Handle system for transport, dock retention and desktop positioning of a portable medical device

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein for securely docking portable ultrasound imaging devices and/or other medical equipment to stand heads and other support structures. In some embodiments, a portable imaging device can include a movable carrying handle that enables the user to easily secure the imaging device to a stand head by rotating the handle to engage one or more latch mechanisms on the stand head. The user can quickly remove the imaging device from the stand head for transport to another location by disengaging the one or more latches and rotating the handle in the opposite direction. If the new location lacks a stand head or other docking structure, the user can rotate the handle downwardly to act as a stand that elevates the rear portion of the device to facilitate use on a desktop or other surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed technology relates generally to portable medical devices and systems that can be operably mounted to a stand or wall unit, and more particularly, the disclosed technology relates to a handle system for transport, dock retention, and desktop positioning of ultrasound imaging devices and other medical devices.

BACKGROUND

Portable medical equipment, such as ultrasound imaging systems, are often used while being docked to a floor-mounted stand or a wall-mounted structure, such as a “zero footprint arm.” Moveable stands and zero footprint arms can provide a range of motion so that the imaging system can be advantageously positioned during, for example, a procedure in an operating room or other hospital setting. In addition, such mounting structures can also provide electrical connections for recharging the imaging device. In addition to being mountable to a stand or arm, many imaging systems are also portable and can be easily removed from the mounting structure and hand carried to other locations to perform, for example, diagnostic examinations in locations other than the typical hospital setting.

Conventional imaging devices typically include latches or similar devices on the support structure (e.g., a floor stand) to secure the imaging device to the support structure for use. One disadvantage of this approach, however, is that the location and operation of the latch may not be readily apparent to the user and, as a result, the user may inadvertently fail to properly secure the device prior to use. This raises the possibility that the device could fall or otherwise be displaced during rotation or other movement of the support structure. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide portable ultrasound imaging systems and other portable medical equipment that could be automatically or otherwise easily secured to the stand or other docking structure as a natural consequence of being properly mounted to the structure. Additionally, it would also be advantageous to provide such systems with the ability to be quickly and easily disconnected from the stand and hand carried to another location for use on, e.g., a desktop or other surface for diagnostic or other procedures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes various embodiments of systems and associated methods for dock retention, transport and desktop positioning of portable ultrasound imaging devices and other medical equipment. In some embodiments, the portable ultrasound imaging devices described herein include a carrying handle and other features that enable them to be easily used in different configurations and by different types of users. For example, in some configurations the device can be docked to a movable floor stand or wall-mounted arm in a hospital room or similar setting for use during a procedure. In another configuration, the device can be easily undocked and carried to another location where it is needed and placed on virtually any horizontal surface for use.

As described in greater detail below, in some embodiments the device includes a movable handle that provides much of the functionality described above. When the portable device is placed on a desktop or other flat surface, for example, the handle can be positioned to raise the rear portion of the device. In those embodiments in which the device includes a display screen pivotally connected to a control panel in a clamshell arrangement, raising the rear portion of the device in the forgoing manner can provide the user with ergonomic access to the control panel and facilitate viewing of the display screen. Additionally, in some embodiments, elevating at least the rear portion of the device above the mounting surface can create an airspace that facilitates convective cooling and improved thermal performance of the internal electrical components (e.g., CPUs, GPUs, etc.). In further embodiments, the device can also be securely mounted to a stand head or other support structure by simply repositioning (e.g., rotating) the handle to automatically engage the handle with one or more engagement features (e.g., latches) on the support structure.

Although embodiments of the present technology are described herein in the context of ultrasound imaging systems, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosed technology can be used with other medical equipment (e.g., patient monitors, defibrillators, EKG machines, laptop computers, tablets, mobile devices, etc.) and/or other devices that may require securable docking systems. Accordingly, unless expressly stated otherwise the systems and methods described herein are not limited to use with ultrasound imaging systems.

