Flash media reading devices with integrated storage compartments
View Patent ↗A memory card interface apparatus including a bay to receive a memory card for accessing data stored on the card, and a separate storage cavity configured to store a memory card. In one embodiment, the cavity includes an aperture providing access to remove a card from the storage cavity. In one embodiment, the cavity includes an element protruding out a side of the storage cavity to retain a card within the storage cavity. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes at least a second separate storage cavity configured to store a memory card. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes at least a third separate storage cavity configured to store a memory card. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a toner configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to attach to a separate add-on configuration, the separate add-on configuration providing storage for additional memory cards. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus includes at least a third separate storage area configured to store a memory card.
1. A memory card reader comprising:
a housing defining a slot shaped and dimensioned to receive a first memory card therein, and a memory card storage mechanism to store at least one second memory card therein, the storage mechanism is defined by a second slot shaped and dimensioned to receive the second memory card therein, the storage mechanism comprises a card ejector mechanism to facilitate removal of the second memory card from the second slot; and
an electronic component to read the first memory card.
2. The memory card reader of claim 1 , wherein the storage mechanism is defined by a recess formed in the housing, the recess being shaped and dimensioned to receive the second memory card therein.
3. The memory card reader of claim 1 , wherein a part of the housing adjacent the recess is cut-away to define a gap into which a finger can be inserted to facilitate removal of the second memory card from the recess.
4. The memory card reader of claim 1 , wherein the storage mechanism further comprises a memory card retaining mechanism to retain the second memory card in the slot therefor.
5. The memory card reader of claim 1 , wherein the memory card storage mechanism stores at least two second memory cards.
6. A housing for a memory card reader, the housing comprising:
a first slot shaped and dimensioned to receive a first memory card therein while said memory card is being read by an electronic component; and
at least one storage mechanism shaped and dimensioned to store at least one second memory card therein, the storage mechanism is defined by a second slot shaped and dimensioned to receive the second memory card therein, the storage mechanism further comprises a card ejector mechanism to facilitate removal of the second memory card from the second slot.
7. The housing of claim 6 , wherein the storage mechanism is defined by a recess formed in the housing, the recess being shaped and dimensioned to receive the second memory card therein.
8. The housing of claim 6 , wherein a part of the housing adjacent the recess is cut-away to define a gap within which at least a portion of a finger can be inserted to facilitate removal of the second memory card from the recess.
9. The housing of claim 6 , wherein the storage mechanism further comprises a memory card retaining mechanism to retain the second memory card in the second slot.
10. The housing of claim 6 , wherein the memory card storage mechanism stores at least two second memory cards.
11. A memory card reader comprising:
a housing defining a slot shaped and dimensioned to receive a first memory card therein, and a memory card storage mechanism to store at least one second memory card therein; and
an electronic component to read the first memory card, wherein the first part of the housing is cut-away to define a gap into which a finger can be inserted to facilitate removal of the second memory card.