WO2013132203A1

WO2013132203A1 - Storage apparatus for usb flash drives

Info

Publication number: WO2013132203A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/053129
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Crawford
Original assignee: Bll Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2012-03-08
Filing date: 2012-12-13
Publication date: 2013-09-12
Also published as: GB201204121D0; GB2500046A; EP2822419A1; GB2500046B

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for storing a USB memory stick (12) comprises a body (14) defining a recess (16) for housing the USB memory stick (12). The recess (16) has a first portion (20) for housing the USB memory stick (12) in a first position, and a second portion (22) for housing the USB memory stick (12) in a second position (transverse to the first position). The first and second portions (20, 22) are interlinked such that the USB memory stick (12) is rotatable within the recess (16) about a central axis 30 between the first and second positions. The apparatus (10) further comprises a cover member (40) having a slot-like aperture (42) which is registered with the first portion (20) of the recess (16). The slot-like aperture (42) is configured to allow the USB memory stick (12) to be inserted into/removed from the first portion (20) of the recess (16), but to prevent removal of the USB memory stick (12) from the second portion (22) of the recess (16) when housed in the second position.

Description

STORAGE APPARATUS FOR USB FLASH DRIVES

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatus for storing an object, particularly but not exclusively a flash memory data storage device, such as a memory stick or a USB flash drive.

BACKGROUND ART A USB flash drive is a flash memory data storage device with an integrated USB interface. USB flash drives are often used for the same purposes as floppy disks and CD- ROM devices. Advantageously, USB flash drives are physically very small and robust, making them easy to carry around in pockets. However, the present applicant has appreciated that such attributes sometimes make it difficult to keep track of each USB flash drive and to distinguish one USB flash drive from another without using a computer to read data stored thereon. The present invention has been created with a view to addressing these difficulties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided apparatus for storing an object such as a memory stick, comprising: a body defining a recess for housing the object, the recess having a first portion for housing the object in a first position, and a second portion for housing the object in a second position, the first and second portions being linked such that the object is moveable from the first position to the second position within the recess; and a member covering at least part of the recess, the member having an aperture which is registered with the first portion of the recess, the aperture being configured to allow removal from the recess of the object when in the first position, and to prevent removal from the recess of the object when in the second position.

It is known to provide a flash memory data storage device such as a memory stick in a storage box. The storage box may even include means such as an elasticated strap for securely retaining the flash memory data storage device in the storage box. However, such a box is little more than temporary packaging and is unlikely to be used for repeatedly storing the flash memory data storage device once it has been removed therefrom to store data. The present applicant has appreciated the importance of providing apparatus for securely storing a flash memory data storage device such as a memory stick once data has been stored thereon. The present applicant believes that the present invention not only provides apparatus for securely storing a flash memory data storage device, but also apparatus which allows a stored flash memory device to be quickly and easily removed from storage.

The aperture may have a slot-like profile. Such an aperture would be suited to an object with a high aspect ratio, i.e. an object whose length is at least twice its width and thickness. It is noted that although flash memory data storage devices can be made in a wide variety of shapes, memory sticks are rod-like and have a high aspect ratio.

The first and second portions may be configured such that the object is moveable from the first position to the second position within the recess by rotation about an axis. The body may be plate-like, i.e. extending transversely of its thickness to a substantial degree, with the axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to a planar surface of the plate-like body. Thus, the second position may be angularly offset from the first position, and may be offset by an angle of about 90°.

The apparatus may be configured to exert a retaining bias on the object when housed in the recess to resist movement of the object from the second position to the first position. By resisting accidental movement back to the first position, the body is able to hold the object securely in the second position. The retaining bias may be generated between the body and the member when the object is in the second position. For example, the object may be intended to be a friction fit between the body and the member when in the second position. Alternatively or additionally, the second portion of the recess may be configured to grip the object when in the second position. The body may comprise a resilient material, such as a resilient foam, which is configured to be compressed and apply a compressive load to the object, at least when in the second position. The apparatus may have an access port communicating with the recess for manual movement of the object between the first and second positions. The access port may be integral with the aperture in the member, and may be configured to allow the object to be gripped between one finger and one thumb. In this way, the access port allows the object to be held between finger and thumb as it is inserted into the recess through the aperture and rotated from the first position to the second position.

The body or member may have a marginal portion having at least one aperture for engaging a ring binder mechanism. In this way, the apparatus may be stored in a ring binder file which may be particularly useful in an office environment. Alternatively, the apparatus may have a book form (e.g. suitable for storage on a bookcase or shelf). The book form may include a planar cover pivotally coupled via a hinge to the body and/or the member, the planar cover being configured to conceal the recess and/or aperture when registered with the body and/or cover.