Certain details are set forth in the following description and inFIGS.1A-7to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations and/or components often associated with ultrasound imaging systems and other medical equipment are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the technology. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein, or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth. The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain examples of embodiments of the technology. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.

The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to be limiting of its scope. The sizes of various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements may be arbitrarily enlarged to improve legibility. Component details may be abstracted in the Figures to exclude details such as position of components and certain precise connections between such components when such details are unnecessary for a complete understanding of how to make and use the invention.

Many of the details, dimensions, angles and other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that further embodiments of the invention can be practiced without several of the details described below. In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify identical, or at least generally similar, elements. To facilitate the discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit or digits of any reference number generally refers to the Figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, element110is first introduced and discussed with reference toFIG.1.

FIG.1Ais a partially exploded isometric view of an ultrasound imaging system100having a portable ultrasound imaging device110that can be securely docked to a support structure120in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.FIG.1Bis a similar isometric view in which the portable ultrasound imaging device110is docked to the support structure120with a corresponding device handle112in an un-secured or unlocked position, andFIG.1Cis a corresponding isometric view in which the portable ultrasound imaging device110has been opened to position a display124for viewing by a user. Referring first toFIG.1A, in the illustrated embodiment the support structure120is a stand having a stand head130configured to operably receive and securely hold the portable ultrasound imaging device110. (For ease of reference, the portable ultrasound imaging device110may be referred to herein as “ultrasound device110,” “device110,” and the like.) The stand head130is mounted to a support150(e.g., a vertical member) that is in turn mounted to a base140. In the illustrated embodiment, the base140includes a plurality of outwardly extending legs that can include casters118to provide mobility to the stand120.

In some embodiments, the stand head130can be pivotally coupled to the upper portion of the support150so that it can be positioned (e.g., manually positioned) at various angles (as shown by arrows R) to facilitate use of the device110. In other embodiments, the stand head130can be fixed relative to the rest of the stand120. In addition to the foregoing features, in some embodiments the stand120can also include various attachments, containers, components, etc. that may facilitate use of the imaging device110. Such features can include, for example, power storage devices (e.g., batteries), dispensers for disposable hand wipes, gloves, etc., and/or other useful items. Although the support structure120is a movable floor stand, the handle systems and various embodiments thereof described herein are not limited to use with a floor stand, and accordingly can be used with virtually any type of support structure including wall mounted support structures (e.g., zero footprint arms), as well as other movable and fixed floor- or wall-mounted support structures.

In some embodiments, the stand head130includes a recess132shaped and sized to receive the device110. The stand head130can also include a connector134positioned in the recess132. The connector134can be, for example, a multi-pin connector that mates with a corresponding connector (not shown inFIG.1A) located on a bottom surface of the device110to provide power to the device110for operation and/or recharging. The stand head130can also include a first tab136aand a second tab136bthat project rearwardly from a forward edge portion of the recess132proximate the opposite sides thereof.

As described in greater detail below, to securely mount the imaging device110to the stand head130in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology, the handle112is first positioned so that it extends outwardly from the rear edge portion of the device110as shown inFIG.1A. Next, the front edge portion of the device110is positioned in the recess132so that the tabs136a, bare received in corresponding sockets (not shown inFIG.1A) proximate the bottom surface of the imaging device110. The imaging device110is then rotated downwardly toward the stand head130until it is received in the recess132as shown inFIG.1B. In some embodiments, the recess132is shaped and sized to receive the imaging device110in proper alignment so that the connector134on the stand head130correctly mates with the corresponding connector on the lower surface of the imaging device110. Once the imaging device110is mounted to the stand head130as shown inFIG.1B, the handle112can be rotated downwardly to securely engage the handle112with the stand head130by operation of, e.g., one or latch mechanisms.

