Patent Publication Number: US-2004050188-A1

Title: Portable sensor

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. The Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to portable sensors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable sensor that is modular in nature, contains a variety of different components, and can be employed in a number of different settings.  
       [0003] 2. The Relevant Technology  
       [0004] Sensors of one type or another have existed for thousands of years. Thousands of years ago, the first “sensors” were the unlucky individuals sent down into a cave or hole to personally investigate the area. A few thousand years ago, miners discovered that certain birds would quit singing in the presence of deadly natural gas escaping into a tunnel. This method of detection was still used into the early 20 th  century. With the advent of computers, sensors have become complex and capable of carrying out a wide range of functions. Sensors are now available to detect radiation from virtually the entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum.  
       [0005] Sensors are also useful to detect gases, both moving through the atmosphere and concentrated in a closed environment, such as tunnels and caves. Early detection of certain gases leaking into closed systems is not only highly desired, but in some instances may actually save human life. Certain sensors can even detect the presence of various types of chemicals or electrolytes in a liquid.  
       [0006] Remote sensors, i.e., sensors that allow a person in one location to gain some knowledge of conditions in another, remote location, have been available for many years. However, these sensors have invariably been highly specialized, bulky, and difficult to use. There is a need in the art for sensors which are small, portable, and modular so that they can be used in a wide range of applications and environments without requiring any major modifications.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007] The present invention is directed to a portable sensor comprising, e.g., a video camera and/or other sensing device such as a gas sensing device. The sensor is modular and therefore capable of sensing a wide range of phenomena. The sensor is lightweight, self-contained and may be self-powered. A built in light source also enables the sensor to optionally act as a flashlight.  
       [0008] In one embodiment, the sensor is capable of sensing a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum as well as a variety of gases. The sensor has the capability to transmit the sensed data back to a remote site via a specially designed transmitter, such as a transmitter comprising a wireless computer network card, and/or cellular telephone technology. A user holding the sensor can sense one or more phenomena at a given location and conveniently transmit the results to a different location.  
       [0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor has a housing having a handle coupled thereto. At least one sensing device, such as a video camera and/or a gas sensing device, is housed by the housing. Objects housed by the housing may be located within the housing or be attached to the housing. Optionally, multiple sensing devices are employed. Additionally, the wireless transmitter is housed by the housing and is electrically coupled to the sensing device, for transmitting the sensory data generated by the sensing device. The wireless transmitter may be capable of transmitting the data at different frequencies and/or different power levels selectable by the user. A power source is electrically coupled to, and supplies electrical power to, the sensing device, transmitter, a display and/or other additional components.  
       [0010] The sensor has a number of different sensing devices which may be used, either separately or in combination, within the housing. The sensing devices may be sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, from extremely low frequency radio waves to gamma radiation, including visible, ultraviolet and infrared light. They may be sensitive to sound at frequencies both above, within and below the range of human hearing.  
       [0011] The sensing devices may be sensitive to particular chemicals, including, but certainly not limited to oxygen, ozone, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, petroleum distillates of all sorts, other volatile chemical compounds, or any other natural or manmade gases which might be found intentionally or accidentally in the environment. They may also be sensitive to motion.  
       [0012] In one embodiment, the sensing device is a video camera and the transmitter is configured to transmit an image received by the video camera to a remote display, such as a computer monitor, via a wide range of possible transmission mechanisms. Such transmission mechanisms may include, for example, the internet, satellite, microwave, cellular telephones or other means yet to be developed.  
       [0013] One contemplated use of the invention includes having an inspector transmit an image of an inspection site, such as a house or other property, to a property owner located at a remote location. Also contemplated is the use of the invention to transmit the image of a patient in an ambulance to a remote hospital, including relevant vital statistics on the patient, such as blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram information, etc. This can allow a hospital to be ready for the patient when the patient finally arrives for treatment.  
       [0014] Another contemplated use is for inspection of gas leaks, wherein the inspector transmits to a remote location an image of the area generally surrounding the leak, e.g., a broken pipe, and further transmits an indication of the type of gas that is leaking. However, these are only a few of the examples of the variety of different uses that may be employed by the present invention.  
       [0015] These and other objects and features of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0016] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
     [0017]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a portable sensor depicting a typical arrangement of the parts of the sensor.  
     [0018]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an operational configuration.  
