# US 8,770,997 B2 · Foldable USB connector > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,770,997 B2 - Document ID: US8770997B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/727,748 - Filed: 2012-12-27 - Published: 2013-08-29 - Granted: 2014-07-08 - Earliest claimed: 2012-02-29 - Assignees: Walton Advanced Engineering Inc. - Applicants: Walton Advanced Engineering Inc. - Inventors: Hong-Chi Yu; Mao-Ting Chang - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8770997B2 ## CPC - H01R 35/02: Flexible line connectors {without frictional contact members} - H01R 13/501: {comprising an integral hinge or a frangible part} - H01R 13/6205: {Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet} - H01R 35/025: {having a flexible conductor wound around a rotation axis} - H05K 5/0278: {of USB type (details relating to connectors H01R27/00)} - H01R 24/62: Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices - H05K 1/181: associated with surface mounted components - H05K 3/284: {for encapsulating mounted components (H05K1/185 takes precedence)} - H05K 2201/10159: Memory - H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS - H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ## Abstract The present invention provides a foldable USB connector comprising a first folding part, a second folding part and an elastic strap, facilitates effective use, saves more space to match demand for a compact design currently, and is integrated with other relevant products to create a composite product with diversified functions and advantages such as compact structure. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A foldable USB connector, comprising a first folding part (10), a second folding part (20) and an elastic strap (30): Said first folding part (10) coordinates said second folding part (20) to form a connective structure (40) in between for development of an axis (AO) by which both said first folding part and said second folding part are turned to become unfolded or folded; Said first folding part (10) and said second folding part (20) are designed to have holding grooves (11, 21) opposite to each other for development of a through slot (50) in which said elastic strap (30) is compactly held; both said first folding part (10) and said second folding part (20) on which said elastic strap (30) applies a restoring force are quickly unfolded in accordance with said axis (AO) when a user exerts his/her strength on external end planes of said first folding part (10) and said second folding part (20) which have been folded; Said first folding part (10) is provided with a plurality of metal contacts (102) on a first external surface (101); said second folding part (20) is provided with a plurality of metal contacts (202) on a second external surface (201); said metal contacts (102, 202) are extensively distributed on an end plane (103) of said first folding part (10) and an opposite end plane (203) of said second folding part (20) so that said first folding part (10) and said second folding part (20) which are unfolded and electrically connected become a USB connector (1). ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The foldable USB connector according to claim 1 wherein said metal contacts (102, 202) are electrically connected to an integrated circuit module (60) comprising a substrate (63) and a memory unit (61) and a control unit (62), both of which are installed on an internal surface (631) of said substrate (63). ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The foldable USB connector according to claim 2 wherein said memory unit (61) and said control unit (62) are encased in an encapsulant body (64). ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The foldable USB connector according to claim 1 wherein said first folding part (10) and said second folding part (20) have a height (H1) and a height (H2) in conformity with specifications of a USB connector, respectively. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The foldable USB connector according to claim 1 wherein said through slot (50) is peripherally located on edges of said first folding part (10) and said second folding part (20) so that said elastic strap (30) is compactly held in said through slot (50). ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The foldable USB connector according to claim 5 wherein said through slot (50) is peripherally located on outer edges of said first folding part (10) and said second folding part (20) so that said elastic strap (30) is compactly held in said through slot (50). ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The foldable USB connector according to claim 1 wherein said through slot (50) is peripherally located on inner edges of said first folding part (10) and said second folding part (20) so that said elastic strap (30) is compactly held in said through slot (50). ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The foldable USB connector according to claim 1 wherein said through slot (50) is peripherally located on partial inner and outer edges of said first folding part (10) and said second folding part (20) so that said elastic strap (30) is compactly held in said through slot (50). ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The foldable USB connector according to claim 1 wherein said connective structure (40) comprises a convex part (41) and a concave part (42). ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The foldable USB connector according to claim 1 wherein said connective structure (40) can be a south seeking pole (43) and a north seeking pole (44). ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The foldable USB connector according to claim 1 wherein said connective structure (40) can be two fasteners (45, 46) engaging each other. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The foldable USB connector according to claim 1 wherein said connective structure (40) can be a hinge (47) and a spindle (48).