# Capless USB Drives FLX is Like an Accordion By Ayman | Published 2008-04-05 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flx References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/05/accordian-style-usb-drive-actually-solves-a-problem/) Think of it as an uncircumcised USB drive that eliminates the need for a cap (I always lose these damn little caps) by having an extra 'skin' to cover it when not in use. The **FLX** USB drive concept is designd and prototyped by *Jacek Ryn* at the [Academy of Fine Arts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Academy-Sports) in Gdansk (Poland). The casing for the USB drive is made from silicone, thus eliminating the need for a cap by taking advantage of silicone's natural elasticity. It reveals the plug when pushed into the socket, and then automatically slips back when unplugged. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Flexible USB Drives:** Opportunity for companies to design USB drives with flexible materials that eliminate the need for caps. - **Smart Materials:** Innovation opportunity lies in developing USB drives made from smart materials, like silicone, that can automatically cover and uncover the plug. - **Convenient Storage Solutions:** Businesses can explore creating USB drives with built-in mechanisms to ensure the plug is always protected and easily accessible. ### Where This Applies - **Technology:** Tech companies can incorporate the use of flexible materials and smart mechanisms to create capless USB drives for improved user convenience. - **Design:** Designers can explore innovative ways to create USB drives with clever mechanisms, like automatic slip covers, to enhance user experience. - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing industry can explore adopting smart materials and production techniques to create capless USB drives with enhanced functionality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Icon-Shaped USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folderdrive.md) - [Object-Resembling USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-1.md) - [Record-Setting Compact Storage Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/extreme-fit-usb-c.md) - [Playful Crayon USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-crayola-usbc.md) - [Compact Flashlight Design Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fl1-flashlight.md) - [Charming Retro Storage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floppy-disk-inspired-sd-card.md) - [Four-Way Connective Flash Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centralspot-innovation.md) - [Bird-Shaped USB Flash Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinge.md) - [Folder-Shaped Hard Drive Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folder-external-hard-disk.md)