     [0019]FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing second and third optional additional sensing devices  22 ,  23  (shown in phantom lines), with an optional charging port location (also shown in phantom lines).  
     [0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective rear view of the sensor of FIG. 1 having alternate light source configurations, i.e., having a first and second light emitting diodes  30   a  (LED) instead of the array of LEDs  30  illustrated in FIG. 1.  
     [0021]FIGS. 5 a - 5   d  are schematic top views representing a handle of the sensor moving from a locked substantially perpendicular position to a locked substantially parallel position. FIG. 5 a  represents the handle in a locked substantially perpendicular position while FIG. 5 b  represents the movement of tabs on a springloaded button inwardly, thereby unlocking the handle. FIG. 5 c  represents the movement of the unlocked handle toward the substantially parallel position and FIG. 5 d  represents the handle in the locked substantially parallel position.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0022] The invention is generally directed to a portable sensor  10  which, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is designed to be small, compact, lightweight, and hand held. Sensor  10  has a housing  12  having a handle  18  coupled thereto and having one or more sensing devices  20  mounted therein.  
     [0023] As discussed in detail below, the sensing devices employed in the present invention may be any of a number of different types, including, but not limited to electromagnetic radiation, gas, or motion sensing devices, and/or a microphone. Sensor  10  further contains a transmitter  50 , electrically coupled to one or more sensing devices  20  for transmitting the sensory data generated by the sensing device  20  to a remote location. A speaker may be attached to the housing and electrically coupled to the sensor and/or the wireless transmitter. The sensory data may also be shown on a handheld display  40  mounted on housing  12 , display  40  comprising a monitor having a screen so that the user can view the output of one or more sensing devices. The displayed sensory data may include, for example, an image of an object viewed by a camera, data reflecting the type and/or qualities of a gas or other sensed medium, medical information, or other information sensed by a sensing device.  
     [0024] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, sensor  10  further has a built-in light source  30  in order to illuminate objects sensed by a sensor such as a video camera and/or in order to selectively act as a flashlight. This is highly advantageous because the user can investigate objects in a variety of different manners, e.g., by illuminating them for visual inspection, by engaging in camera inspection, and by inspecting through a variety of other sensors. Sensor  10  further has a power source electrically coupled to, and for supplying electrical power to, the one or more sensing device(s)  20 , the transmitter  50 , and, if present, the built-in light source  30  and display  40 .  
     [0025] Certain examples of various sensing devices include a camera, a gas sensing device, a motion detector and other sensors. Some specific embodiments of the remote sensor are discussed in additional detail below.  
     [0026] With continued reference to the exploded view of FIG. 1, sensor  10  includes a housing  12  having a main body  12   a  having a top  14 , a bottom, a front  15 , a back  16  (FIG. 2), a right side  13  and a left side. The housing main body  12   a  shown in this embodiment comprises plastic. However, main body  12   a  may be made from any suitable material, including plastic, metal, wood, rubber or any synthetic material capable of providing structural support to the internal and external components. The housing may be any shape or size consistent with the size required to house the internal components, including tubular, spherical, cube shaped, etc. A collar  17  of housing  12  couples a handle  18  to main body  12   a  of housing  12 .  
     [0027] Housing  12  further comprises (i) a heat resistant mounting plate  56 , made from a material such as Lexan®, which maintains certain parts such as light source  30  and sensing device  20  in desired positions near the front of the housing; (ii) a lens  62  comprising a transparent or translucent material such as glass, plexiglass, polycarbonate or another type of transparent or translucent material; and (iii) a bezel  60  configured to couple (e.g., threadedly couple) the lens  60  to the main body  12   a.    
     [0028] Mounting plate  56  has holes therein, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3, that correspond to and at least partially receive the sensing device  20  and light source  30  therein in order retain these components in a fixed position behind the lens  62 , such that they are protected from water and other elements, but are also properly aligned so as to face forward so as to properly perform their desired functions. In one embodiment, plate  56  has upper and lower grooves  56   a ,  56   b  that fit into respective tabs on housing main body  12   a  to thereby maintain plate  56  snugly within housing  12  and substantially parallel to lens  62 . Sensing device  20  and light emitting diode (LED) light source  30  may be affixed and/or at least partially inserted into mounting plate  56 . In one embodiment, a seal surrounds the periphery of lens  62 , such as a circular rubber seal.  
