Memory Cards Having Two Standard Sets Of Contacts

Abstract

Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A sleeve that is moveable by hand may be included to expose the set of contacts being used.

1 . A memory card system, comprising:
 an enclosed electronic card having first and second sets of electrical contacts with different contact patterns positioned apart from each other such that they mate with a respective one of first and second mating receptacles but not the other, at least the first set of contacts being carried by an outside surface of the card,   a re-programmable non-volatile memory system within the card and operably connected to transfer data between the memory system and outside of the card with different signal protocols through either of the first or second sets of contacts without use of the other, and   a cover carried by the card and slidable by hand between at least first and second positions with respect to the card, the first set of contacts being covered when the cover is in the first position and exposed for insertion into the first mating receptacle when the cover is in the second position;   wherein the cover is in the shape of a standard memory card and the second set of contacts is covered when the cover is in the second position.   
   
   
       2 . A memory card system according to  claim 1 , wherein the first set of contacts has a contact pattern that follows a USB standard, wherein the system is arranged to transfer data through the first set of contacts using a signal protocol according to USB standard. 
   
   
       3 . A memory card system according to  claim 2 , wherein the second set of contacts has a contact pattern that follows a memory card standard, wherein the system is arranged to transfer data through the second set of contacts using a signal protocol according to said memory card standard. 
   
   
       4 . A memory card system according to  claim 3 , wherein the memory card standard is a SD card standard. 
   
   
       5 . A memory system according to  claim 2 , wherein the pattern of the second set of contacts is arranged in accordance with a published memory card standard. 
   
   
       6 . A memory card system according to  claim 1 , wherein the second set of contacts is also carried by an outside surface of the card. 
   
   
       7 . A memory card system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover is arranged to expose the second set of contacts when the cover is in the first position. 
   
   
       8 . A memory system according to  claim 7 , wherein the cover is a sleeve and wherein the sleeve and the card have relative dimensions so that the card fits within a footprint of the sleeve when the sleeve is in the first position. 
   
   
       9 . A memory system according to  claim 8 , wherein the sleeve includes one or more apertures positioned to expose the second set of contacts therethrough when the sleeve is in the first position. 
   
   
       10 . A memory system according to  claim 8 , wherein the sleeve has an open portion of an end through which the card extends to expose the first set of contacts outside the footprint of the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position. 
   
   
       11 . A memory system according to  claim 8 , wherein the pattern of the second set of contacts is arranged in accordance with the SD card standard and the footprint of the sleeve has dimensions in accordance with the SD card standard. 
   
   
       12 . A memory system according to  claim 9 , wherein the sleeve contains wall segments adjacent the open portion of the end that defines the second position of the sleeve relative to the circuit card. 
   
   
       13 . A memory system according to  claim 12 , wherein the first and second sets of contacts are positioned on a common side of the circuit card, and wherein the sleeve includes an open region adjacent the end containing the open portion that exposes a portion of an opposite side of the circuit card. 
   
   
       14 . A memory system according to  claim 9 , wherein an end of the sleeve opposite to the end containing the open portion includes a stop that defines the first position of the sleeve relative to the circuit card. 
   
   
       15 . A memory card system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover is a sleeve and wherein substantially all of the card is positioned within the sleeve when the card is in the first position. 
   
   
       16 . A memory card system according to  claim 15 , wherein the second set of contacts is arranged along an edge of the card. 
   
   
       17 . A memory card system according to  claim 15 , wherein the sleeve and the card in the first position together have a size and shape substantially according to the published standard of the Secure Digital memory card. 
   
   
       18 . A memory card system according to  claim 15 , wherein a thickness of the card in a surface portion containing the first set of contacts is greater than a thickness of the card in a portion containing the second set of contacts. 
   
   
       19 . A memory card system according to  claim 18 , wherein the portion having the first set of contacts is rigidly connected to the portion having the second set of contacts. 
   
   
       20 . A memory card system according to  claim 19 , wherein the outside surfaces of the portions having the first and second sets of contacts are parts of a planar surface on the common side of the card. 
   
   
       21 . A memory card system according to  claim 15 , wherein the first and second sets of contacts are positioned on one side of the card on a common planar surface. 
   
   
       22 . A memory card system according to  claim 9 , wherein the sleeve further includes a resilient sidewall portion with a lip positioned at the end opening of the sleeve that engages an end of the card when the card is in the first position with the sleeve and holds the card in the first position. 
   
   
       23 . A memory card system according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second sets of contacts follow respective first and second different published standards. 
   
   
       24 . A memory card system according to  claim 1 , wherein the surface portion of the card containing the first set of contacts is a rectangle having a width less than that of other portions of the card. 
   
   
       25 . A memory card system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover is a rectangular shaped sleeve having a third set of contacts along a first edge thereof with a pattern according to a published memory card standard and an opening along a second edge thereof opposite to the first edge;
 wherein the card is shaped for a first end to be inserted in to the sleeve through the opening thereof to abut a physical stop within the sleeve, wherein a portion of the card extends out of the opening of the sleeve with a shape and the first set of contacts according to a USB plug standard,   mating contacts arranged within the sleeve to connect the second set of contacts of the card with the third set of contacts when the card is inserted into the sleeve with the first end of the card abutting the physical stop within the sleeve,   wherein the electronic circuits within the card are arranged to control the operation of the card through the matting contacts according to the published card standard and through the first set of contacts according to the USB standard.