Turning next toFIG.1C, in the illustrated embodiment the imaging device110includes an upper portion114pivotally coupled to a base or lower portion116in a clamshell arrangement. This arrangement enables the upper portion114to be rotated away from the lower portion in a conventional manner to open the imaging device110. The lower portion116can include a control panel122having, for example, a keypad, touchscreen, and/or other functionality and controls for operation of the imaging device110by a user in a conventional manner, and the upper portion114can include a monitor or display124(e.g., an LCD screen) for displaying corresponding ultrasound images for viewing by the user.

FIG.2Ais a top rear isometric view of the imaging device110with the handle112in an upper position (which may also be referred to herein as a “disengaged position”), andFIG.2Bis a similar view of the imaging device110with the handle112in a lower position (which may also be referred to herein as an “engaged position”), in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. As shown inFIG.2A, in the illustrated embodiment the upper portion114includes an upper housing215, and the lower portion216includes a lower housing211having a rear panel210. The upper housing215is pivotally coupled to the lower housing211by means of a hinge213that extends transversally adjacent to the rear panel210. The handle112includes a first end portion230aand a second end portion230bthat are pivotally coupled to the lower portion216of the imaging device110. In some embodiments, the handle112can be made from Delrin®, Tritan™ and/or other suitably strong and durable plastic materials known in the art, and the lower housing211and the upper housing215can be made from a metal casting, such as cast magnesium, aluminum, etc. In other embodiments, the handle112and/or the upper and lower housings211and215can be made from other suitable materials known in the art. For example, in some embodiments the handle112can be made from a metal casting (e.g., an aluminum casting), and the upper and lower housings211and215can be made from injection molded plastic.

A user can easily grasp the handle112to transport the imaging device110from, e.g., the stand head130(FIGS.1A-1C) to another location for use on, e.g., a desktop or other horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the handle112can be rotated downwardly from the upper position shown inFIG.2Ato the lower position shown inFIG.2Bbefore operating the imaging device110on a horizontal surface. Setting the imaging device110on a desktop or other horizontal surface with the handle112in the lowered position provides a stand which elevates the rear portion of the imaging device110off the surface. This provides a space underneath the imaging device110that can enable air to convect heat generated by the device110away from the device during operation. Additionally, angling the rear portion of the imaging device110upwardly in the foregoing manner can also position the control panel122(FIG.1C) in a favorable orientation for operation by a user. Additionally, in some embodiments the imaging device110can include a sensor (e.g., a contact switch, proximity switch, etc.; not shown) that detects the position of the handle112and provides an alarm signal if the handle112is not in the lower position ofFIG.2Bprior to use of the imaging device110. Such a signal can include, for example, a visual signal provided by an indicator light connected to the sensor, and/or an audible signal provided by a buzzer or other audible device. The signal could also be a text message provided via the display114prior to use of the imaging device110. One benefit of such an alarm is that it can increase the likelihood that the handle112will be in the lower position before use of the imaging device110on a desktop or other surface, thereby elevating the rear portion of the device110for more favorable cooling during operation. Additionally, the alarm can alert the user to the fact that the handle112is not locked in the lower position when mounted to the stand head130, which could result in the device110being inadvertently knocked off the stand head130in use. In yet other embodiments, the sensor could alert the user if the handle112is too hot for handling at any given time.

FIG.2Cis an enlarged, top rear isometric view of a portion of the imaging device110with the rear panel210(FIG.2A) removed from the lower housing211for purposes of illustrating various features associated with the handle112. InFIG.2C, the handle112is in the upper position as also shown inFIG.2A. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion230aof the handle112is pivotally coupled to the lower portion116of the imaging device110by a pivot pin217that is held in place by a hinge bracket214. In some embodiments, the handle112can include a first detent224aand second detent224bat equivalent radial distances from the pivot pin217. The detents224a, bcan be spherical depressions in the surface of the handle112that are configured to receive a ball218(e.g., a ball bearing) that is movably positioned in a bore220of the hinge bracket214. The ball218is biased against the outer surface of the handle112by a biasing member222(e.g., a coil spring). In operation, the biasing member222urges the ball220into the second detent224bto firmly hold the handle112in the upper position with relatively little “slop” or relative movement between the handle112and the lower portion116of the imaging device110. However, when the user wishes to move the handle112to the lower position shown in theFIG.2B, the user can apply a downward force to the handle112and overcome the biasing member222, thereby causing the ball218to retract into the bore220and permit the downward rotation of the handle112. When the handle112arrives at the lower position, the ball218drops into the first detent224ato hold the handle112in this position until acted on by the user.

