diameter equal in size and dimension of the pivot block 106 . In one embodiment of the invention, the pivot block ventral face 106 D is flat and smooth.

The pivot blocks 106 serve to connect the swivel cap 108 to the USB device 130 via the connection of the pivot block snap couplings 106 E and the pivot snap couplings 108 B. The placement of the three pivot block end stops 106 A and the pivot block fitting edge 106 C prevent the pivot blocks 106 from rotating within the USB device 130 when the swivel cap 108 is rotated. The pivot blocks 106 also serve to transmit light from the transparent plastic end-cap 112 in order to signal that the USB device 130 is powered, as well as when data transfer is occurring.

Referring now to FIG. 12 a top angular view of the lower housing 110 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lower housing 110 is shown to include nine snap coupling slots 110 A; lower housing channel 110 B; USB connector opening 110 C; pivot block aperture 110 D, two lock groove snap couplings 110 E; semi-circular shaped end 110 F; and a lower housing lip 110 G. The lower housing 110 is made of plastic in an embodiment of the present invention.

The lower housing 110 is generally shaped as a partially rectangular box with a USB connector opening 110 C at one end and a semi-circular shaped end 110 F opposite the connector opening, bounded by the lip 110 G. The USB connector opening 110 C is rectangularly shaped and of a width less than the width of the front end of the lower housing 110 , with both end points of the opening 110 C terminating at an interior face of the lower housing lip 110 G. The lower housing 110 is hollowed by a channel 110 B, with the boundaries of the lower housing 110 elevated above the channel 110 B to form a lip 110 G. The lip 110 G extends from one edge of the USB connector opening 110 C around the boundaries of the lower housing 110 to the opposite edge of the USB connector opening 110 C. A plurality of snap coupling slots 110 A exist on the interior facing edge of the lip 110 G. A circular shaped pivot block aperture 110 D is in the channel 110 B near the semi-circular shaped end 110 F, where two opposing lock groove snap couplings 110 E protrude from the interior edge of the pivot block aperture 110 D. The lock groove snap couplings 110 E generally point inward relative to the pivot block aperture 110 D at an angle that is substantially 0 and 180 degrees about the y-axis.

During assembly of the USB device 130 , the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 102 are snapped together, thereby encasing the slim USB device 126 from its rearward end to the base of the USB connector 126 B, and two pivot blocks 106 . The pivot block aperture 110 D permits the pivot block snap coupling 106 E to connect to the pivot snap coupling 108 B. The pivot block aperture 110 D also permits the lock pins 108 A to rest within the pivot block aperture 110 D, as well as to snap into the lock groove snap couplings 110 E.

Referring now to FIG. 13 , a bottom angular view 102 K of the upper housing 102 and a top angular view 102 L of the upper housing 102 are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The upper housing 102 is shown to include nine snap coupling tabs 102 A; fingerprint sensor area opening 102 B; two fingerprint sensor bar slots 102 C; pivot block aperture 102 D; two lock groove snap couplings 102 E; USB connector opening 102 F; upper housing channel 102 G; upper housing semi-circular shaped end 102 H; upper housing lip 102 I; four fingerprint sensor bounding blocks 102 J; outer surface 102 M; and a recessed area 102 N. The upper housing 102 is made of plastic in an embodiment of the present invention.

In the bottom angular view 102 L, the upper housing 102 is generally shaped as a partially rectangular box with a USB connector opening 102 F at one end and a semi-circular shaped end 102 H opposite the connector opening, bounded by an upper housing lip 102 I. The USB connector opening 102 F is rectangularly shaped and of a width less than the width of the front end of the upper housing 102 , with both end points of the USB connector opening 102 F terminating at an interior face of the upper housing lip 102 I. The upper housing 102 is hollowed by a channel 102 G, with the boundaries of the upper housing 102 elevated above the channel 102 G to form a lip 102 I. The lip 102 I extends from one edge of the USB connector opening 102 F around the boundaries of the upper housing 102 to the opposite edge of the USB connector opening 102 F. A plurality of snap coupling tabs 102 A protrude upward from the top facing edge of the lip 102 I. A circular shaped pivot block aperture 102 D is cut into the channel 102 G near the semi-circular shaped end 102 H. The pivot block aperture 102 D has two opposing lock groove snap couplings 102 E protruding from the interior edge of the pivot block aperture 102 D. The lock groove snap couplings 102 E generally point inward relative to the pivot block aperture 102 D at an angle that is substantially 0 and 180 degrees about the y-axis.

