US5801918A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ergonomic housing for a micro computer
Assignee: Hand Held Products Inc
•
Filing: 1996-07-12
•
Granted: 1998-09-01
•
Expires: 2016-07-12
Abstract
Abstract An ergonomic housing for a micro computer which has an upper surface for positioning interface components thereon and a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion. A finger saddle is defined between the front portion and the rear portion for receiving an operator's finger therein and enabling the micro computer housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin J. Ahearn
- 👤 Lawrence R. Ober
- 👤 Michiel Reinier Ausems
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 10:04
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10881; G06F; G06F15/00; G06F15/02; G06F15/0216
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 74
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
An ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface for positioning at least one interface component thereon; and a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle for receiving an operator's finger therein wherein said finger saddle has a generally U-shaped configuration defined by opposing sides of said housing wherein at least one of said sides of said housing is tapered at said generally U-shaped configuration, enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
An ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface for positioning at least one interface component thereon; and a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle for receiving an operator's finger therein wherein said finger saddle has a generally U-shaped configuration defined by opposing sides of said housing wherein at least one of said sides of said housing is tapered at said generally U-shaped configuration, enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said finger saddle comprises a channel separating said front portion and said rear portion of said housing and being generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A housing according to claim 2 wherein said finger saddle comprises a generally U-shaped configuration, said finger saddle being sufficiently recessed to maintain said housing in position with respect to an operator's finger.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
75 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said finger saddle has a generally U-shaped configuration generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said housing, and a generally U-shaped configuration in a second direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing conforming to the natural contour of an operator's relaxed finger to thereby limit unwanted relative movement between the finger positioned therein and said housing when said housing is held in an operator's hand.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said front portion and said rear portion include a generally planar lower surface forming a base enabling said housing to rest in a stable position on a substantially planar surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said housing comprises a clam-shell configuration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein one of said interface components comprises an activation switch for the micro computer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein one of said interface components comprises an electrical interface for connecting electronic components thereto.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein one of said interface components comprises a mechanical interface for mechanically connecting a component thereto.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
A housing according to claim 1 further comprising an activation switch positioned on said upper surface in general axial alignment with said finger saddle so as to allow activation of said activation switch by natural movement of an operator's thumb.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
A housing according to claim 1 further comprising an activation switch positioned on said lower surface within said finger saddle so as to allow activation of said activation switch by natural movement of an operator's finger within said finger saddle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said finger saddle is positioned adjacent a center portion of said housing so as to receive an operator's finger.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
A housing according to claim 1 further comprising at least a pair of generally parallel finger saddles located intermediate said front portion and said rear portion along said lower surface of said housing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said upper surface comprises a generally planar configuration.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
A housing according to claim 1 further comprising an aperture defined in said front portion at a downwardly diverging angle transverse to the longitudinal axis of said housing.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 15 wherein said aperture is recessed within said housing.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A housing according to claim 15 wherein said downwardly diverging angle approaches 45° from the horizontal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
A housing according to claim 1 further comprising a display located on said upper surface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
A housing according to claim 1 further comprising a keypad located on said upper surface.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
A housing according to claim 1 further comprising a selectively interchangeable accessory module connected to said housing.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 20 wherein said accessory module comprises an expanded memory.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 20 wherein said accessory module comprises a pistol grip.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 20 wherein said accessory module comprises an auxiliary battery.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 20 wherein said accessory module comprises an expanded keypad.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
47 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said front portion of said upper surface and said lower surface cooperatively comprise a bulbous configuration enabling said housing to easily be guided into one of a pocket and a holster and providing an unobstructed view of a desired target.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said upper surface further comprises a peripheral rib defining a recess for protectively retaining at least one of a display and said at least one interactive component.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said upper surface further comprises a thumb rest for retaining an operator's thumb adjacent said at least one interface component.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said finger saddle has a generally U-shaped configuration in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said finger saddle has a generally U-shaped configuration in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said housing.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
