U.S. patent application number 09/144183 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-07 for accessory mount.
Invention is credited to TRANA, ROGER MICHAEL.
Application Number | 20010002691 09/144183 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22507453 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010002691 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TRANA, ROGER MICHAEL |
June 7, 2001 |
ACCESSORY MOUNT
Abstract
An accessory mount (20) for a portable instrument (26) is
provided. The device includes a housing (28a and 28b) and a recess
(30) located in the housing. The accessory mount also includes a
frame (24) received within the recess and a fastener member (36a
and 36b) attached to the frame for selectively attaching the frame
within the recess. The accessory mount also includes a slot (42)
that is partially formed with the frame for selectively attaching
and/or positioning equipment, such as an adapter (22), to the
device, thereby permitting operation of the device without
requiring the use of both hands of an operator.
Inventors: |
TRANA, ROGER MICHAEL;
(BOTHELL, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Family ID: |
22507453 |
Appl. No.: |
09/144183 |
Filed: |
August 31, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/220.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 11/0241
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/220.21 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/00 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An accessory mount for an instrument, the instrument having body
and a recess formed within the body, the accessory mount
comprising: (a) a frame sized to be releasably received within the
recess; (b) a fastener member formed with the frame for selectively
securing the frame to the instrument; and (c) accessory attachment
means for selectively attaching and/or positioning equipment to the
instrument, the accessory attachment means being at least partially
integrally formed with the frame.
2. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein the accessory attachment
means further comprising a slot located between the frame and the
recess, the slot being sized to slidably receive and fasten the
equipment to the instrument.
3. The accessory mount of claim 2, wherein the accessory attachment
means further comprising coupling means for selectively coupling an
accessory to the instrument, the coupling means being slidably
receivable within the slot.
4. The accessory mount of claim 3, wherein the coupling means is a
coupling member having an end adapted to be selectively fastened
within the slot and another end adapted for attaching an accessory
to the instrument from which the instrument may be attached to an
object.
5. The accessory mount of claim 1, further comprising at least a
first stowage member integrally formed with the frame for stowing a
probe connected to the instrument.
6. The accessory mount of claim 2, further comprising at least a
first stowage member integrally formed with the frame for stowing a
probe connected to the instrument.
7. An accessory mount for a portable device, the device having a
housing and a recess located in the housing, wherein the accessory
mount comprises: (a) a frame received within the recess; (b) a
fastener member attached to the frame for selectively securing the
frame to the device; and (c) an accessory attachment member at
least partially formed with the frame for selectively attaching
and/or positioning equipment to the device.
8. The accessory mount of claim 7, wherein the accessory attachment
member further comprises a slot defined between the frame and the
recess, the slot being sized to slidably receive and fasten the
equipment to the device.
9. The accessory mount of claim 8, wherein the accessory attachment
member further comprises a coupling member slidably receivable
within the slot, the coupling member having an end adapted to be
releasably fastened within the slot and another end adapted for
attaching an accessory to the device from which the device may be
attached to an object.
10. The accessory mount of claim 7, further comprising at least a
first stowage member integrally formed with the frame for stowing a
probe connected to the device.
11. The accessory mount of claim 8, further comprising at least a
first stowage member integrally formed with the frame for stowing a
probe connected to the device.
12. The accessory mount of claim 11, wherein the fastener member
comprises a pair of tabs located on opposite sides of the frame,
the tabs being sized to be received within corresponding pockets
located within the recess of the device.
13. An accessory mount for a hand-held instrument, the instrument
having a housing and a recess formed within the housing, the
accessory mount comprising: (a) a frame selectively received within
the recess and defining a slot therebetween, the slot being adapted
for selectively attaching and/or positioning equipment to the
instrument; and (b) a fastener member formed with the frame for
selectively attaching the frame to the instrument.
14. The accessory mount of claim 13, further comprising a coupling
member slidably receivable within the slot, the coupling member
having an end adapted to be selectively fastened within the slot
and another end adapted for attaching an accessory to the
instrument from which the instrument may be attached to an
object.
15. The accessory mount of claim 13, further comprising at least a
first stowage member for selectively attaching a probe connected to
the instrument, the stowage member being at least partially
integrally formed with the frame.