The apparatus may have a surface for displaying information relating to data stored on the flash memory data storage device and/or branding and marketing purposes. The surface may include a blank space for a user to add (e.g. by writing) information relating to data stored on the flash memory data storage device. The surface may be larger than any external surface of the flash memory data storage device. Accordingly, the surface of the body may provide a more adequate space for indicating stored data and/or marketing information. The surface may be covered with a label.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating apparatus embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating one part of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating further details of the one part of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 5 is an unfolded plan view illustrating another part of the apparatus of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate apparatus 10 for storing a flash memory data storage device in the form of a USB memory stick 12. (The USB memory stick 12 has a covered USB interface in the Figures; this feature is not relevant to the present invention.) The apparatus 10 comprises: a body 14 defining a recess 16 for housing the USB memory stick 12 when stored in the apparatus 10. The recess 16 has a first portion 20 for housing the USB memory stick 12 5 in a first position (as shown in Figure 1), and a second portion 22 for housing the USB memory stick 12 in a second position (as shown in Figure 2), in a transverse orientation to the first position. The first and second portions 20, 22 are interlinked such that the USB memory stick 12 is rotatable within the recess 16 about a central axis 30 between the first and second positions. The apparatus 10 further comprises a cover member 40 having a slot-like aperture

10 42 which is registered with the first portion 20 of the recess 16. The slot-like aperture 42 is configured to allow the USB memory stick 12 to be inserted into/removed from the first portion 20 of the recess 16, but to prevent removal of the USB memory stick 12 from the second portion 22 of the recess 16 when housed in the second position. The body 14 is plate-like and comprises a resilient foam slab with a partially circular opening 50 with

15 diametrically opposed steps 52 which together define the radially inner periphery of recess 16.

The diameter of the partially circular opening 50 may be greater than the length of the USB memory stick 12, meaning that the latter is a relatively loose fit in the first portion 20 of the recess 16. If so, the USB memory stick 12 may be held in the second position by a retaining bias generated by ensuring a friction fit between the body 14 and the cover member 12. 0 Alternatively, the diameter of the partially circular opening 50 may be less than the length of the USB memory stick 12 , in which case the body 14 applies a compressive axial load "L" to the USB memory stick 12 when housed in either of the first or second portions 20, 22 of the recess 16 (as shown schematically in Figure 4). In this way, the USB memory stick 12 is gripped by the body 12 when housed in either the first or second positions in the recess 16,5 restricting unwanted movement therein. The steps 52 act as "stops" which the USB memory stick 12 abuts when in the first and second positions, preventing rotation of the USB memory stick 12 other than between the first and second positions.

It is conceivable that the body 14 might even have a partially elliptical opening 50 with opposing steps 52. The partially ellipticl opening 50 may be orientated with its major0 axis horizontal aligned from one side of the body 14 to the other side as viewed in Figure 4, and its minor axis aligned from the top of the body 14 to the bottom as viewed in Figure 4. The major diameter may be greater than the length of the USB memory stick 12, whilst the minor diameter may be shorter than the length of the USB memory stick 12. In this way, the USB memory stick 12 is a relatively loose fit in the first portion 20 of the recess 16, but a relatively tight fit in the second portion 22 of the recess 16.

The cover member 40 may comprise a stiff, lightweight board, for example made from 5 thin card, and is coupled via spine 43 to a backing layer 44. In the apparatus 10, the body 14 is sandwiched between the cover member 40 and the backing layer 44, with a marginal portion 46 of the latter including apertures 48 for engaging a ring binder mechanism of a ring binder file. The cover member 40 includes an access port 60 in a central region of the slotlike aperture 42. The access port 60 allows the USB memory stick 12 to be gripped between

10 one thumb and one finger when housed in the first portion 20 of the recess 16, either to pull it out of the apparatus 10 or to rotate it about axis 30 from the first position to the second position. If stored in the second position in the apparatus 10, the USB memory stick 12 may be readily removed simply by gripping it between thumb and finger through the access port 60, twisting it from the second position to the first position (i.e. counter clockwise through

15 90°), and pulling it through the aperture 42.

The apparatus 10 may alternatively be in a book form for storage on a shelf instead of in a ring binder. The book form may include a planar cover (not shown) pivotally coupled via a hinge to the body 14 or cover member 40. The planar cover may conceal the recess 16 and/or the aperture 42 when registered with the body 14 or cover member 40.

Claims

1. Apparatus for storing an object such as a memory stick, comprising:

a body defining a recess for housing the object, the recess having a first portion for housing the object in a first position, and a second portion for housing the object in a second position, the first and second portions being linked such that the object is moveable from the first position to the second position within the recess; and

a member covering the recess, the member having an aperture which is registered with the first portion of the recess, the aperture being configured to allow removal from the recess of the object when in the first position, and to prevent removal from the recess of the object when in the second position.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the aperture has a slot-like profile.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second portions are configured such that the object is moveable from the first position to the second position within the recess by rotation about an axis.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the body is plate-like, with the axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to a planar surface of the plate-like body.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the second position is angularly offset from the first position by an angle of about 90° about the axis of rotation.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the body and the member is configured to resist movement of the object from the second position to the first position when housed in the recess.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second portion of the recess is configured to grip the object when in the second position.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the body comprises a resilient material, such as a resilient foam, which is configured to be compressed and apply a compressive load to the object , at least when in the second position.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an access port communicating with the recess for manual movement of the object between the first and second positions.

10. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the access port is integral with the aperture in the member, and is configured to allow the object to be gripped between one finger and one thumb.

1 1. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body or member has a marginal portion having at least one aperture for engaging a ring binder mechanism.

12 Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus has a book form for storage on a bookcase or shelf.

13. Data storage system comprising: apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and a flash memory data storage device releaseably housed in the recess of the body of the apparatus.

14. Data storage system according to claim 13, in which the flash memory data storage device is a USB memory stick.