US5888087A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
One-handed dock for a portable data collection terminal
Assignee: Intermec IP Corp
•
Filing: 1996-12-24
•
Granted: 1999-03-30
•
Expires: 2016-12-24
Abstract
Abstract A docking device for a data collection terminal comprises a latch which positively retains an inserted data collection terminal in a docking position wherein communication and power contacts of the data collection terminal are communicatively coupled to complementary contacts of the docking device. The latch urges the inserted data collection terminal into a latched rest position with an optimal minimum contact engagement force, such that any shock or vibration has a tendency to increase the contact engagement force to thereby eliminate an inadvertent opening of contacts due to shock or vibration. The latch is adapted to facilitate one-handed insertion and removal of the data collection terminal into and from the docking device. The docking device includes a scanner bracket for holding a scanner operably connected to the data collection terminal wherein the scanner, inserted in the bracket, and the controls of the data collection terminal, inserted into the docking device, remain accessible to a user thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 George E. Hanson
- 👤 John G. Pavek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:04
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R16/00; B60R16/02; B60R16/023; B60R16/0231; G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1626; G06F1/1632; G06F1/26; G06F1/28; G06F1/32; G06F1/3203; G06K; G06K17/00; G06K17/0022; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10554; G06K7/10564; G06K7/10574; G06K7/10584; G06K7/10594; G06K7/10683; G06K7/10702; G06K7/10712; G06K7/10722; G06K7/10732; G06K7/10792; G06K7/10801; G06K7/10811; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10841; G06K7/10851; G06K7/10881; G06K7/12; G07; G07C; G07C5/00; G07C5/08; G07C5/0808; G07C5/0841; G07C5/085; G07C5/0858; H; H01; H01Q; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/50; H01Q1/52; H01Q1/526; H04; H04B; H04B1/00; H04B1/38; H04B1/3827; H04B1/3877; H04L; H04L1/00; H04L1/0001; H04L1/0023; H04L1/0025; H04L1/0032; H04L1/12; H04L1/16; H04L1/1607; H04L1/1671; H04L1/1685; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/02; H04M1/04; B60R16/03; B60R16/0315; H04B2001/3894; H04M7/00; H04M7/006; H04W; H04W88/00; H04W88/02; H05; H05K; H05K1/00; H05K1/02; H05K1/0213; H05K1/0216; H05K1/023; H05K1/0233; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/929
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
In a data collection system, an end-insertion docking device and a data collection terminal having a plurality of surface contacts, said docking device comprising: a) a docking channel having a longitudinal extent and an insertion end with an insertion opening at said insertion end, a retention end longitudinally opposite from said insertion end, said docking channel having a base wall and having retention surfaces disposed spacedly opposite said base wall, forming a retention cavity therebetween; b) means for latching the data collection terminal into, and releasing the latched data collection terminal from, said docking device by a user using only one hand; and c) a scanner operably connected to the data collection terminal, and a bracket for receiving the scanner; the docking device having resilient means for engaging the surface contacts of the terminal to effect charging of the terminal while the terminal is latched into the docking device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
In a data collection system, an end-insertion docking device and a data collection terminal having a plurality of surface contacts, said docking device comprising: a) a docking channel having a longitudinal extent and an insertion end with an insertion opening at said insertion end, a retention end longitudinally opposite from said insertion end, said docking channel having a base wall and having retention surfaces disposed spacedly opposite said base wall, forming a retention cavity therebetween; b) means for latching the data collection terminal into, and releasing the latched data collection terminal from, said docking device by a user using only one hand; and c) a scanner operably connected to the data collection terminal, and a bracket for receiving the scanner; the docking device having resilient means for engaging the surface contacts of the terminal to effect charging of the terminal while the terminal is latched into the docking device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
The data collection system according to claim 1, further comprising: a) said resilient means comprising a plurality of spring contacts extending into said docking channel; and wherein said docking channel has guide surfaces to slidingly guide the plurality of surface contacts of the data collection terminal into alignment with said plurality of spring contacts as the data collection terminal is inserted into said docking device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The data collection system according to claim 1, wherein the scanner is a laser scanner.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The data collection system according to claim 1, wherein said bracket includes cushioning means for cushioning the scanner inserted into said bracket.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The data collection system according to claim 1, wherein the scanner is inserted into the bracket, the data collection terminal having controls which remain accessible to a user with the terminal inserted into said docking channel, and a wireless link between the terminal and the scanner.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
162 words
A data collection system comprising an end-insertion docking device and a data collection terminal having a plurality of surface contacts, said docking device comprising: a) a docking channel having a longitudinal extent, an insertion end with an insertion opening and a retention end spaced longitudinally opposite from the insertion end, the docking channel further having a base wall and terminal retention surfaces spaced opposite from the base wall such that a retention cavity is formed therebetween; b) a plurality of spring contacts protruding into the docking channel, and guide surfaces forming part of the docking channel such that the plurality of surface contacts of the data collection terminal are guidable into alignment with said plurality of spring contacts; c) means for engaging the data collection terminal into, and for removing the data collection terminal from, said docking device by a user using only one hand; and d) a scanner operably connected to the data collection terminal, and a bracket receiving said scanner.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
