Combination stylus and laser pointer

• US 6,575,596 B2
• Filed: 12/22/2000
• Issued: 06/10/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Comcon Limited
• Original Assignee: Comcon Limited
• Inventors: Butt, Aamir M.
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): DELGIZZI, RONALD ERNEST
• Application Number:
  US09/747,562
• Publication Number:
  US 20020080610A1
• Time in Patent Office: 900 Days
• Field of Search: 362/259, 362/118, 362/109, 362/97, 362/98
• US Class Current: 362/259
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/20 for imaging minute objects, e.g. light-pointer

Abstract

A combination stylus and laser pointer for use in connection with a personal digital assistant (PDA), the combination having a thin slimline housing enabling the apparatus to be stored in a groove or channel located on the PDA. A laser module assembly for generating a laser beam is secured within the housing on one end thereof. The device further includes an interchangeable stylus and pen tip that is secured within the housing at the opposite end thereof.

Claims

1. A slimline stylus and laser pointer combination for use with a personal digital assistant, said slimline stylus and laser pointer combination stored within a groove or storage channel on the personal digital assistant comprising:

a housing including a thin, elongated hollow tube having first and second opposite ends;

a laser module assembly, including a laser diode and laser diode operating circuitry, secured within and adjacent said first end of said housing;

a battery having positive and negative terminals, said battery secured within said housing between said first and second ends of said housing; and

a stylus module assembly, including a stylus tip, secured within and adjacent said second end of said housing such that said stylus tip extends outwardly from said housing wherein said stylus and laser pointer combination fits and is stored in the groove on the personal digital assistant.

2. A slimline stylus and laser pointer combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stylus module assembly includes a tubular member, said stylus tip secured on one end of said tubular member;

and

a pen tip secured to the opposite end of said tubular member, said tubular member removably secured within said housing such that one of said stylus tip or pen tip extends outwardly therefrom.

3. A slimline stylus and laser pointer combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a laser housing section and a battery housing section, said battery housing section including at least one annular indentation extending inwardly into said housing;

a connector cap, said connector cap positioned on one end of said battery housing section and retaining said battery within said battery housing section, said connector cap further connecting said battery housing section to said laser housing section;

a switch positioned within said laser housing section between said laser module assembly and said battery, said switch connected to said positive terminal of said battery;

a stylus cap positioned on one end of said laser housing section to retain the laser module assembly and switch within said laser housing section;

a contact spring positioned within said battery housing section and seated on said annular indentation, said contact spring engaging said negative terminal of said battery; and

said laser housing section and said battery housing section made of a conductive material and a portion of said laser diode operating circuitry engaging said laser housing section to complete a circuit such that current flows from said battery to said laser diode operating circuitry when said switch is activated.

4. A laser pointer and personal digital assistant combination comprising:

the personal digital assistant having a groove located thereon; and

the laser pointer including a housing, said housing including a thin, elongated hollow tube having first and second opposite ends;

a laser module assembly, including a laser diode and laser diode operating circuitry, secured within and adjacent said first end of said housing;

a battery having positive and negative terminals, said battery secured within said housing between said first and second ends of said housing wherein said laser pointer fits and is stored in the groove on the personal digital assistant.

5. A laser pointer and personal digital assistant combination as set forth in claim 4 including a stylus module assembly, including a stylus tip, secured within and adjacent said second end of said housing such that said stylus tip extends outwardly from said housing.

6. A laser pointer and personal digital assistant combination as set forth in claim 5 wherein said stylus module assembly includes a tubular member, said stylus tip secured on one end of said tubular member;

and

a pen tip secured to the opposite end of said tubular member, said tubular member removably secured within said housing such that one of said stylus tip or pen tip extends outwardly therefrom.