Endurable sports PDA with communications capabilities and accessories therefor

• US 20040001022A1
• Filed: 01/22/2003
• Published: 01/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TomTom International BV (TomTom NV)
• Original Assignee: Inforetech Wireless Technology, Inc. (GPS Industries Incorporated)
• Inventors: Silzer, Robert Curtis Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 7,180,451 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/702
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/32 Golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/166 related to integrated arrangements for adjusting the position of the main body with respect to the supporting surface, e.g. legs for adjusting the tilt angle
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/242 specially adapted for hand-held use

Abstract

A PDA apparatus that is ruggedized by providing a peripheral bumper and a raised bezel, both of which can be made of rubber or some other elastic material for absorbing shock when the PDA is in use in the field. The PDA can also have an antenna which is also part of the peripheral bumper or that is inset to minimize damage to the antenna. The antenna receives signals from a remote location such as a global positioning so that the PDA can display useful information to the user. In a golf context, this could be the distance from the user to a golf hole. The casing of the PDA can also be made of ballistic nylon so that handles for carrying the PDA can be easily sewn onto the housing and so that the housing can further resist any shock from the environment. If the case of the PDA is hard, there can be sockets provided where the handle can be easily attached or detached using a pair of nuts. A lanyard may be provided in lieu of handle to allow the user to easily transport the PDA. Furthermore, the PDA may have a retractable stand that allows the user to set the PDA on the ground and still be able to see the monitor while the user engages in another activity, thereby facilitating the access to the information by the user.

Claims

1. An endurable portable data collection and communication field device, comprising

an antenna;

a monitor with an LCD screen; and

a housing provided with ability to absorb shock and prevent the device from damage during field activities.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprising a peripheral bumper made of shock absorbing elastic material.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the antenna is inset and combined with the bumper.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the elastic material comprises rubber.

5. The device of claim 1, comprising a raised bezel located at the peripheral edge of the monitor to protect the screen from damage.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the raised bezel is made of shock absorbing elastic material.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is made of ballistic nylon fabric.

8. The device of claim 7, comprising a rigid raised bezel located at the peripheral edge of the monitor to provide support and protection to the monitor.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the housing comprises at least one strap allowing to carry the device.

10. The device of claim 1, comprising at least one handle.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the handle is detachably attached to a side of the housing.

12. The device of claim 1, comprising a rubberized grip area.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the rubberized grip area having a thumb grip to accommodate left-handed users.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the rubberized grip area having a thumb grip to accommodate right-handed users.

15. The device of claim 1, comprising a retractable stand for installing the device in a position so that the monitor is easily visible to a user during field activity.

16. An endurable sports PDA with communications capabilities, comprising:

an antenna to receive information for enhancing performance of the payers;

a monitor with an LCD screen to display the information; and

a housing provided with ability to absorb shock and prevent the device from damage during field activities.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the housing comprising a peripheral bumper made of shock absorbing elastic material.

18. The device of claim 17, comprising a low-profile inset antenna combined with the bumper.

19. The device of claim 16, comprising drive/score button to provide information enhancing player'"'"'s performance.

20. The device of claim 16, comprising a folding handle.