A rectangular-shaped fingerprint sensor area opening 102 B is cut into the upper housing channel 102 G generally near the middle of the upper housing 102 . The fingerprint sensor area opening 102 B spans from the interior facing of the upper housing lip 102 I on one side of the upper housing 102 to the other interior facing of the upper housing lip 102 I on the other side. A fingerprint sensor bounding block 102 J protrudes upward from the channel 102 G and inward from the lip 102 I at each corner of the opening 102 B. The fingerprint sensor bounding blocks 102 J create fingerprint sensor bar slots 102 C in the space between each pair of fingerprint sensor bounding blocks 102 J on both sides of the fingerprint sensor area opening 102 B. In one embodiment of the invention, the width of the fingerprint sensor bar slots 102 C correspond to the lateral dimension of the fingerprint sensor fits 116 J.

In the top angular view 102 L of the upper housing 102 , a recessed area 102 N surrounding the fingerprint sensor area opening 102 B is shown on the outer surface 102 M of the upper housing 102 . The recessed area 102 N surrounds the fingerprint sensor area opening 102 B and is generally shaped as a flat impression, with the forward and rearward facing edges of the recessed area 102 B consisting of the fingerprint sensor bounding blocks 102 J and the fingerprint sensor bar slots 102 C.

During assembly of the USB device 130 , the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 102 are snapped together, thereby encasing the slim USB device 126 from its rearward end to the base of the USB connector 126 B, and two pivot blocks 106 . The pivot block aperture 110 D permits the pivot block snap coupling 106 E to connect to the pivot snap coupling 108 B. The pivot block aperture 110 D also permits the lock pins 108 A to rest within the pivot block aperture 110 D, as well as to snap into the lock groove snap couplings 110 E. The fingerprint sensor area opening 102 B serves to provide access to fingerprint sensor area 126 A, with the contoured design of the recessed area 102 N aiding passage of a finger past the fingerprint sensor area 126 A.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fingerprint sensor area 126 A is not present on the slim USB device 126 . In this embodiment, the fingerprint sensor area opening 102 B, fingerprint sensor bar slots 102 C, fingerprint sensor bounding blocks 102 J, and recessed area 102 N are not present on the upper housing 102 .

Referring now to FIG. 14 , a top angular view of the partial USB device assembly 128 is shown formed by placing the slim USB device 126 and a pivot block 106 into the lower housing 110 as step 4 used in the manufacturing process of the DEVICE NAME in accordance with a method of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the slim USB device 126 is placed into the lower housing channel 110 B of the lower housing 110 with the USB connector 126 B protruding through the USB connector opening 110 C and with the finger print sensor area 126 A facing away from the bottom of the lower housing 110 . The slim USB device 126 is placed into the lower housing channel 110 B such that the guide shoulders 114 G abut the interior edge of the lower housing lip 110 G on both sides of the USB connector opening 110 C. The lateral sides of the slim USB device 128 abut the interior facing edge of the lower housing lip 110 G with little to no clearance so as to create a substantially tight friction fit. A pivot block 106 is placed into the lower housing channel 110 B of the lower housing 110 in the semi-circular protuberance 110 F with the pivot block snap coupling 106 E protruding generally through the center of the pivot block aperture 110 D of the lower housing 110 . The pivot block 106 is oriented such that the pivot block end stops 106 A align with the snap coupling slots 110 A in the lower housing lip 110 G circumscribing the semi-circular protuberance 110 F. The pivot block fitting edge 106 C of the pivot block 106 adjoins the rear end of the transparent plastic end-cap 112 with little to no clearance so as to create a substantially tight friction fit.

While an exemplary method of assembling the partial USB device assembly 128 is shown and described, other methods are contemplated, such as performing certain steps in a different order.

