TWI406625B - Expandable and collapsible peripheral device and method of making same - Google Patents

Abstract

An expandable and collapsible peripheral device is disclosed, along with methods of manufacturing same. When in an expanded state, the peripheral device may have a length which conforms to the ExpressCard standard, and when in a collapsed state, the peripheral device may have a form factor approximating that of a CompactFlash card. Peripheral devices of the present invention may operate according to standards other than the ExpressCard standard, and may have sizes in the expanded and collapsed positions unrelated to ExpressCards and/or CompactFlash cards.

Description

Peripherable device capable of stretching and folding and manufacturing method thereof

A particular embodiment of the invention relates to a stretchable and foldable peripheral device and method of making same.

The following application is related to Jonathan Hubert et al., "Expandable and Collapsible Peripheral Device", US Patent Application No. ___ [Agent File Number SAND-01176US0], and entitled " US Patent Application No. ___ [Agent File Number SAND-01176US1] for the method of making an Expandable and Collapsible Peripheral Device, the case is filed on the same day; the applications The entire text is incorporated herein by reference.

The need for high-capacity storage devices has been driven by the rapidly growing demand for portable consumer electronic devices. Non-volatile semiconductor memory devices, such as flash memory memory cards, have become increasingly popular to meet the surge in digital information storage and exchange. Its portability, versatility and rugged design, along with its high reliability and large storage capacity, have made such memory ideal for use in a variety of electronic devices, including digital cameras, digital music players, video. Game console, PDA and cellular phone.

A popular type of flash memory device is a CompactFlash manufactured by SanDisk Corporation of Milpitas, California. Memory card. Despite being used in a variety of different applications, CompactFlash memory cards have been adopted as the de facto standard in the professional and consumer imaging markets. Although there are several reasons why this is so (including the large storage capacity and low cost per megabyte), the form factor of the CompactFlash memory card has proven to be an important contributor. For sizes of 43 mm by 36 mm, the card is large enough for easy handling and small enough to be transported and used in today's high resolution digital cameras. Experts and consumers feel comfortable and increasingly accustomed to memory cards of this size.

A few years ago, a consortium of member companies of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) developed ExpressCard The perimeter has become a new standard for PC card technology. Compared to older PC cards, ExpressCard technology uses a simple connector and eliminates the old PC card controller by using PCI-Express and USB ports that are directly connected to the host device. Compared to older generation PC cards, the result is faster transfer rates, better performance in host systems, and lower cost with card slot implementation.

Because of these advantages, there are compelling technical and commercial reasons why the popularity of the ExpressCard standard will continue to grow. However, standard ExpressCards come in two sizes: the ExpressCard/34 is 75 mm by 34 mm, while the ExpressCard/54 has 75 mm and 54 mm sides. Both are significantly larger than the CompactFlash card. Therefore, consumers and experts who are accustomed to CompactFlash form factors may adopt the ExpressCard standard more slowly. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a peripheral device that can use the size, appearance, and feel of a CompactFlash card according to the ExpressCard standard.

Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a peripheral device that can be stretched and folded and a method of making the same. According to a specific embodiment, when in the extended state, the The peripheral device can have a length that conforms to the ExpressCard standard, and when in the folded state, the peripheral device can have a form factor that is close to the CompactFlash card. The peripheral device includes an outer jacket defining a hollow interior space in which a semiconductor card and actuator system can be enclosed. A connector is provided in the front end of the peripheral device for transmitting signals between the card and the host device to which the peripheral device is connected.

The actuation system can generally include a mechanical release, a biasing mechanism, and a locking mechanism. In general, the biasing mechanism biases the peripheral device into an extended position. In a specific embodiment, the biasing mechanism can include a pair of springs that wrap around the telescoping rod. A spring is provided under compression and has a bias to the first end of the card; and a second end biased toward the back end of the sheath to bias the components away from each other. In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism applies a load such that upon actuation of the mechanical release member, the peripheral device quickly snaps into and completely from the folded position to the extended position. The present invention encompasses other mechanical configurations for biasing the sheath and the cards away from each other.