162 words
A data collection system comprising an end-insertion docking device and a data collection terminal having a plurality of surface contacts, said docking device comprising: a) a docking channel having a longitudinal extent, an insertion end with an insertion opening and a retention end spaced longitudinally opposite from the insertion end, the docking channel further having a base wall and terminal retention surfaces spaced opposite from the base wall such that a retention cavity is formed therebetween; b) a plurality of spring contacts protruding into the docking channel, and guide surfaces forming part of the docking channel such that the plurality of surface contacts of the data collection terminal are guidable into alignment with said plurality of spring contacts; c) means for engaging the data collection terminal into, and for removing the data collection terminal from, said docking device by a user using only one hand; and d) a scanner operably connected to the data collection terminal, and a bracket receiving said scanner.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The data collection system according to claim 6, wherein said means for removing the data collection terminal from said docking device includes a single release mechanism that is adapted to disengage the data collection terminal from said plurality of spring contacts.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The data collection system according to claim 7, wherein said release mechanism operably disengages the data collection terminal from said plurality of spring contacts substantially in a direction from said retention end toward said insertion end.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The data collection system according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of spring contacts are adapted to reliably engage the plurality of surface contacts of the data collection terminal in a vibration-prone environment.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
177 words
In a data collection system, an end-insertion docking device and a data collection terminal having a plurality of surface contacts, said docking device comprising: a) a docking channel having a longitudinal extent and an insertion end with an insertion opening at said insertion end, a retention end longitudinally opposite from said insertion end, said docking channel having a base wall and having retention surfaces disposed spacedly opposite said base wall, forming a retention cavity therebetween; said retention surfaces disposed to provide access to controls of the data collection terminal as the data collection terminal is fully inserted into the docking channel; b) means for selectively inserting the data collection terminal into, and removing the data collection terminal from, said docking channel by a user using only one hand; and c) a scanner bracket and a scanner received by the bracket and operably connected to the data collection terminal as the data collection terminal is inserted into the docking channel; said scanner bracket configured such that the scanner is readily removable from the scanner bracket by the user.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
177 words
In a data collection system, an end-insertion docking device and a data collection terminal having a plurality of surface contacts, said docking device comprising: a) a docking channel having a longitudinal extent and an insertion end with an insertion opening at said insertion end, a retention end longitudinally opposite from said insertion end, said docking channel having a base wall and having retention surfaces disposed spacedly opposite said base wall, forming a retention cavity therebetween; said retention surfaces disposed to provide access to controls of the data collection terminal as the data collection terminal is fully inserted into the docking channel; b) means for selectively inserting the data collection terminal into, and removing the data collection terminal from, said docking channel by a user using only one hand; and c) a scanner bracket and a scanner received by the bracket and operably connected to the data collection terminal as the data collection terminal is inserted into the docking channel; said scanner bracket configured such that the scanner is readily removable from the scanner bracket by the user.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
231 words
In a data collection system, a data collection terminal having a terminal display and a plurality of battery charging contacts arranged for receiving battery charging current, said system further comprising: (a) a docking installation comprising a docking receptacle having a longitudinal extent, an insertion end and a retention end spaced longitudinally opposite from the insertion end, with a terminal receiving space extending longitudinally from the retention end for accommodating said terminal as it is inserted into the docking receptacle beginning at the insertion end; (b) a plurality of electrically conductive contacts protruding into the terminal receiving space and resiliently deflectable in response to engagement with the respective battery charging contacts of the terminal; (c) guide surfaces forming part of the docking receptacle such that the plurality of battery charging contacts of the data collection terminal are guidable into alignment with said plurality of electrically conductive contacts; (d) the construction of the docking receptacle and of the guide surfaces providing for engaging the data collection terminal into, and for removing the data collection terminal from, said docking device by a user using only one hand; (e) said docking installation having a scanner operably connected to the data collection terminal; and (f) said docking installation being of construction such that the terminal display remains accessible to a user substantially in its entirety while the terminal and scanner are held by the docking installation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