The opposite, second end portion230bof the handle112(FIG.2A) can be pivotally coupled to the lower portion116using hardware that is at least generally similar in structure and function to the components described above with reference toFIG.2C. That is, the second end portion230bcan be pivotally coupled to the lower portion116by a second pivot pin217and a second hinge bracket214. Additionally, the second end portion230bcan also include the ball/detent combination shown inFIG.2Cto releasably hold the handle112in the upper or lower position as selected by the user.

In some embodiments, at least one of the handle112or the stand head130can include an engagement feature for securing the imaging device110to the stand head130when the handle112is in the lower position shown inFIG.2B. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the first end portion230aof the handle112includes a first projection212aprotruding outwardly therefrom, and the second end portion230bincludes a second projection212b(not shown inFIG.2C) extending outwardly therefrom in the opposite direction. (The projections212a, bcan also be referred to as “nubs,” “protuberances,” “studs,” and the like.) The projections212a, bcan have a circular cylinder shape that protrudes outwardly from the handle112a distance of, e.g., from about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch, or about 0.25 inch. As described in greater detail below, the projections212can be configured to engage corresponding features (e.g., latch mechanisms) on the stand head130when the handle is 112 is manually rotated downward to the lower position shown inFIG.2B, to thereby “lock” the imaging device110to the stand head130.

FIG.2Dis a bottom front isometric view of the imaging device110configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In some embodiments, the lower housing211includes a forward surface portion236adjacent a bottom surface portion234. The forward surface portion236includes a first socket232aand second socket232bpositioned toward opposite sides thereof. As described in greater detail below, the sockets232a, bare configured to receive the corresponding tabs136a, b(FIG.1A) on the stand head130when the imaging device110is docked to the stand head130. The lower portion116of the imaging device110further includes a connector228(e.g., a multi-pin connector) positioned in a recess226. As mentioned above with reference toFIG.1Aand described in greater detail below, the connector228is configured to mate with the connector134on the stand head130when the imaging device110is mounted to the stand head130.

FIG.3is a bottom rear isometric view of the stand head130in which the stand head130is shown separately from the rest of the stand120for purposes of illustration. In the illustrated embodiment, the stand head130includes a housing340having an upper portion342aand a lower portion342bthat are mated together. The upper and lower portions342a, bdefine a rear edge portion of the stand head130having a cutout or recess346. The recess346is configured to receive the handle112when the imaging device110is positioned in the recess132of the stand head130and the handle112is rotated downwardly to the lower position shown inFIG.2B. In some embodiments, the upper and lower portions342a, bof the housing340can be manufactured from cast metal, such as die cast aluminum. In other embodiments, the upper and lower portions342a, bcan be manufactured from other suitable materials known in the art, including other metals and plastic materials, such as injection molded plastic materials.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stand head130includes a first latch mechanism350apositioned beneath a first edge portion355ato one side of the recess346, and a second latch mechanism350bpositioned beneath a second edge portion355bto the opposite side of the recess346. The first latch mechanism350aincludes a first latch member352aoperably coupled to a first release member354(e.g., a knob), and the second latch mechanism350bsimilarly includes a second latch member352boperably coupled to a second release member356(e.g., a slidable button). As described in greater detail below, the latch mechanisms350a, bare configured to automatically engage the projections212a, b, respectively, on the handle112(FIG.2C) when the handle112is rotated downwardly to the lower position shown inFIG.2B.