The mechanical release member provides a biasing force relative to the biasing mechanism to retain the peripheral device in the folded position. In a particular embodiment, the mechanical release member can be attached to the sheath and includes a buckle that engages the lip provided in the front portion of the card. When the mechanical release member is depressed, the buckle may not touch the lip, thereby allowing the card to freely extend away from the sheath under the biasing force of the biasing mechanism. Other mechanical configurations are also contemplated for latching the boot and card together.

In a particular embodiment, the mechanical release member can be manually actuated by a user of the peripheral device, or it can be inserted into the slot of a host device when the peripheral device is inserted Automatically actuated. In a self-expanding embodiment, the mechanism can be provided in a peripheral device and/or a host device such that the peripheral device is only used in an elongated slot (e.g., within an ExpressCard slot) having a size that accommodates the extended peripheral device. Only stretched. In a specific embodiment, the mechanical release member is automatically actuated when inserted into an elongated slot due to the upper surface of the slot contacting the mechanical release when the peripheral device is inserted. The same peripheral device can be inserted into a compact host device slot by providing a channel in the host device slot that does not require extension, wherein the channel receives the mechanical release when the peripheral device is inserted. Thus, in the compact device slot, the slot does not have any partial contact release mechanism and the peripheral device remains in the folded position. The present invention contemplates extending the peripheral device when used in an elongated slot and retaining the device in a other configuration in a folded position when used in a tight slot.

The locking mechanism can be provided to ensure that once extended, the peripheral device remains in the extended position and the peripheral device is pushed into mating contact with the host device slot. In a particular embodiment, the locking mechanism can include a pair of rods that are rotatable about individual pins that are mounted within the sheath. Each of the rods may include a first end provided along one side of the card and a second end having a button. A spring can wrap the pin to bias the first end toward the side of the card.

The locking mechanism does not interfere with the extension of the card relative to the sheath when in a folded position. However, once the card extends through the first end of the rods, the first ends of the rods rotate inwardly, wherein the first end blocks the card from moving back to the folded position. When the first end is rotated inward, the button at the opposite end rotates outwardly and projects the opening provided in the sheath. After the peripheral device is withdrawn from the host device slot, the buttons can be manually depressed inwardly to move the first end away from the card. this The action allows the user to manually resist the force of the biasing mechanism to cause the sheath to slide back on the card until the mechanical release again latches the peripheral device in the folded position. Other mechanical configurations for releasably locking the peripheral device in an extended position have been contemplated.

The peripheral device can operate within an ExpressCard slot and, in an extended position, can have a length of about 75 mm and a width of about 34 mm. In this embodiment, the peripheral device can operate as other conventional ExpressCards. However, the peripheral device can be folded when not in an ExpressCard slot, wherein it can have a length of about 40 to 45 mm and a width of about 34 mm. This size is about the same as the conventional CompactFlash card. Therefore, a user accustomed to the size, appearance and feel of a conventional CompactFlash card can still use a peripheral device of this size for its digital camera, video camera or other device, while taking advantage of the advantages of the ExpressCard interface that must be provided. . The peripheral device of the present invention can operate according to standards other than the ExpressCard standard, and can have dimensions that are independent of ExpressCards and/or CompactFlash cards in the extended and folded positions.

Specific embodiments will now be described with respect to Figures 1 through 10 regarding stretchable and foldable peripheral devices, and methods of making the same. It is to be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed Rather, these specific embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and fully convey the invention. Indeed, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the embodiments of the invention Within the scope and spirit. In addition, in the following detailed description of the invention, numerous specific details are However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details.