16. The accessory mount of claim 14, further comprising at least a
first stowage member for selectively attaching a probe connected to
the instrument, the stowage member being at least partially
integrally formed with the frame.
17. An accessory mount for an instrument, the instrument having a
housing, a recess formed within the housing, and at least a first
accessory, the accessory mount comprising: (a) a frame selectively
received within the recess and defining a slot therebetween, the
slot being adapted for selectively attaching and/or positioning
equipment to the instrument; (b) an attachment member formed with
the frame for selectively attaching the accessory mount to the
instrument; (c) accessory stowage means for selectively attaching
the accessory to the frame, the accessory stowage means being at
least partially integrally formed with the frame; and (d) a
coupling member selectively attachable to the frame, the coupling
member having an end adapted to be selectively fastened within the
slot and another end adapted for attaching the equipment to the
instrument.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to accessory mounts
and, more particularly, to accessory mounts for hand-held
instruments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Today's work environment has become more mobile with the
advancement of portable technologies. This is particularly true in
the areas of computers and hand-held test equipment. In this
regard, computers may be easily converted from a hard wired system
to a wireless system by the use of portable adapters having
wireless line of sight capabilities, such as infrared (IR)
adapters. Such adapters include a casing housing electronics, a
cable for physical connection to the computer, and a signal
transmitter/receiver port located in the casing. In operation, the
computer operator physically connects one end of the cable to the
computer and the other end to the adapter. The operator then aligns
the receiver/transmitter port of the adapter with a corresponding
communications port located in a second piece of equipment, such as
a printer. The computer remains in communication with the second
piece of equipment as long as the signal remains uninterrupted.
Thus, portable adapters are a growing part of today's mobile work
environment.
[0003] Another growing part of a mobile work environment is
hand-held instruments, such as scanners and multimeters. Hand-held
instruments generally include a casing housing electronics, and a
probe operatively connected to the electronics by a cable. In
operation, the operator typically holds the casing in one hand and
holds the probe in the other hand to retrieve data for analysis on
site or at a more convenient location. Such hand-held instruments
bring technology into remote locations that otherwise may have been
inaccessible.
[0004] Thus, the advancement of portable technology has lead to a
more mobile work force by the use of instruments, such as IR
adapters, scanners, and multimeters. Although portable instruments
are convenient for their intended use, they are not without their
problems.
[0005] One such problem of portable instruments is the cumbersome
nature of the instrument itself. As noted above for hand-held
instruments, operation of such instruments requires both hands of
the operator. However, in certain applications, the operator may
require one or both hands free to simultaneously operate another
device and, therefore, needs a convenient location to place the
instrument. In these situations, the operator has at least two
options. First, the operator may place the instrument and probe
into one hand while performing work with their free hand.
Alternatively, the operator may place the instrument on the ground
or place it on some structure located near the work area. Both
options are undesirable because of increased risk of either
dropping the probe or instrument, inadvertently stepping on the
instrument, or distracting the operator's attention away from the
secondary device.
[0006] Prior attempts at increasing the convenience and safety of
using hand-held instruments have included attachment devices, such
as strap hooks and holsters. Typically, strap hooks are fastened to
the instrument casing and define a belt loop. The operator threads
a belt through the belt loop, thereby strapping the instrument to
their clothing. Although strap hooks are useful, they have limited
utility because they are specifically adapted to be strapped to the
body of the operator. Holsters for hand-held instruments are
adapted to be carried on the shoulder of the operator. Such
holsters include a pocket that is sized to cradle the instrument
and a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is attached to the pocket,
such that the instrument may be hung from the shoulder of the
operator. Holsters also have limited utility because they are not
easily adaptable to accommodate other attachments, such as magnet
straps or Velcro.TM. strips, that are adapted to hang the
instrument from an object other than the operator's body.