231 words
In a data collection system, a data collection terminal having a terminal display and a plurality of battery charging contacts arranged for receiving battery charging current, said system further comprising: (a) a docking installation comprising a docking receptacle having a longitudinal extent, an insertion end and a retention end spaced longitudinally opposite from the insertion end, with a terminal receiving space extending longitudinally from the retention end for accommodating said terminal as it is inserted into the docking receptacle beginning at the insertion end; (b) a plurality of electrically conductive contacts protruding into the terminal receiving space and resiliently deflectable in response to engagement with the respective battery charging contacts of the terminal; (c) guide surfaces forming part of the docking receptacle such that the plurality of battery charging contacts of the data collection terminal are guidable into alignment with said plurality of electrically conductive contacts; (d) the construction of the docking receptacle and of the guide surfaces providing for engaging the data collection terminal into, and for removing the data collection terminal from, said docking device by a user using only one hand; (e) said docking installation having a scanner operably connected to the data collection terminal; and (f) said docking installation being of construction such that the terminal display remains accessible to a user substantially in its entirety while the terminal and scanner are held by the docking installation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
A data collection system according to claim 11, with said data collection terminal together with said scanner being held by said docking installation such that the terminal is removable by a user in a single motion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system according to claim 12, with said scanner comprising a deflected beam laser scanner.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 13, with said data collection terminal being operably connected with said laser scanner via a wireless link.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 14, with said laser scanner having a rechargeable battery, and said docking installation providing for recharging of the rechargeable battery of the laser scanner.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
92 words
A system for facilitating data collection operations, said system comprising: (a) a data collection terminal and an indicia reader operably coupled with the terminal, said terminal having a rechargeable battery and a user interface for observation by a user; (b) a docking installation releasably receiving said data collection terminal and indicia reader for recharging of said battery; and (c) the construction of the docking installation providing unobstructed access to the user interface substantially in its entirety during recharging of the battery and providing for removal of the terminal with a single motion.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
92 words
A system for facilitating data collection operations, said system comprising: (a) a data collection terminal and an indicia reader operably coupled with the terminal, said terminal having a rechargeable battery and a user interface for observation by a user; (b) a docking installation releasably receiving said data collection terminal and indicia reader for recharging of said battery; and (c) the construction of the docking installation providing unobstructed access to the user interface substantially in its entirety during recharging of the battery and providing for removal of the terminal with a single motion.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 16, with said indicia reader comprising a deflected beam laser scanner.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 16, with said data collection terminal being coupled with said indicia reader via a wireless link.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 16, with said indicia reader having a battery enabling operation of the indicia reader without a cable connection to said terminal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system according to claim 16, with said indicia reader being wirelessly coupled with the terminal and being removable from the docking installation by a user using only one hand.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
CH173434A
Cited
US2024622A
Cited
US2794664A
Cited
US3143697A
Cited
US3348116A
Cited
US3390319A
Cited
US3745565A
Cited
US3826900A
Cited
US3830554A
Cited
US3895768A
Cited
US4038535A
Cited
US4084214A
Cited
US4141616A
Cited
US4468750A
Cited
US4208081A
Cited
GB2045726A
Cited
JPS5634468A
Cited
US4396985A
Cited
US4628193A
Cited
US4387297B1
Cited
US4387297A
Cited
US4403271A
Cited
US4345147A
Cited
US4397513A
Cited
US4894523A
Cited
US4458813A
Cited
US4409470A
Cited
US4758717A
Cited
US4527285A
Cited
US4481458A
Cited
US4739316A
Cited
US4558270A
Cited
US4588938A
Cited
US4634304A
Cited
GB2153237A
Cited
DE3408594A1
Cited
JPS60198273A
Cited
US4620808A
Cited
US4801786A
Cited
US4629962A
Cited
US4645275A
Cited
FR2567304A1
Cited
US4766300A
Cited
US4723281A
Cited
US4773032A
Cited
DE8438263U1
Cited
DE8500180U1
Cited
GB2175749A
Cited
US4590943A
Cited
US4746932A
Cited
US4706096A
Cited
JPS627582A
Cited
US4835372A
Cited
US4739183A
Cited
US4721849A
Cited
US4621189A
Cited
US4806906A
Cited
US4751648A
Cited
US4857716A
Cited
US4742335A
Cited
US4727245A
Cited
US4701003A
Cited
WO1988005573A1
Cited
WO1988005940A1
Cited
US4790431A
Cited
US4970379A
Cited
US5023824A
Cited
US4953113A
Cited
US4801924A
Cited
US4853521A
Cited
DE8801332U1
Cited
US4922125A
Cited
US4845738A
Cited
US4881839A
Cited
US4846924A
Cited
US5180232A
Cited
US4916441A
Cited
US5331580A
Cited
US5195183A
Cited
US5289378A
Cited
US5517434A
Cited
US5521370A
Cited
EP0385502A2
Cited
US5052943A
Cited
US5031098A
Cited
US5203021A
Cited
US5186558A
Cited
US5310358A
Cited
US5466170A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-03-29 | 2002-09-28 | 2003-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-03-29 | 2006-09-28 | 2007-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-03-29 | 2010-09-28 | 2011-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |