Patent ID: 6402034
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A locking device for an optical scanner having an image scanning portion displaceably mounted to an upper side of a base, the base having a lower side adapted to be disposed on a support surface, said locking device comprising:an opening formed in the base; a locking lever pivotally mounted in said opening to rotate from a first position to a second position, said locking lever having an upper portion extendable through an upper end of said opening, said upper portion engaging a locking hole formed in the image scanning portion for blocking displacement thereof responsive to said locking lever being in said second position, said locking lever having a lower portion extendable through a lower end of said opening to contact the support surface when said locking lever is in said first position; and, an elastic element disposed in said opening and coupled between said locking lever and the base for biasing said locking lever to rotate from said first position to said second position responsive to removal of the base from the support surface, said bias force being overcome and said locking lever being rotated from said second position to said first position responsive to the base being positioned on the support surface.