[0007] As noted above for wireless systems having line of sight
adapters, the system is functional only when the adapter is
precisely aligned with the communications port of the target
machine. As a result, the adapter and communications port must be
aligned on the same axis to ensure an uninterrupted data link
therebetween. Such alignment requires a mount for the adapter that
is both stable and ensures a constant alignment of the adapter with
the communications port of the corresponding machine. Currently
available mounts for such adapters include mounts that are
integrally molded with the casing of the adapter. Although such
mounts are useful, their utility is strictly limited to use with
that particular adapter. This is undesirable because the computer
operator is unable to change adapters or add accessories to the
existing adapter, because the mount is integrally formed with the
adapter.
[0008] Thus, there exists a need for a relatively inexpensive,
reliable, and convenient accessory amount capable of accommodating
a variety of accessories. The present invention is directed to
fulfilling this and other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, an accessory mount
for a portable device is provided. The device includes a housing
and a recess located in the housing. The accessory mount includes a
frame received within the recess and a fastener member attached to
the frame for selectively attaching the frame within the recess.
The accessory mount also includes an accessory attachment member
that is at least partially formed with the frame for selectively
attaching and/or positioning equipment to the device, thereby
permitting operation of the device without requiring the use of
both hands of an operator.
[0010] In accordance with other aspects of this invention, the
accessory attachment member further includes a slot defined between
the frame and the recess. The slot is sized to slideably receive
and fasten the equipment to the device.
[0011] In accordance with still other aspects of this invention,
the accessory attachment member further includes a coupling member.
The coupling member includes an end adapted to be selectively
fastened within the slot and another end adapted for attaching an
accessory to the device from which the device may be attached to an
object.
[0012] In accordance with additional aspects of this invention, the
accessory mount also includes at least a first stowage member
integrally formed with the frame mount for stowing a probe
connected to the device.
[0013] In accordance with additional aspects of this invention, the
fastener member includes a pair of tabs located on opposite sides
of the frame and each tab is sized to be received within
corresponding pockets located within the recess of the device.
[0014] An accessory mount formed in accordance with the present
invention has several advantages over those currently available.
First, the accessory mount of the present invention permits
convenient probe storage of an instrument when the probes are not
in use. Second, the accessory mount of the present invention is
adapted to receive a coupler. The coupler is adapted to attach a
variety of accessories, such as a strap, to the instrument, such
that the instrument may be hung from a variety of objects of the
operator's choice. This is beneficial because such accessories
permit operation of the instrument without requiring the use of
both hands of the operator. Third, the accessory mount of the
present invention is also capable of accommodating a variety of
equipment, such as a cradle for a wireless adapter, to facilitate
operation of the instrument. Thus, an accessory mount constructed
in accordance with the present invention is more robust then those
currently available.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become better understood by reference to the
following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of an accessory mount
constructed in accordance with the present invention showing both a
coupling member and probes stowage members;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an accessory mount constructed
in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a coupling member
for an accessory mount constructed in accordance with the present
invention and showing the locking tab thereof; and
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an accessory mount
constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the
rearward facing side of the frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of an
accessory mount 20 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The accessory mount 20 includes an adapter 22 and a
frame 24. The accessory mount 20 is shown in an assembled position
as it would be attached to a portable instrument 26. Although the
use of an adapter 22 is within the scope of the present invention,
the adapter 22 is not required for the invention and may be
replaced by an ancillary piece of equipment to facilitate operation
of the instrument 26, as is described in greater detail below.
[0021] The instrument 26 is a well-known portable instrument, such
as a scanner or hand-held test equipment, and includes upper and
lower housing casings 28a and 28b. The casings 28a and 28b may be
injection-molded from a thermoplastic and are fastened together by
well-known fasteners (not shown), such as snap fasteners or screws.
The casings 28a and 28b are similarly configured and are sized to
house the internal hardware (not shown), such as electronics, of
the instrument 26 when the casings 28a and 28b are fastened
together. Integrally formed within the outwardly facing side of the
lower casing 28b is a recess 30. The recess 30 is substantially
rectangular in shape and is sized to receive the frame 24 therein.
The recess 30 extends from one end of the instrument 26
longitudinally therein to a predetermined point towards the other
end of the instrument 26. The sides of the recess 30 each include
corresponding first and second rectangularly shaped holes. The
holes extend within the sides of the recess 30 in an opposed manner
for a predetermined distance to define corresponding pockets 32.