Figures 1 through 3 show a peripheral device 100 in a folded position. The device 100 can include a front end 102 and a back end 104 as shown. The outer sheath 106 of the outer casing for a card and actuator system, as seen in Figure 1, is as described below. The sheath 106 can be formed from metal, plastic, or various other materials, and can include a wall defining a hollow space within which the card and actuator system can be enclosed. The back end 104 can include a finger grip 108 on a top and/or bottom of the sheath that can be used to grasp the sheath 106 and the peripheral device 100 when inserted or removed. The finger grip 108 can be omitted in a particular embodiment of the invention.

A connector 110 is shown in the front view of FIG. 2 and is provided within the front end 102 of the device. Connector 110 is provided for transmitting signals between the card and a host device to which peripheral device 100 is coupled. Connector 110 can be a 26-pin, beam-on-blade style connector for the ExpressCard standard, but covers other types of connectors.

As seen in Figures 1-4, device 100 can further include a mechanical release member 112 for permitting peripheral device 100 to be moved from a folded position to an extended position shown in Figure 4, and as described in more detail below. As also explained below, although the mechanical release 112 is shown on one of the top surfaces of the peripheral device 100 (closest to the front end 102), in an alternative embodiment, the mechanical release 112 can be along one or both side edges and / or closest to the device back end 104 Bit.

In the extended position shown in Figure 4, the card 114 is shown extending from within the sheath 106. Card 114 can be or include any of a variety of semiconductor devices having integrated circuitry. In a specific embodiment, the card 114 can be, for example, a flash memory module for reading data from a host device and/or writing data to the host device, and the peripheral device is connected to the host device via the connector 110. The host device. It should be understood that the card 114 can be a variety of other semiconductor devices in further embodiments of the present invention. The semiconductor component of card 114 (semiconductor die 126 and passive component 128 as shown in the dashed lines of FIGS. 5 and 6) can be packaged within one of the protective card covers 116 as seen in FIG. The card cover 116 can be, for example, a plastic cover molded around the semiconductor component, but other types of covers are also contemplated. Since current semiconductor devices are capable of storing and processing large amounts of data with a small form factor, the card 114 can occupy only a portion of the space defined within the jacket 106, leaving room for actuating the system, as explained below.

Although not shown in the drawings, the front portion of the sheath 106 and the rear portion of the card cover 116 (adjacent to each other in the extended position shown in FIG. 4) may each be formed by a lip that interlocks with each other to prevent the card 114 from being protected. The sleeve 106 is completely separated. Those skilled in the art will appreciate other mechanisms for preventing the card 114 from being completely detached from the sheath 106 when the device 100 is in the extended position.

A specific embodiment of the operation of displaying the movement of the peripheral device 100 between the folded and extended positions will now be explained with reference to the top views of Figures 5 and 6. The actuation system can generally include a mechanical release 112, a biasing mechanism 120, and a locking mechanism 122, each of which is explained below. The biasing mechanism 120 and the locking mechanism 122 are mostly shown in dashed lines and are packaged within the sheath 106. Although the following description proposes machinery A few specific embodiments of the release member 112, the biasing mechanism 120, and the locking mechanism 122, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other such mechanisms can be provided by which the peripheral device 100 can be moved between extended and folded positions and Stay in it.

In general, the biasing mechanism 120 can bias the peripheral device 100 into an extended position. The biasing mechanism 120 shown in Figures 5 and 6 includes a pair of springs that wrap around the telescoping rod. The rods have opposite ends that are attached to one of the back ends of the sheath 106 and a back end of the card cover 116. The spring is provided in compression and has a first end biased toward the card housing 116 and a second end biased toward the back end of the sheath 106. The length of the springs and the spring constant of the spring can vary in alternative embodiments. However, in one embodiment, the biasing mechanism 120 applies a load such that when the mechanical release member is actuated as explained below, the peripheral device 100 quickly snaps into and completely from the folded position to the extended position. The load may be such that a user can feel and/or hear that the device 100 has been extended to the extended position, but is not so large that a user tends to loosen the grip on the device 100 under the force of stretching.

