Modular protective housing with peripherals for a handheld communications device

• US 7,663,878 B2
• Filed: 03/23/2006
• Issued: 02/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel Doczy
• Original Assignee: Solution Technology, Inc. (Q Associates Ltd.)
• Inventors: Little, Kirk, Swan, Harris Kent
• Primary Examiner(s): Gandhi, Jayprakash N
• Assistant Examiner(s): WRIGHT, INGRID D
• Application Number:
  US11/388,589
• Publication Number:
  US 20070223182A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,426 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679, 361/679.56, 361/679.3, 455/575.1
• US Class Current: 361/679.56
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3203 Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3215 Monitoring of peripheral devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0202 Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. of speakers or microphones H04M1/03

Abstract

A peripherals device for coupling with a handheld communication device includes an interface to the handheld communication device and a processor for performing functions complementary to the communications device. According to another embodiment, the peripherals device includes a conformal cavity for receiving a handheld communications device in a secure fashion. According to yet another embodiment, the peripherals device includes a data collection device for collecting data and using the interface for sending the collected data to a remote processor for further processing. The data collection device can include an image reader, a barcode reader, a signature capture device, an optical character recognition. In yet another embodiment, there is a power subsystem that powers the peripherals device and the handheld communications device. The power system has a low power state to conserve energy. In another embodiment, the peripherals device comprises a plurality of processors that automatically reconfigure themselves to work with the communication device to which the peripherals device is connected.

Claims

1. A modular housing for a handheld communication device comprising:

an input for receiving information;

a processor for processing the information;

circuitry, coupled to the processor, for providing a plurality of functions complementary to the handheld communication device;

an interface between the processor and the handheld communication device for providing a communication link with the handheld communication device; and

a set of case interlocks to share the forces of an impact on the housing such that during an impact the interlocks are driven together.

2. An intelligent host for a handheld communication device comprising:

an input for receiving information;

a system circuit board comprising a processor and associated electronics for processing the information received;

an interface for coupling to the handheld communication device to communicate with the communication device; and

housing comprising a conformal cavity for receiving the handheld communication device, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of parts, each with force management interlocking connectors.

3. The intelligent host of claim 2, wherein each part comprises a shape that directs impact on its surface into the interlocking connectors.