Although only one of the pockets 32 is illustrated in the recess
30, the opposing side of the recess 30 includes an identically
configured pocket. Thus, identically configured pockets are located
in opposing sides of the recess 30 to selectively fasten the frame
24 therein, as is described in greater detail below.
[0022] The frame 24 is preferably injection-molded from a
well-known, semiflexible thermoplastic, thermoelastic, or
elastomeric material. The frame 24 is substantially rectangular in
configuration and includes a notch 34, first and second fastener
members or lock tabs 36a and 36b, first and second probe stowage
members 38a and 38b, and a hole 40 extending through the thickness
of one end of the frame 24. The notch 34 extends along a
longitudinal axis extending between the ends of the frame 24. The
notch 34 is rectangular in shape and is located in the side of the
frame 24 that is adjacent the bottom of the recess 30 when the
frame 24 is received therein. When the frame 24 is received within
the recess 30, the notch 34 defines a rectangular slot 42 (FIG. 1)
therebetween. The slot 42 is sized to selectively receive the
adapter 22 therein.
[0023] The adapter 22 is preferably rectangularly shaped and is
injection-molded from a thermoplastic material. Opposite ends of
the adapter 22 include first and second holes 43a and 43b extending
through the thickness of the adapter 22. Preferably, the first hole
43a is oblong and is sized to receive an accessory (not shown)
therethrough, such as a belt or a strap, as is described in greater
detail below.
[0024] As may be seen better by referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the
adapter 22 also includes a spring lock 44 integrally formed within
the second hole 43b. The spring lock 44 includes a semi-circular
body 46 that is flexibly connected within the hole 43b by a flange
48. As seen in FIG. 3, the spring lock 44 is biased within the hole
43b, such that the body 46 angles outwardly from the hole 43b. As
attached within the hole 43b, the free end of the body 46, opposite
the flange 48, projects outwardly from the adapter 22 to define an
abutment edge 50. The flange 48 allows the spring lock 44 to flex
within the hole 43b to selectively lock and unlock the adapter 22
within the slot 42 when the frame 24 is fastened within the recess
30 by the lock tabs 36a and 36b.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the rectangularly shaped lock
tabs 36a and 36b project outwardly in an opposed manner from the
sides of the frame 24. The lock tabs 36a and 36b are positioned on
opposite sides of the frame 24, such that when the frame 24 is
received within the recess 30, the lock tabs 36a and 36b correspond
in location and size with the pockets 32 of the recess 30 to
selectively lock the frame 24 therein. Thus, the lock tabs 36a and
36b are keyed to fit into the corresponding pockets 32 of the
recess 30 when the frame 24 is received therein. Although it is
preferred that the lock tabs 36a and 36b are integrally molded with
the frame 24, other configurations, such as separate tabs that are
fastened to the frame 24, are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0026] The probe stowage members 38a and 38b are preferably
integrally formed with the side of the frame 24 that faces
outwardly when the frame 24 is received within the recess 30.
Preferably, the probe stowage members 38a and 38b are cylindrical
in configuration and are located on the frame 24, such that they
extend longitudinally between the ends of the frame 24. Also, the
probe stowage members 38a and 38b are located on the frame 24, such
that the hole 40 is positioned between the probe stowage members
38a and 38b. Each probe stowage member 38a and 38b includes a hole
extending longitudinally therethrough. The hole is sized to receive
an instrument probe (not shown), such as a test lead probe, for
instruments 26 having such equipment. Although it is preferred that
the frame 24 includes at least one probe stowage member, a frame 24
formed with more or fewer probe stowage members is also within the
scope of the present invention.
[0027] Operation of an accessory mount 20 formed in accordance with
the present invention may be best understood by referring to FIGS.
1-3. To attach the frame 24 within the recess 30, the sides of the
frame 24 are compressed inwardly in an opposed fashion, as
indicated by the arrow 54, such that the first and second lock tabs
36a and 36b pass freely within the sides of the recess 30 as the
frame 24 is inserted therein. After the frame 24 is received within
the recess 30, the compression load is released, thereby permitting
the frame 24 to spring back into its uncompressed position. In the
uncompressed position, the lock tabs 36a and 36b are received
within the pockets 32, thereby locking the frame 24 within the
recess 30.