A housing according to claim 29 wherein a generally U-shaped configuration of said finger saddle extends in a direction angularly oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of said housing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
36 words
A housing according to claim 1 wherein said generally U-shaped configuration of said finger saddle is defined between opposing side surfaces of said housing, in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
152 words
An ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface for positioning at least one interface component thereon; a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle for receiving an operator's finger therein; and a pair of side surfaces each having a front portion and a rear portion also defining therebetween said recessed finger saddle, said side surfaces extending between said upper and lower surfaces, wherein said rear portion and front portion of at least one of said side surfaces define said finger saddle which has a generally U-shaped configuration and wherein the rear portion of the at least one side surface includes a beveled portion which extends within said finger saddle, conforming to the natural contour of an operator's relaxed finger, enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
152 words
An ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface for positioning at least one interface component thereon; a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle for receiving an operator's finger therein; and a pair of side surfaces each having a front portion and a rear portion also defining therebetween said recessed finger saddle, said side surfaces extending between said upper and lower surfaces, wherein said rear portion and front portion of at least one of said side surfaces define said finger saddle which has a generally U-shaped configuration and wherein the rear portion of the at least one side surface includes a beveled portion which extends within said finger saddle, conforming to the natural contour of an operator's relaxed finger, enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
A housing according to claim 32 wherein said generally U-shaped configuration extends in a direction angularly oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of said housing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
A housing according to claim 32 wherein said finger saddle extends substantially across said lower surface of said housing.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
125 words
An ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface for positioning at least one interface component thereon; and a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle for receiving an operator's finger therein wherein said finger saddle has a generally U-shaped configuration in a first direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said housing, and a generally U-shaped configuration in a second direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing, said finger saddle having a concave portion facing said rear portion, conforming to the natural contour of an operator's relaxed finger, enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
125 words
An ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface for positioning at least one interface component thereon; and a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle for receiving an operator's finger therein wherein said finger saddle has a generally U-shaped configuration in a first direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said housing, and a generally U-shaped configuration in a second direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing, said finger saddle having a concave portion facing said rear portion, conforming to the natural contour of an operator's relaxed finger, enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
A housing according to claim 35 wherein said finger saddle extends substantially across said lower surface of said housing.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
135 words
An ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface for positioning at least one interface component thereon; and a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle having a generally U-shaped configuration in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing configured to receive and substantially encompass an operator's finger therein, a portion of said upper surface opposite said generally U-shaped configuration being generally planar, said generally U-shaped configuration enabling said housing to perch on the operator's finger when said housing is held within an angle of between 0° and 50° from the horizontal, and thereby allowing the operation of said at least one interface component without requiring the housing to be firmly squeezed by the remaining fingers of the operator's hand.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
135 words
An ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface for positioning at least one interface component thereon; and a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle having a generally U-shaped configuration in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing configured to receive and substantially encompass an operator's finger therein, a portion of said upper surface opposite said generally U-shaped configuration being generally planar, said generally U-shaped configuration enabling said housing to perch on the operator's finger when said housing is held within an angle of between 0° and 50° from the horizontal, and thereby allowing the operation of said at least one interface component without requiring the housing to be firmly squeezed by the remaining fingers of the operator's hand.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
121 words
An ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle for receiving an operator's finger therein, wherein said finger saddle has a generally U-shaped configuration defined by opposing side surfaces of said housing, in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing wherein at least one of said sides of said housing is tapered at said generally U-shaped configuration conforming to the natural contour of an operator's relaxed finger, enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position; and a removable portion for selectively receiving an accessory module.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
121 words
An ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle for receiving an operator's finger therein, wherein said finger saddle has a generally U-shaped configuration defined by opposing side surfaces of said housing, in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing wherein at least one of said sides of said housing is tapered at said generally U-shaped configuration conforming to the natural contour of an operator's relaxed finger, enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position; and a removable portion for selectively receiving an accessory module.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