Although two springs and rods are shown, there may be only one or more than two in further embodiments. Moreover, in further embodiments the springs and rods may be closer or further away from the sides of the sheath 106. Moreover, although a pair of coil springs are shown wrapped around the telescoping rod, it will be appreciated that other known biasing mechanisms 120 can be used to move the peripheral device from the collapsed position to the extended position upon actuation of the mechanical release member 112.

The mechanical release member 112 can maintain the peripheral device 100 in a folded position against the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 120. In a specific embodiment, mechanical release The piece 112 can be attached to the sheath 106 and includes a buckle 130 (Fig. 3) that can engage a lip provided in the front portion of the card 114 (formed in the card cover 116 or formed in a card attached to the card) Inside the component of the outer cover 116). When the mechanical release member is depressed, the buckle 130 may not touch the lip, thereby allowing the card 114 to freely extend away from the sheath 106 under the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 120.

In a particular embodiment, the mechanical release 112 can be manually actuated by a user of the peripheral device 100, or it can be automatically actuated when the peripheral device 100 is inserted into a slot of a host device. As explained below, in the embodiment of automatic stretching, the mechanism is provided in the peripheral device 100 and/or the host device, such that the peripheral device is only used in a slot that is sized to accommodate the extended peripheral device (eg, in an ExpressCard slot) Stretched only when inside.

In a particular embodiment, the mechanical release member 112 is manually operated when positioned proximate to the front end 102 of the device, and the release member 112 can be depressed by the user by releasing the release member 112 before the peripheral device is inserted into a host device slot. move. However, as indicated above, the mechanical release does not have to be positioned closest to the front end 102. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when the mechanical release member is in various other positions on the peripheral device 100, it can act to latch the sheath 106 to the card 114.

For example, the mechanical release can be positioned closest to the back end 104. In these particular embodiments, the release member 112 can be actuated by the user pressing the release member before or during insertion of the peripheral device into a host device slot. In a particular embodiment, the mechanical release member can be positioned on the side of the sheath 106, on the bottom surface of the sheath 106, or on a rear surface of the sheath 106 of the back end 104. Although a single mechanical release is shown, it should be understood that the sheath 106 can be A pair of mechanical release members are provided at the opposite positions to be manually actuated with equal and opposite forces. Moreover, while the mechanical release is described as including a buckle 130 that engages the lip on the card 114, it will be appreciated that many other latching mechanisms that disengage when actuated can be used.

As indicated, the mechanical release 112 can operate automatically. In this embodiment, when the peripheral device is used in an elongated slot sized to fit the operation of the extended peripheral device, it should be automatically extended, but when used in a tight slot that is sized to fit the operation of the folding peripheral device Do not stretch when. As explained below, the trigger mechanism for automatically extending or not extending the peripheral device can be provided in the host device slot or on the peripheral device 100 itself.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate particular embodiments in which a trigger mechanism for automatically extending or not extending the peripheral device is provided in a host device slot. In particular, Figure 7 shows an elongated slot 150. Slot 150 can be an ExpressCard slot, but this need not be the case in alternative embodiments. In this particular embodiment, the mechanical release member 112 can be tilted upwardly from front to back such that a rear portion of the release member 112 protrudes over the remainder of the peripheral device 100. The relative dimensions of the slot 150 and the device 100 are such that when the peripheral device 100 is inserted into the slot 150, a portion of the tilting mechanical release 112 will engage a surface 152 of the slot 150. As the device 100 continues to be inserted, the surface 152 will depress the tilting mechanical release 112 to extend the peripheral device to its extended position. Although one of the front edges of surface 152 is shown in FIG. 7 to be sized to engage and depress mechanical release 112, it will be appreciated that slot 150 may have a greater height at its front section and further toward its back section. Narrowed. With this configuration, the mechanical release 112 will be surfaced some time after the device front end 102 initially enters the slot 150. 152 joints.

