Patent ID: 6540198
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: B60R,F16F,F16M,Y10S

Abstract:
A docking station for use on a vehicle having an extendible and retractable mast, one or more sensors used for gathering information being installed on a platform connected to the mast so to be raised and lowered by the mast as the mast is extended and retracted, the docking station comprising:mast latch means attached to an outer end of the mast; adapter means connected to the platform and disengagingly attached to the mast latch means; and, isolation means mounted on a surface of the vehicle adjacent an opening therein through which the mast projects, the adapter means engaging the isolation means as the mast is retracted and disengaging from the mast latch means thereby to attach the platform to the isolation means which protects the sensors from damage caused by shock and vibration as the vehicle moves, the adapter means re-engaging with the mast latch means and disengaging from the isolation means when the mast is again extended.