31 words
A housing according to claim 38 wherein said finger saddle comprises a channel bisecting said front portion and said rear portion of said housing generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
33 words
A housing according to claim 39 wherein said finger saddle comprises a generally U-shaped configuration, said finger saddle being sufficiently recessed to maintain said housing in position with respect to an operator's finger.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
59 words
A housing according to claim 38 wherein said finger saddle also has a generally U-shaped configuration generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said housing conforming to the natural contour of an operator's relaxed finger to thereby limit unwanted relative movement of between the finger positioned therein and said housing when said housing is held in an operator's hand.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
41 words
A housing according to claim 38 wherein at least one of said front portion and said rear portion include a generally planar lower surface forming a base enabling said housing to rest in a stable position on a substantially planar surface.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
A housing according to claim 38 wherein said housing comprises a clam-shell configuration at least including a top cover and a bottom cover.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
A housing according to claim 38 further comprising an interface component on said upper surface.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
A housing according to claim 44 wherein said interface component comprises an activation switch for the micro computer.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 44 wherein said interface component comprises an electrical interface.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 44 wherein said interface component comprises a mechanical interface.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
33 words
A housing according to claim 38 further comprising at least a pair of generally parallel finger saddles located intermediate said front portion and said rear portion along said lower surface of said housing.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
28 words
A housing according to claim 38 further comprising an aperture defined in said front portion at a downwardly diverging angle transverse to the longitudinal axis of said housing.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 38 wherein said accessory module comprises an expanded memory.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 38 wherein said accessory module comprises a pistol grip.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 38 wherein said accessory module comprises an auxiliary battery.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 38 wherein said accessory module comprises an expanded keypad.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
142 words
Ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle having a generally U-shaped configuration in a first direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said housing, and a generally U-shaped configuration in a second direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing wherein a concave portion of said generally U-shared configuration faces said rear portion, for receiving therein an operator's finger, enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position; and an aperture defined in said front portion at a downwardly diverging angle transverse to the longitudinal axis of said housing to enable interaction of the micro computer with a desired target with minimal movement of an operator's hand.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
142 words
Ergonomic housing for a micro computer comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a recessed finger saddle having a generally U-shaped configuration in a first direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said housing, and a generally U-shaped configuration in a second direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing wherein a concave portion of said generally U-shared configuration faces said rear portion, for receiving therein an operator's finger, enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position; and an aperture defined in said front portion at a downwardly diverging angle transverse to the longitudinal axis of said housing to enable interaction of the micro computer with a desired target with minimal movement of an operator's hand.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 54 wherein said accessory module comprises a pistol grip.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 44 wherein said accessory module comprises an auxiliary battery.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 53 wherein said accessory module comprises an expanded keypad.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
A housing according to claim 53 wherein said finger saddle comprises a channel bisecting said front portion and said rear portion of said housing generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
A housing according to claim 58 wherein said finger saddle comprises a generally U-shaped configuration, said finger saddle being sufficiently recessed to maintain said housing in position with respect to an operator's finger.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
A housing according to claim 54 further comprising a removable portion for receiving a selectively interchangeable accessory module.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 60 wherein said accessory module comprises an expanded memory.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
41 words
A housing according to claim 60 wherein at least one of said front portion and said rear portion include a generally planar lower surface forming a base enabling said housing to rest in a stable position on a substantially planar surface.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
13 words
A housing according to claim 60 wherein said housing comprising a clam-shell configuration.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
16 words
A housing according to claim 45 wherein said downwardly diverging angle approaches 45° from the horizontal.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
A housing according to claim 60 further comprising an interface component on said upper surface.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
18 words
A housing according to claim 65 wherein said interface component comprises an activation switch for the micro computer.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 66 wherein said interface component comprises an electrical interface.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
14 words
A housing according to claim 66 wherein said interface component comprises a mechanical interface.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-08-31 | 2002-03-02 | 2002-09-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-08-31 | 2006-03-02 | 2006-09-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-08-31 | 2010-03-02 | 2010-09-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |