Patent Application
20090190298
The present invention relates generally to the field of computers and peripheral devices used with computers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cover for a flash memory stick device that is both functional for protecting the device during non-use as well as ornamental whether the device is being used or not. It also relates to such a cover that can be alternatively configured to serve as an item to fulfill the ornamental and decorative interests of users of the cover.
The current demand for computers and for peripheral computer devices has exploded as manufacturers of computers and peripheral computer devices attempt to keep up with consumer expectations. Although computers are viewed as a “tool” by most consumers, the same consumers also want to experience some level of “fun” in using their computers.
One such peripheral computer device is the “flash memory stick device,” also known as a “flash stick,” “flash memory stick,” “memory stick,” “jump drive” or “universal serial bus (USB) flash drive.” It is to be understood that the term “memory stick” as used in this application incorporates all of these terms and any others that may be used to describe the same device, including like devices not yet fully configured and names not yet given to such devices. The memory stick device uses a non-volatile computer memory that does not require an independent power supply to maintain the information stored on a solid state computer chip housed within the memory stick. Flash memory can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. Generally speaking, such memory sticks are typically small, lightweight and highly portable, the memory stick being easily insertable to, and removable from, the computing device that it is used with. However, as compared to conventional floppy disks, for example, memory sticks are faster, hold more data and are generally more reliable and durable. Hence, their popularity and the great likelihood that such devices will be used for many years to come.
As alluded to above, memory sticks consist generally of a small printed circuit board that is housed in a plastic or metal casing, such casing being sturdy enough to be carried in a consumer's pocket or even on his or her keychain. Only the male connector of the memory stick, which is insertable into a like-configured female connector, protrudes from the casing and, when not in use, the male connector of the memory stick is often covered by a removable cap or other suitable cover for protection of that male connector. In the experience of this inventor, such caps or covers can become unintentionally lost or misplaced, which leaves the male connector exposed and subject to damage.
As also alluded to above, in order to access the data stored in the memory stick, the memory stick must be connected to a computer. This is typically accomplished by plugging the male connector of the memory stick into a host controller that is built into the computer, or into is a separate USB port or USB hub, for example. An important aspect of the memory stick is that it draws all of its necessary power from the supply provided by the host computer. Accordingly, memory sticks are “active” only when plugged into a corresponding computer connection. The memory stick used in accordance with the device of the present invention must have functional capabilities similar to those that are possessed by other similar computer memory devices. However, the exact nature of each of these capabilities is largely irrelevant for purposes of the present invention.
Well known in the art are certain “custom configured” memory sticks that are manufactured to represent various commercial logos and other types of promotional materials. Notwithstanding the existence of such custom configured memory sticks, most, if not all, of those memory sticks still require the use of a removable cap or other suitable cover for protection of the male connector of the memory stick. Again, in the experience of this inventor, such caps or covers can become unintentionally lost or misplaced, which leaves the male connector exposed and subject to damage.
In the view of this inventor, what is needed is a device for protecting the memory stick connector when the memory stick is not in use. When used as intended in this manner, the device would be both a functional and an ornamental structure. What is also needed is such a cover that, when the same cover is attached to the memory stick when it is in use, i.e. when the memory stick is “docked” to the input port of a computer, the cover would serve more as an ornamental structure.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a memory stick cover that is both ornamental and functional in its capabilities. It is another object of the present invention to provide such a cover that can be configured in an infinite variety of shapes such that the user will also consider the cover somewhat of a novelty item, configured in the shape of an item that is of particular interest to the user.
The device of the present invention has obtained these objects. It provides for the use of a memory stick cover that is configured to be used by a consumer for receiving and protecting the connector of the memory stick when the memory stick is being transported and otherwise not in use. It also provides for a memory stick cover that is somewhat of a novelty item, the cover being removable from the connector end and placed over the opposite end of the memory stick when the memory stick is connected to a computer. The memory stick cover of the present invention may be configured of a moldable material such as rubber. Alternatively, it may consist of a hard-covered material with a rubber or other pliable material insert, the insert being configured to receive and protect the male connector of the memory stick.
The foregoing and other features of the memory stick cover of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numbered elements refer to like elements throughout,
As shown in
In the generic embodiment shown, it will also be seen that the cavity 18 is functionally adapted to receive the male connector 24 of the flash memory stick device 20 when the flash memory stick device 20 is removed from the cover body 12 and rotated 1800 as is shown in
It is to be understood that the cover 10 could be configured in any number of ornamental, decorative and/or novelty configurations. The preferred embodiment of the cover body 12 would be to manufacture it from a plastic-like or rubber-like material having a somewhat high coefficient of friction such that the body 22 of the flash is memory stick device 20 is maintained within the cavity 18 of the cover body 12. Absent this frictional fit, the flash memory stick device would tend to be easily dislodged from within the cavity 18. The use of a resilient plastic-like or rubber-like material also allows the deformation of the cover body 12 and the cavity 18 in the situation where the shape of the flash memory stick device 20 is different than the generally rectangularly-shaped cavity 18 as is illustrated herein. The cavity 18, as shown, is in the form of a right rectangular prism, also known as an “oblong prism” or a “cuboid.” That is, if the flash memory stick device 20 is a generally squared-off device, it will fit well within the similarly-shaped cavity 18. But where the flash memory stick device 20 has a more rounded contour to it or is slightly larger than the cavity 18, it will be necessary for the sidewalls of the cavity 18 to be flexible such that they can be pushed outwardly to allow for insertion of the flash memory stick device 10 into the cavity 18. Such materials that could accomplish this functionality would include any pliant rubber or plastic material. It would also be possible, and fully within the scope of this invention, to use a pliant rubber or plastic material that is surrounded by a shell or covering of harder material (not shown), the specific materials not being a limitation of the present invention. The material could be a hard plastic, thin metal or a combination of those materials. Either of these embodiments, a softer cover or a soft cover overlaid by a harder shell, would accomplish the intended result.
Referring now to
It would also be possible to utilize small lights, or light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) to provide the effect of headlights in the case of the toy car 102 or illuminated eyes in the case of an animal or human figurine (not shown). Such lights or LEDs could be used for other features of any particular cover design or configuration. The lights or LEDs could also be configured to illuminate only when the flash memory stick device 20 is in use. The energy source for such embodiment could be a separate direct current battery with a switch (not shown). Alternatively, the energy is source could be a small amount of electrical energy derived or diverted from the computer that is using the flash memory stick device 20. The present invention is not limited as to any particular use of lights or LEDs as an added enhancement to the device of the present invention.
This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/023,160 filed Jan. 24, 2008.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61023160 | Jan 2008 | US |