FIG.4Ais an enlarged, bottom rear isometric view of a portion of the stand head130illustrating the first latch mechanism350ain more detail.FIG.4Bis a top isometric view of the first latch mechanism350awith the stand head housing340removed for purposes of illustration, andFIG.4Cis a similar cross-sectional top isometric view of the first latch member352a. Referring first toFIGS.4A and4Ctogether, the first latch member352aincludes an angled surface portion353that protrudes outwardly from a sidewall portion347of the recess346beneath the first edge portion355a. An opposite end portion of the first latch member352acan include an elongate slot474that houses a biasing member472(e.g., a coil spring) that is compressed against the first latch member352aby a stop476that is fixed relative to the stand head housing340. In some embodiments, the first latch mechanism350acan further include a locking feature. For example, the first latch member352acan include a first fastener hole482a(e.g., a first threaded hole) and a second fastener hole482b(e.g., a second threaded hole). As described in greater detail below, the fastener holes482a, bcan be configured to selectively receive and engage a first fastener480a(e.g., a screw) that is inserted through a corresponding first fastener aperture478ain the lower portion342bof the housing340to lock the first latch member352ain either a latched position or an unlatched position.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4Btogether, in some embodiments the first latch mechanism350acan further include a first biasing member460ahaving an angled surface portion466and a curved (e.g., circular) surface portion464that is complimentary to the cross-sectional shape of the first projection212a. The angled surface portion466is positioned generally above and adjacent to the angled surface portion353of the first latch member352a, and the curved surface portion464is positioned generally behind the angled surface portion353. The first biasing member460acan further include a base portion462that is fastened or otherwise fixedly attached to the housing340. The biasing member460acan be manufactured from, for example, spring steel so that the angled surface portion466and the curved surface portion464resiliently deflect in response to contact by the first projection212a(FIG.20).

Referring next toFIGS.4A-40together, in operation the angled surface portion353of the first latch member352ais configured to contact the first projection212aof the handle112as the handle112is rotated downwardly from the upper position shown inFIG.2Ato the lower position shown inFIG.2B. As the first projection212acontacts the angled surface portion353, it drives the first latch member352aoutwardly in the direction of arrow UL and compresses the biasing member472. After the first projection212amoves past the angled surface portion353, the biasing member472drives the first latch member352aback into its starting position in the direction of arrow L, and the first projection212amoves into contact with the curved surface portion464of the first biasing member460a. As the first projection212amoves into this position, it deflects the curved surface portion464partially out of the way, and the resulting spring force applied by the first biasing member460ahelps to retain the first projection212a, and hence the handle112, in the lower position.

To release the first projection212aand move the handle112into the upper position, the user can slide the first release member354in the direction UL. Once the handle112has rotated out of the recess346and the projection212ais clear of the first latch member352a, the user can release the first release member354and let the biasing member472drive first latch member352aback in direction L to the position shown inFIG.4A, In some embodiments, the user may wish to lock the first latch member352ain the retracted or unlatched position so that it does not engage and secure handle112in the lower position. To do so, the user can slide the first release member354in the direction UL, and then insert the first fastener480athrough the first fastener aperture478aand threadably engage the first fastener480awith the first threaded hole482ain the first latch member352a. Doing so will hold the first latch member352ain the retracted position so that it cannot engage or otherwise restrict rotation of the handle112to or from the lowered position. It should be noted, however, that the handle112will still be engaged with the stand head130when the handle112is in the lower position, even if the latch member352ais locked in the unlatched position. The reason for this is that the first edge portion355awill block the first projection212aif the imaging device110initiates movement upwardly and away from the stand head130. Conversely, the user may wish to lock the handle112in the lowered position to, for example, prevent the imaging device110from being quickly disengaged and removed from the stand head130. To do so, the user can insert the first fastener480athrough the first fastener aperture478aand engage the second threaded hole482bin the first latch member352a. Doing so will lock the first latch member352ain the position shown inFIG.4Aand prevent a user from moving the first release member354in the direction UL. As a result, the user will be prevented from moving the removing the imaging device110from the stand head130until the fastener480ais withdrawn from the second threaded hole482b.