Alternatively, the peripheral device can be used in a tight slot, such as slot 156 shown in FIG. Slot 156 can be one of an imaging device (e.g., a digital or video camera), but slot 156 can be a slot in various other host devices in place of the specific embodiment. The slot 156 has a channel 158 that is aligned to accommodate the mechanical release 112 when the peripheral device 100 is inserted into the slot 156. The slots 156 and channels 158 are sized to not engage the mechanical release 112 during insertion of the device 100. Thus, the mechanical release 112 is not actuated and the peripheral device remains in the folded position. Those skilled in the art will be aware of alternative configurations of slot 156. For example, without the passage 158, the height of the slot 156 can be increased across its entire width so that no portion of the mechanical release member 112 engages the slot when the peripheral device is inserted. This particular embodiment can be operated in conjunction with the guide to ensure that the connector 110 is properly positioned relative to the mating connector in the slot 156.

As indicated above, the mechanical release 112 can be positioned at other locations on the sheath 106. The slot 156 can include one or more channels 158 that correspond to the position of the mechanical release 112 in these particular embodiments such that the release member 112 is not engaged when the peripheral device is inserted into the slot 156.

Further embodiments are disclosed in which the elongated and tight channel systems are substantially identical to each other, and some other mechanisms are provided in the peripheral device 100 and/or the host device slot as triggers for extending or not extending the peripheral device. For example, the mechanical release member 112 and the biasing mechanism 120 can be replaced with an electric drive system that is at least partially provided within the interior space defined by the sheath 106. The drive system may, for example, comprise a micromotor for rotating a lead screw, gear train or mobile transmission system. The motor can be actuated when the peripheral device is inserted into the elongated slot (For example, by providing an electrical contact on the peripheral device, it connects a host device voltage source when the device is plugged in). When actuated, the drive system can actuate the peripheral device into the extended position.

In another embodiment, it is envisioned that a solenoid can be used within the sheath 106 that drives the peripheral device into an extended position, or at least actuates the mechanical release member, such that the biasing mechanism moves the peripheral device into Within an extended position. In another embodiment, a metal ball, pin or switch can be positioned within the sheath 106. The ball/pin/switch can be moved between a first position that prevents actuation of the mechanical release member 112 and a second position that does not prevent actuation of the mechanical release member 112. In this embodiment, the host device slot can include a magnet to position the ball/pin/switch in the desired first or second position when the peripheral device is inserted into the slot. Those skilled in the art will appreciate other triggering mechanisms to selectively extend or not extend peripheral device 100.

When a peripheral device is automatically extended in accordance with the specific embodiments described above, the peripheral device can extend completely before the connector 110 in the front end 102 reaches its mating connector in the host device slot. However, this need not be the case in alternative embodiments.

9 and 10 show yet another embodiment in which the mechanical release member 112 and the biasing mechanism 120 are replaced by a slide button 160. In this embodiment, the slide button is carried within a slot 162 formed in the surface of the cover panel 106 and may have an end attached to the card 114. As seen in Figure 10, actuation of the slide button 160 can cause the card 114 to extend away from the sheath 106, which is then locked by the locking mechanism 122, as explained below.

In a still further embodiment, the peripheral device 100 is The extension is accommodated to accommodate a separate and separate extension (not shown). In this embodiment, the sheath 106, the mechanical release member 112, and the biasing mechanism 120 can all be omitted. Instead, when used in a tight slot, the card 114 can be used by itself, and when used in an elongated slot, the extension can fit over the opposite end of the card 114 from the connector 110. The card 114 and the extension together may have the correct fit in the elongated slot.