Referring now to FIG. 15 , a top angular view of the USB Device 130 assembly is shown formed by placing a pivot block 106 into the partial USB device assembly 128 and connecting the upper housing 102 to the lower housing 110 as step 5 used in the manufacturing process of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 in accordance with a method of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 15 , a pivot block 106 is placed on top of the pivot block 106 in the partial USB device assembly 128 such that the pivot block ventral faces 106 D of the two pivot blocks 106 are in substantially full and direct contact, and both pivot blocks 106 are oriented in the same direction. The upper housing 102 is connected to the lower housing 110 of the partial USB device assembly 128 with the USB connector 126 B protruding through the USB connector opening 102 F, and with the fingerprint sensor area 126 A aligned with the fingerprint sensor area opening 102 B. When properly aligned, the pivot block snap coupling 106 E of the pivot block 106 placed in this step will protrude generally from the center of the pivot block aperture 102 D, and the upper housing snap coupling tabs 102 A will align with the lower housing snap coupling slots 110 A. The snap coupling tabs 102 A snap into the snap coupling alots 110 A, firmly encasing the slim USB device 126 and the two pivot blocks 106 within the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 102 . Additionally, the fingerprint sensor fits 116 J will fully obstruct the fingerprint sensor bar slots 102 C upon connection of the upper housing 102 to the lower housing 110 , creating a substantially uniform surface in the recessed area 102 N. The fingerprint sensor bar 116 A protrudes from the fingerprint sensor area opening 102 B in the formed USB device assembly 130 .

While an exemplary method of assembling the USB device 130 is shown and described, other methods are contemplated, such as performing certain steps in a different order.

Referring now to FIG. 16 , a top angular view of the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is shown formed by affixing the sliding the swivel cap 108 onto the USB device 130 as step 6 used in the manufacturing process of the DEVICE NAME in accordance with a method of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is formed by sliding the swivel cap 108 onto the USB device 130 such that the pivot snap couplings 108 B of the swivel cap 108 and the pivot block snap couplings 106 E of the USB device 130 snap into each other. After the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is formed, the swivel cap 108 rotates axially about the pivot snap couplings 108 B. The lock pins 108 A rotate within the pivot block aperture 110 D and pivot block aperture 102 D, where the lock pins 108 A lock into the lock groove snap couplings 102 E and the lock groove snap couplings 110 E at both the 180 degree (“open position”) and 0 degree (“closed position”) positions about the y-axis. That is, the lock pins 108 A snapping into the lock groove snap couplings 102 E and the lock groove snap couplings 110 E when the swivel cap 108 is rotated serve to lock the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 in the open or closed position. When the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is locked in the closed position, the USB device 130 is fully enclosed within the swivel cap 108 . When the USB flash drive with locking swivel cap 132 is locked in the open position, the USB connector 126 B and the fingerprint sensor area 126 A are fully exposed for operation.

Referring now to FIG. 17 , a USB storage device with one-way swiveling cap 200 is shown to include a USB connector 200 a , an insertion indicator 200 b , USB interface slots 200 c , lower plastic housing 200 d , upper plastic housing 200 e , an LED 200 f , a pivot 200 g , a clear plastic swivel cap 200 h , a lanyard hole 200 i , and an opening in the plastic swivel cap 200 j in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The USB connector 200 a is built in conformity with USB standards and allows the USB storage device with one-way swiveling cap 200 to be inserted into and interact with a host device. Insertion indicator 200 b instructs the user on how to insert the USB storage device with one-way swiveling cap 200 . USB interface slots 200 c prevent the USB storage device with one-way swiveling cap 200 from becoming inadvertently dislodged. Lower plastic housing 200 d and upper plastic housing 200 e protect the internals, which are substantially similar to those described earlier. The internals are not further discussed to avoid duplicative description. LED light 200 f is used to indicate power to the device and to inform the user when data is being read from or written to the device. The pivot 200 g allows the rotatably attached swivel cap 200 h with opening 200 k to swivel in a substantially 180 degree arc along the Y axis. In an open position, the USB storage device with one-way swiveling cap 200 may be inserted into a host device. In a closed position, the USB storage device with one-way swiveling cap is enclosed in the swivel cap 200 h and thereby protected from damage. The plastic swivel cap has two molded ridges 200 j that fit around the USB connector 200 a . The molded ridges 200 j provide a more snug fit and better protect the USB connector 200 a from damage. The swivel cap 200 h also has a molded hole 200 i allowing the user to, for example, attach a lanyard.