FIG.5is a bottom rear isometric view of a portion of the stand head130illustrating the second latch mechanism350bconfigured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In some embodiments, the second latch member352band the second biasing member460bcan be identical, or at least generally similar in structure and function, to the first latch member352aand the first biasing member460adescribed in detail above, respectively, except that the respective parts are mirror images of each other. Otherwise, the second latch member352band the second biasing member460bare structurally and functionally equivalent to the first latch member352aand the first biasing member460a, respectively. Additionally, the second latch mechanism350balso includes a release feature (e.g., the second release feature356) that is operably coupled to the second latch member352band functions in the same manner (or at least generally the same manner) as the first release member354of the first latch mechanism350a(FIG.4A). In some embodiments, however, the second release feature356can be less obvious or less conspicuous to a user than the first release member354(which can be, for example, a knob, handle, etc. that projects outwardly from the housing340as shown inFIG.4A). For example, in the illustrated embodiment the second release member356is a slidable button or tab with grip features that can be manually moved in the direction of arrow UL from the position shown inFIG.5to retract the second latch member352band permit movement of the handle112from the lower position to the upper position.

Like the first latch mechanism350a, in some embodiments the second latch mechanism350bcan also include a locking feature. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the second latch member352bcan be locked in either the unlatched or latched positions by inserting a second fastener480b(e.g., a screw) through a second fastener aperture478bin the lower portion342bof the housing340and threadably engaging the fastener480bwith one of two fastener holes (not shown) in the second engagement member352b. More specifically, to lock the second latch member352bin the latched position shown inFIG.5, an operator can insert the second fastener480bthrough the second fastener aperture478band threadably engage a first adjacent fastener hole in the second engagement member352b. If the handle112is in the lower position when this is done, the second projection212bon the handle112will be locked in position behind the second engagement member352band the imaging device110will be locked to the stand head130. If the user wishes to unlock the second latch mechanism350bso that the handle112can be rotated upwardly and the imaging device110can be removed from the stand head130, the user can do so by removing the fastener380band sliding the second release member356in the direction of arrow UL. If the user then wishes to lock the second latch mechanism350bin the open or unlatched position, the user can do so by reinserting the second fastener480bthrough the aperture478bwhen the release member356is all the way to the left in the direction of arrow UL and engaging the second fastener480bwith a second threaded fastener hole (not shown) in the second engagement member352b. In some embodiments, by making the second release member356less obvious or less conspicuous than the first release member354, it can provide a means for an operator of the imaging system100to lock the imaging device110to the stand head130in a way that cannot be easily discovered by another person wishing to remove the imaging device110from the stand head130.

FIG.6Ais a side cross-sectional view illustrating an initial stage of mounting the imaging device110to the stand head130in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.FIGS.6B and6Care enlarged side cross-sectional views illustrating engagement of the handle112with the second latching mechanism350b, andFIG.6Dis a corresponding rear view of the handle112fully engaged with the latching mechanisms350a, bin accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Referring first toFIG.6A, the imaging device110can be mounted to the stand head130by first inserting the tabs136a,136b(FIG.1A) on the stand head130into the corresponding sockets232a, b(FIG.2D) in the lower portion116of the imaging device110. Next, the imaging device110is rotated downwardly into the recess132, thereby mating the electrical connector134on the stand head130to the corresponding electrical connector228on the imaging device110. Referring next toFIGS.6B and6Ctogether, once the imaging device110is fully seated in the recess132, the user can rotate the handle112downwardly about the pivot pins216a, binto the lower position shown inFIG.6C. In some embodiments, the handle112is configured to rotate through an angle of from about 45 degrees to about 125 degrees, or about 85 degrees. As the handle112approaches the lower position, the end portions of the projections212a, bcontact the angled surfaces on the distal end portions of the corresponding latch members352a, band drive them outwardly in the direction of arrows UL (FIGS.4A and5) against the biasing force of the associated coil springs472(FIG.4C). This enables the projections212a, bto move past by the latch members352a, bas the handle112moves into the lower position. Once the projections212a, bpass by the latch members352a, b, respectively, the latch members352a, breturn inwardly to the extended or latched positions to trap the corresponding projections212a, band the handle112in the lower position, as shown inFIGS.6C and6D. Additionally, when the handle112is in this position the curved surface portions464of the biasing members460a, breceive the corresponding projections212a, band resiliently press against them to generally hold them in place and reduce vibration of the handle112.

