Briefly, an embodiment of the present invention includes a portable
flash memory drive with a simplified mechanism, based upon the resilient properties of the material used to create the parts, for reliable extension and retraction of the device'
s interface plug. The portable
flash memory drive is comprised of a
metal housing (or case), a
printed circuit board (PCB)
assembly, PCB support, PCB
assembly end cap, an upper, and lower housing, and in some embodiments a
fingerprint sensor and / or key ring
assembly. The press /
push switch mechanism is located on either the side of the portable
flash memory device, or the top; and relies upon the resilient properties of the material used to create the
metal housing or end cap, to create a smooth,
locking mechanism for the extension or retraction of the interface (i.e.,
USB or firewire) plug. The switching /
locking mechanism relies upon grooves or notches within the material of the upper and / or lower housing for tracking and locking, coupled with protrusion tabs on the sliding components of the end cap or
metal housing. Alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, a
fingerprint sensor is also extended or retracted contemporaneously with the interface plug, and allows the
end user to secure and unlock the data contained, in whole or in part, therein.