Referring again to Figures 5 and 6, the locking mechanism 122 is provided for locking the peripheral device 100 in an extended position upon extension. In particular, after the peripheral device 100 is extended, the user needs to apply sufficient force on the back end 104 to ensure that the connector 110 properly mates with the corresponding connector in the host device slot. This force applied by the user may exceed the force required to ensure proper pairing. A locking mechanism 122 can be provided to ensure that the device 100 remains in the extended position under this load.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the locking mechanism 122 can include a pair of rods 170 that are rotatable about individual pins 172 mounted within the sheath 106. Each of the rods 170 can include a first end 174 provided along one side of the card housing 116 and a second end having a button 176. A spring (not shown) can wrap the pin 172 to bias the first end 174 against the side of the card cover 116. As seen in Figure 5, the locking mechanism does not interfere with the extension of the card 114 relative to the sheath 106 when in a folded position. However, once the card 114 extends past the end 174 of the rod 170, the rod rotating end 174 is inward, with the end 174 blocking the card 114 from moving back to the folded position.

When the end 174 is rotated inwardly, the button 176 is rotated outwardly and protrudes through the opening provided in the sheath 106. After the peripheral device is withdrawn from the host device slot, the button The 176 can be manually pressed inwardly to move the end 174 away from the card 114. This action allows the user to manually slide the sheath 106 against the force of the biasing mechanism 120 on the card 114 until the mechanical release 112 again latches the peripheral device 100 in the folded position. Unlike the button 176 projecting from the side of the sheath 106, the back end of the stem 170 can extend such that the portion protrudes away from the back end 104 of the device 100. To disengage the locking mechanism in this particular embodiment, the manually movable projections are directed inwardly toward each other, thereby removing the opposite end 174 from the card 114 and allowing the folding of the peripheral device.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate many other mechanisms for locking the peripheral device 100 in an extended position that can be removed from the locked position when it is desired to fold the peripheral device 100.

Using the specific embodiments described above, a peripheral device 100 can be provided in accordance with the ExpressCard standard. That is, the peripheral device 100 can operate within an ExpressCard slot and, in an extended position, can have a length of about 75 mm and a width of about 34 mm. The device can be between 3 mm and 8 mm thick and can be 5 mm thick. In this particular embodiment, peripheral device 100 can operate as other conventional ExpressCards. However, when not used in an ExpressCard slot, the peripheral device 100 can be folded, wherein it can have a length of between about 40 mm and 45 mm, and a width of about 34 mm. This size is about the same as the conventional CompactFlash card. Therefore, a user accustomed to the size of a conventional CompactFlash card can still use a peripheral device of this size for use in a digital camera, video camera or other device while at the same time providing the advantages that the ExpressCard interface must provide.

Specific embodiments of the present invention thus provide compatibility with the ExpressCard standard Sex and the look and feel of a CompactFlash card. However, it should be understood that the peripheral devices of the present invention can operate in accordance with standards other than the ExpressCard standard, and can have dimensions in the extended and folded positions that are independent of ExpressCards and/or CompactFlash cards.

In the particular embodiment described above, the extension of the peripheral device 100 is accomplished by adding real-world conditions to the back end of the device, i.e., the end of the device opposite the end 102 includes the connector 110. This may preferably be when the device is stretched without the need to add additional electrical connections or other components to the back end of the device. However, in further embodiments, this real situation may be covered or may be added to the front end 102 of the device. In this embodiment, the extended portion will be added between the connector 110 and the mating connector within the host device slot. The extension portion will include a first connector that mates with the connector 110 and a second connector that mates with the connector in the host device slot to ensure proper transmission of signals between the perimeter and the host device.

