GB2412470A

GB2412470A - Mobile data processing handset

Info

Publication number: GB2412470A
Application number: GB0406810A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ariel Rotman; Yona Newman; Shimon Barness
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2004-03-26
Filing date: 2004-03-26
Publication date: 2005-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-26
Also published as: GB0406810D0; GB2412470B

Abstract

A mobile handset for data processing and optionally data recording, e.g. obtained by scanning or imaging a code such as a barcode, the handset including a body and, attached to the body, a handle adapted to allow a user to hold the handset by hand, wherein the handle is attached to the handset by a joint which allows the handle to swivel in orientation relative to the handset to allow an orientation of the handle to be selected by a user. The handle may be fixed in orientation relative to the body by a locking mechanism.

Description

24 1 2470 TITLE: MOBILE DATA PROCESSING HANDSETS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mobile handsets for data processing, e.g. including data entry and communication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile data processing handsets are used in various applications, e.g. for entry and communication of data. The data entry may be carried out manually by the user using data input means such as a keyboard or function buttons and/or by scanning or imaging information, e.g. a bar code, carried on an article, e.g. a product being manufactured or shipped or a package whose transit is being tracked.The communication of data by the handset may be by wireless (radio) communication to a remote receiver.

Handsets used for data entry and scanning are frequently fitted with a socalled pistol grip handle, for ease of holding by the user. Such a handle may be a permanent attachment or a clip-on accessory. The orientation of the handle is fixed so when the user needs a different handset orientation, such as when scanning barcodes on labels at different physical heights, he/she must tilt the whole handset to arrive at the correct orientation. This necessitates different hand and arm orientations especially when scanning an object which is high up or low down (relative to the user's waist) and holding and moving the handset in such awkward orientations can add unnecessary extra physical effort in scanning operations, leading to quick user fatigue with the possibility of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

Further, the fixed handle can make the handset have a bulky, awkward shape for storage when not in use.

The purpose of the present invention is to recognize that an improved construction of handset handle would be desirable and to provide such a handset handle.

SUM - RY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

According to the present invention in a first aspect there is provided a mobile handset for data processing including a body and, attached to the body, a handle adapted to allow a user to hold the handset by hand, wherein the handle is attached to the handset by a joint which allows the handle to swivel in orientation relative to the handset to allow an orientation of the handle to be selected by a user.

The handset may include means for reading, e.g. by scanning or imaging, a barcode or other identification code on an article to be identified. The handset may also be adapted for data entry by a user and for data communication, e.g. by radio communication. The handset may be operable to communicate data derived from information read from an article identifier code.

The joint between the handset body and the handle may comprise a ball and socket joint, e.g. with a ball portion rigidly attached to the handle and a socket portion attached to or incorporated in the body.

The handset may advantageously include a lock mechanism to lock the handle in a selected orientation. The lock mechanism may include a mechanism operable in a locked state to force the ball and socket together to lock them and in released state to allow the ball to rotate inside the socket. The mechanism may include a piston incorporating the socket which is forced against the ball by a spring and an actuator mechanism allowing the piston to be released.

The handle conveniently may be folded about its pivot formed by the ball and socket joint to fit, when not in use, at least partly in a recess provided in the body. The recess may be provided in a rear face of the body, the body having also a front face which has data entry buttons or keys for use by a user.

According to the present invention in a second aspect there is provided a method of operating by a user a handset according to the first aspect which includes the user selecting a suitable orientation of the handle relative to the body and holding the handset by the handle in that orientation. The handle is preferably locked in the selected orientation.

The handset according to the present invention allows the user ease of selection of the most convenient handset orientation for any particular use, thereby reducing the possibility of operator fatigue and minimising danger of RSI. Conveniently, the handle can also be fixed in orientation in which attachment for carriage by the user is most convenient, such as attachment to a belt worn by the user. The space occupied by the handset with the handle in a folded position may be suitably minimised for storage, packaging and transport of the handset.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIG. l is a rear perspective view of a data scanning and radio communication handset according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the handset of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a locking mechanism for use in the handset of FIGs. l and 2.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGs. l and 2 show a data scanning and radio communication handset l embodying the present invention.

The handset l is suitable for scanning or imaging a barcode on an article (not shown), e.g. a mail package being delivered from one destination to another. The handset l has a body 5 and includes a barcode scanning device 3 at an end of the handset l which gathers data from a barcode and processes and stores the data in processor/memory device (not shown) inside the handset 1. Data may also be entered into the processor/memory of the handset l by a user by use of operation keys (not shown) on a front face 2 of the handset l (an edge of which is shown in FIGs. l and 2. Data held by the processor/memory may be sent by radio communication to a remote receiver (not shown), e.g. at a control station, by a radio transmitter (not shown) of known form included in the handset l coupled to the processor/memory.