[0028] After the frame 24 is received within the recess 30, the
adapter 22 may be slidably received within the slot 42. The end of
the adapter 22 that includes the spring lock 44 is slideably
received in the slot 42. As the adapter 22 slides within the slot
42, the frame 24 passes over the spring lock 44. As the frame 24
passes over the spring lock 44, it slides against and, thereby,
flexes the body 46 inwardly within the second hole 43b of the
adapter 22, as indicated by the arrow 52. Thus, the adapter 22
slides into the slot 42 with minimal resistance.
[0029] The adapter 22 continues to slide within the slot 42 until
the second hole 43b of the adapter 22 and the hole 40 of the frame
24 are aligned. At this point, the compressive force applied to the
spring lock 44 by the frame 24 is released and the spring lock 44
unflexes and returns to its neutral position. In its neutral
position, the abutment edge 50 of the body 46 springs partially
into the hole 40 of the frame 24, such that the abutment edge 50
engages at least a portion of the frame 24 defining the hole 40 to
resist withdrawal of the adapter 22 from the slot 42. Thus, the
adapter 22 is selectively held within the slot 42 by the spring
lock 44 abutting at least a portion of the frame 24.
[0030] As received within the frame 24, the end of the adapter 22
that includes the first hole 43a projects outwardly from an end of
the instrument 26. The first hole 43a is adapted to receive a
hanger (not shown), such as a belt or a strap having a magnet or
Velcro.TM. attached to one end. The hanger may be attached to the
first hole 43a, such that the instrument 26 may be hung from an
object (not shown). Such an arrangement allows the instrument to be
hung from the object, thereby permitting operation of the
instrument without requiring the operator to either hold the
instrument in their hand, or hang the instrument from their
body.
[0031] To remove the adapter 22 from within the slot 42, the
operator simply applies a compressive force against the body 46 of
the spring lock 44. This force causes the body 46 to flex within
the second hole 43b, such that the abutment edge 50 no longer
engages the frame 24. The adapter 22 is then permitted to pass
freely through the slot 42 as it is pulled out from within the slot
42.
[0032] To remove the frame 24 from within the recess 30, a pulling
force is applied to the center of the frame 24 to deform the frame
24. As the frame 24 deforms, the lock tabs 36a and 36b are
withdrawn from the pockets 30, thereby permitting withdrawal of the
frame 24 from within the recess 30.
[0033] The previously described version of the present invention
provides several advantages over accessory mounts currently
available. First, the accessory mount of the present invention
permits convenient probe storage of an instrument when the probes
are not in use. Second, the accessory mount of the present
invention is adapted to receive a coupler. This coupler is adapted
to attach a variety of accessories, such as a strap, to the
instrument, such that the instrument may be hung from a variety of
objects of the operator's choice. Such accessories permit operation
of the instrument without requiring the use of both hands of the
operator. Third, the accessory mount of the present invention is
also capable of accommodating a variety of equipment, such as a
cradle for a wireless adapter, to facilitate operation of the
equipment. Therefore, an accessory mount formed in accordance with
the present invention is more robust than those currently
available.
[0034] From the foregoing description, it may be seen that an
accessory mount formed in accordance with the present invention
incorporates many novel features and offers significant advantages
over those currently available. While the presently preferred
embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it
is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims,
various changes can be made therein without departing from the
spirit of the invention. As a first nonlimiting example, the
adapter 22 may be replaced by an ancillary piece of equipment, such
as a cradle for an infrared adapter, to facilitate operation of the
instrument 26. In this nonlimiting example, the ancillary piece of
equipment may be sized to be received within the slot 42 of the
accessory mount 20. On the other hand, the ancillary piece of
equipment may include a coupling member attached to the equipment,
such that the coupling member may be selectively received within
the slot 42. Thus, although it is preferred that the accessory
mount 20 of the present application includes an adapter 22, other
pieces of equipment, such as a cradle for infrared equipment, may
also be adapted to be received by an accessory mount constructed in
accordance with the present invention. Therefore, the illustrated
and described embodiment is to be considered as exemplary only and
the invention itself should be evaluated only as defined in the
claims that follow.
* * * * *