The foregoing detailed description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The specific embodiments are chosen to best explain the principles of the invention and the application of the embodiments of the invention Various modifications. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

100‧‧‧ peripheral devices

102‧‧‧ front end

104‧‧‧ Back end

106‧‧‧Sheath/slab

108‧‧‧ finger handle

110‧‧‧Connector

112‧‧‧Mechanical release parts

114‧‧‧ card

116‧‧‧ card cover

120‧‧‧ biasing mechanism

122‧‧‧Locking mechanism

126‧‧‧Semiconductor grains

128‧‧‧ Passive components

130‧‧‧ buckle

150‧‧‧ slot

152‧‧‧ surface

156‧‧‧ slot

158‧‧‧ channel

160‧‧‧ sliding button

162‧‧‧ slot

170‧‧‧ pole

172‧‧‧ pin

174‧‧‧ first end

176‧‧‧ button

1 is a top plan view of a peripheral device in a folded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a front elevational view of a peripheral device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of a peripheral device in a folded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a top plan view of a peripheral device in an extended position in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the interior of a peripheral device in a folded position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the interior of a peripheral device in an extended position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a peripheral device inserted into an elongated host device slot in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a peripheral device inserted into a tight host device slot in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the interior of a peripheral device in a folded position in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a top plan view of the interior of a peripheral device in an extended position in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

100‧‧‧ peripheral devices

106‧‧‧Sheath/slab

112‧‧‧Mechanical release parts

114‧‧‧ card

120‧‧‧ biasing mechanism

122‧‧‧Locking mechanism

128‧‧‧ Passive components

170‧‧‧ pole

172‧‧‧ pin

174‧‧‧ first end

176‧‧‧ button

Claims (35)