The body 2 of the handset 1 has, in addition to the front face 5, a rear face 7 in which is fitted a portion 9 which has a recess in the form of a socket 11. A handle 13 is attached to the portion 9 by a ball 15 fixed to the handle 13 at an end thereof, the ball 15 fitting in the socket 11. The orientation of the handle 13 relative to the handset 1 is selectable by a user by swivelling of the ball in the socket 11 of the portion 9.

Operation of the scanning device 3 by a user may be applied by depression of a switch 17 incorporated in the handle 13.

The handle 13 may be swivelled to and stowed in a folded orientation as shown in FIG. 2 in which part of the envelope of the handle 13 fits in a recess 19 in the rear face 7 of the handset 1. The folded orientation of the handle 13 provides the least bulky and optimum configuration of handset 1 and handle 13 for packing, storage and transport. Further, the handle 13, in this folded position, facilitates hand carrying of the handset 1 or attachment of the handset 1 to a user, e.g. by a clip on a belt worn by the user.

In alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown) the shape and curvature of the body 5 and /or of the handle 13 may be different from that shown in FIG. 2 to maximise comfort of holding by a user.

FIG. 3 shows one example of a locking mechanism which may be used in the handset 1 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 for locking of the handle 13 relative to the body 2. The socket 11 is provided as the inside surface of a cup 23 which is movable along the inside of a cylinder 24 in a first enclosure 21 formed by a fixed partition wall. A plate 25 outside the first enclosure 21 is rigidly attached to the cup 23 by a rod 26 which is slidably fitted through the partition wall. The plate 25 is urged toward the partition wall by a spring 27. A second enclosure 28 containing an empty compressed first rubber bag 29 separates the plate 25 and the partition wall. A third enclosure 30 outside the cylinder 24 has a second rubber bag 31 containing air connected at the interface between the enclosures 28 and 30 to the first rubber bag 29. An actuator button 33 is operable by a user to compress the second rubber bag 31 when required.

In use, in a locked state of the mechanism, the cup 23 and ball 15 are forced together by action of the spring 27 against the plate 25. In order to release the locking mechanism to provide a released state, the actuator button 33 is pressed, forcing air out of the second rubber bag 31 into the first rubber bag 29. This expands and raises the plate 25 against the spring 27 so releasing the cup 23 and thereby allowing the ball to swivel freely in the socket 11.

When the ball is in the desired orientation with respect to the cylinder 24, the actuator button is released, allowing the spring 27 to return the plate 25 to its former position, at the same time forcing air from the first rubber bag 29 back into the second rubber bag 31.

Claims

1. A mobile handset for data processing including a body and, attached to the body, a handle adapted to allow a user to hold the handset by hand, wherein the handle is attached to the handset by a joint which allows the handle to swivel in orientation relative to the handset to allow an orientation of the handle to be selected by a user.

2. A handset according to claim l including means for reading a barcode or other identification code on an article to be identified.

3. A handset according to claim l or claim 2 and which is adapted for data entry by a user.

4. A handset according to claim l, claim 2 or claim 3 and which is operable to transmit and/or receive data by radio communication.

5. A handset according to claim 4 which is operable to transmit by radio communication data derived from information read from an article identifier code.

6. A handset according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the joint between the handset body and the handle comprises a ball and socket joint.

7. A handset according to claim 6 wherein the ball and socket joint includes a ball portion rigidly attached to the handle and a socket portion attached to or incorporated in the body.

8. A handset according to any one of the preceding claims including a lock mechanism which allows the handle to be fixed in a selected orientation.

9. A handset according to claim 8 wherein the lock mechanism includes an actuator mechanism operable in a locked state to force the ball and socket together to lock them and in released state to allow the ball to rotate inside the socket.

10. A handset according to claim 9 wherein the actuator mechanism includes a piston incorporating the socket which is forced against the ball by a spring and an actuator mechanism allowing the piston to be released.

11. A handset according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body includes a recess to receive at least part of the handle when in a folded down orientation.

12. A handset according to any one of the preceding claims and substantially as herein described with reference to FIG. 1 and 2 and/or FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A method of operating by a user a handset according to any one of the preceding claims which includes the user selecting a suitable orientation of the handle relative to the body and holding the handset by the handle in that orientation.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the handle is locked in a selected orientation.