FIG.7is a flow diagram of a method700of using the imaging device110and stand head130described in detail above. In block702, the user can elect the manner in which they wish to use the imaging device110. For example, the user can elect to use the imaging device110in a “grab and go” configuration by retracting both of the latch members352a, band locking them in the unlatched positions using the corresponding fasteners480aand480b(see e.g.,FIGS.4A and5). This configuration enables the user to operably position the imaging device110on the stand head130and rotate the handle112downwardly into the lower position without engaging the latch members352a, b. It should be noted, however, that even though the handle112is not engaged with latch members352a, bin this configuration, the handle112is still engaged with the stand head130by virtue of the projections212a, bextending underneath the corresponding edge portions355a, bof the recess346in the stand head130(FIGS.4A and5). When the projections212a, bare in this position, the corresponding edge portions355a, bblock the projections212a, bfrom passing if the imaging device110starts moving away from the stand head130. Thus, the imaging device110will still be secured to the stand head130and prevented from becoming dislodged in this configuration. The user can then use the imaging device110while it is docked to the stand head130. But since the handle112will not be locked in the lowered position, the user can quickly “grab” the handle112, rotate it to the upper position, and remove the imaging device110from the stand head130to “go” to another location where the device is needed.

Alternatively, the user may wish to use the imaging device110in a “safe” configuration in which the handle112is automatically latched to the stand head130when the user moves the handle112into the lower position. In some embodiments, the user can accomplish this by manually retracting the second latch member352band locking it in the unlatched position with the second fastener480b, but not engaging the fastener480awith the first latch member352aso that the first latch member352awill automatically engage the first projection212awhen the handle112is rotated into the lower position as described in detail above. When the handle112is engaged with first latch mechanism350ain this manner, the imaging device110is in a “safe” configuration because it cannot be removed from the stand head130until the user manually disengages the handle112by retracting the first latch member352aaway from the first projection212aand rotating the handle112upwardly as described above.

As another alternative, the user may wish to use the imaging device110in an “anti-theft” configuration in which it is “locked” to the stand head130. In some embodiments, this can be accomplished by locking the first latch member352ain the closed or latched position with the first fastener480a(FIG.4A), and/or locking the second latch member352bin the latched position with the second fastener480b(FIG.5) as described above after the handle112has been engaged by the latch mechanisms350a, b. In this configuration, the imaging device110cannot be removed from the stand head130until both fasteners480a, bhave been removed, the latch members352a, bhave been manually retracted, and the handle112has been rotated away from the stand head130.

In decision block704, the user can determine how they wish to use the imaging device110, and in block706the user positions the latch mechanisms350a, bon the stand head130in the appropriate way. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the various features of the handle112and the latch mechanisms350a, bdescribed herein enable the imaging device110to be used in a number of different convenient configurations in accordance with the present technology.

References throughout the foregoing description to features, advantages, or similar language do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present technology should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the present technology may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present technology.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further implementations of the invention.

The above Detailed Description of examples and embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the invention. Some alternative implementations of the invention may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the invention. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. The actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not limited, except as by the appended claims.

Although certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the applicant contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing this application to pursue such additional claim forms, in either this application or in a continuing application.