A method of manufacturing a peripheral device, the peripheral device including a jacket defining a hollow interior space; and a card having an integrated circuit for communicating with one or more host devices, the card being positioned by In the interior space defined by the sheath, the method comprises the steps of: (a) movably mounting the card in the sheath; and (b) biasing the card self-phase by a mechanism in the sheath The first position of one of the sheaths enters a second position relative to the sheath, the first position being different from the second position. A method of manufacturing a peripheral device of claim 1, further comprising the step (c) of binding the card in the first position relative to the sheath. A method of manufacturing a peripheral device according to claim 2, wherein the step (c) of binding the card in the first position relative to the sheath comprises the step of installing a mechanical release having a mounting a first portion to one of the card and the sheath and a second portion releasably mounted to the card and the other of the sheath. The method of manufacturing a peripheral device of claim 3, the step of installing the mechanical release member comprising the step of installing the mechanical release member adjacent to one end of the peripheral device, the peripheral device comprising one for connecting to the host device Connector. The method of manufacturing a peripheral device of claim 3, the step of installing the mechanical release member comprising the step of installing the mechanical release member relative to one end of the peripheral device, the peripheral device comprising one for connecting to the host device Connector. A method of manufacturing a peripheral device of claim 3, further comprising the step of configuring the mechanical release to be manually actuated. A method of manufacturing a peripheral device of claim 3, further comprising the step of configuring the mechanical release to automatically actuate the peripheral device when inserted into a host device slot. A method of manufacturing a peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the step (b) of biasing the card into the second position relative to the sheath comprises installing a spring compressed between the card and the sheath to The step of biasing the card and the sheath away from each other. A method of manufacturing a peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the step (b) of biasing the card from the first position relative to the sheath to the second position relative to the sheath comprises from the first The step of biasing the card in position, wherein the card and the sheath together have a length between approximately 40 mm and 45 mm. A method of manufacturing a peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the step (b) of biasing the card from the first position relative to the sheath to the second position relative to the sheath comprises biasing the card From the second position, wherein the card and the sheath together have a length system of approximately 75 mm. A method of manufacturing a peripheral device of claim 1, further comprising the step (d) of binding the card to the second position when the card is moved to the second position. A method of manufacturing a peripheral device of claim 1, further comprising the step (e) of configuring the peripheral device in accordance with the ExpressCard standard. A method of manufacturing a peripheral device, the peripheral device comprising a card, Having an integrated circuit for communicating with one or more host devices, the method comprising the steps of: (a) mounting the card in a hollow space of a jacket, the card being configurable in one of the jackets Moving between the first position and a second position relative to the sheath, wherein the sheath and the card together have a first length adjacent to a CompactFlach card when the first position relative to the sheath is And wherein when the second position relative to the sheath, the sheath and the card together have a second length adjacent to an ExpressCard, the first length being different from the second length; and (b) biasing The card enters the second position relative to the sheath. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step (c) of releasably binding the card in the first position relative to the sheath. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of releasably binding the card in the second position relative to the sheath when the card is in the second position relative to the sheath (d) ). A peripheral device operable in one or more host devices, the peripheral device comprising: a card including an integrated circuit; a sheath slidably coupled to the card, the sheath being responsive Moving between a first position of the card and a second position relative to the card, wherein the sheath and the card have a first length together with respect to the first position of the sheath, and Wherein the sheath and the card have a second length in common with respect to the second position of the sheath, the first length being different from the second length; An actuating system coupled at least partially between the card and the sheath, the actuation system moving the sheath from the first position to the second position. The peripheral device of claim 16, wherein the actuation system includes one or more springs for biasing the sheath into the second position relative to the card. The peripheral device of claim 16, wherein the actuation system includes a mechanical release for releasably retaining the sheath within the first position relative to the card. The peripheral device of claim 16, wherein the actuation system includes a locking mechanism for releasably locking the sheath within the second position relative to the card. The peripheral device of claim 17, wherein the second length conforms to the ExpressCard standard. The peripheral device of claim 20, wherein the first length is near a scale of a CompactFlash card. The peripheral device of claim 17, wherein the second length is approximately 75 mm. The peripheral device of claim 22, wherein the first length is between approximately 40 mm and 45 mm. A peripheral device operable in one or more host devices, the peripheral device comprising: a card including an integrated circuit; a sheath slidably coupled to the card, the sheath being capable of The card is folded in one of the first positions and the sheath can extend partially From a second position of the card; and an actuating system coupled at least partially between the card and the sheath to move the sheath from the first position to the second position, wherein The actuation system includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the sheath in a second position, the biasing mechanism including one or more springs in contact with the sheath and the card, the springs biasing the guard Set the card and keep it away from each other. The peripheral device of claim 24, wherein the actuation system includes a release member for releasably retaining the sheath within the first position. The peripheral device of claim 25, wherein the release member comprises a mechanical release member mounted to the sheath and including a buckle that releasably engages a portion of the sheath. The peripheral device of claim 24, wherein the actuation system includes a locking mechanism for releasably locking the sheath within the second position. The peripheral device of claim 27, wherein the locking mechanism includes a rod mounted to the sheath and having a first portion engageable with the card to prevent the second position from moving to the first position. The peripheral device of claim 28, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a second portion for removing the first portion without engaging the card to allow the sheath to move from the second position to the first position. A peripheral device operable in one or more host devices, the peripheral device comprising: a sheath defining a hollow interior space; a card including a jacket mounted to the hollow interior space Body circuit between the first and second positions relative to the sheath Moving; one or more springs in the interior space for biasing the sheath away from the card; a release member mounted to one of the card and the sheath for releasable Retaining the card in the first position relative to the sheath; and a locking mechanism that engages the sheath and the card when the card is in the second position relative to the sheath, A locking mechanism releasably retains the card in the second position relative to the sheath. The peripheral device of claim 30, wherein the release member is operable to manually disengage the card retained within the first position relative to the sheath. The peripheral device of claim 30, wherein the release member automatically disengages the card retained in the first position relative to the sheath when the peripheral device is inserted into a host device slot. In the peripheral device of claim 30, the peripheral device further includes a connector at one of the front ends of the peripheral device for connecting the peripheral device to a host device. The peripheral device of claim 33, wherein the release member is mounted adjacent to the front end of the peripheral device. The peripheral device of claim 33, wherein the release member is mounted adjacent to a back end of the peripheral device relative to the front end of the peripheral device.