     [0029] Sensing device  20  and light emitting diode (LED) light source  30  are also coupled to mounting bracket  54 . The light source may optionally comprise any of the light bulbs currently available, such as a flashlight bulb. The light source, such as one or more LEDs or one or more light bulbs may be employed to illuminate an object to be inspected. The LEDs may have focused lens portions on the ends thereof to focus the illumination therefrom forwardly. By enabling the user to optionally use sensor as a flashlight, the user is not required to carry a separate additional flashlight.  
     [0030] In one preferred embodiment, sensing device  20  is a compact video camera. The video camera could have various properties, including, but not limited to, properties such as zoom, infrared, ultraviolet, and low light level operational modes. Sensing device  20  in the form of a video camera is an example of video imaging means for generating a video signal of an object. In other embodiments, multiple sensors are provided within the housing. These other types of sensors are discussed in more detail below.  
     [0031] Transmitter  50  sits in holding tray  52 , which attaches as a unit to mounting bracket  54 . The transmitter might operate on a single frequency at a single power level, or it may be capable of operating on multiple frequencies at multiple power levels. Transmitter  50  can transmit at more than one power level. In one embodiment, the power level of the transmitter is at least 10 milliwatts. Mounting bracket  54  is designed to secure the power source  75  (see FIG. 3) as well as a circuit board  95  within the housing  12 .  
     [0032] The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a display  40 . Display  40  comprises a monitor  40   a  coupled to housing  12  by being sandwiched between upper case portion  41  and lower case portion  42  of display  40 . Lower case portion  42  pivotally attaches to hinge  46  on the top  14  of housing main body  12   a  using screws, for example. Hinge  46  may be attached to top  14  of main body  12   a  using mechanical or chemical fasteners, or it may be an integral part of the housing main body  12   a . Display  40  is an example of display means electrically coupled to a sensing device (e.g., device  20 ) and a power source for displaying data sensed by the sensing device. Such data displayed may include, for example, an image of an object sensed by the sensing device (e.g., an object sensed by a video camera), qualities of certain substances sensed, medical information, or a variety of other phenomena sensed by a sensing device.  
     [0033] Display  40  may be an interactive display that is electrically coupled to the transmitter. Such an interactive display  40  is configured to receive input from a user operating the portable sensor, such that the input can be transmitted via the transmitter  50 . For example, a user operating the sensor  10 , equipped with a sensing device  20  in the form of a video camera, can highlight a portion of the image on the display  40  to emphasize a particular area. This may enable the user to emphasize a certain portion of the image on the display to a remote viewer, for example, in order to point exactly on the display to the location of a gas leak, or to view some other detail not immediately readily apparent from the transmitted image.  
     [0034] For instance, when the first sensing device  20  is a video camera, an inspector holding the sensor  10  may provide input to display  40  by circling or otherwise highlighting (e.g., with a stylus or other device) the image of a leaking pipe that appears in the screen of the display  40  and is leaking gas so that an individual viewing a transmitted image from a remote monitor can see the circle or other highlight and focus on the circled leaking pipe. An image of the circle is transmitted via the transmitter  50  to the remote monitor. Simultaneously, a second sensing device  22 , such as a gas sensing device may be sensing the type of gas that is leaking, as well as the concentration and/or other qualities which may appear on the display  40  and be transmitted by transmitter  50  to the remote individual. Optionally, a third sensing device  23 , such as a microphone may enable the inspector to communicate with the remote individual. Additionally, a speaker housed by the housing may enable the inspector to receive verbal feedback from the remote individual.  
     [0035] Thus, in an embodiment in which display  40  is interactive, display  40  is configured to receive input from a user operating the portable sensor (such as by highlighting of an image of an object viewed in the display) such that the input can be transmitted via the transmitter for viewing by a remote individual.  
     [0036] Display  40  may be a black and white or color display. It may be a self-contained unit, or it may be part of a personal digital assistant (PDA) which is integrated into the invention. The PDA could be used to replace the internal circuit board  95 , or may be employed in addition to the circuit board. A PDA could also use integrated imaging software or other software designed to be used with other types of sensing devices to process the sensor information and send either the raw data, the processed information, or both to the receiving station via the transmitter  50 . A PDA (or a portion thereof) is one example of an interactive display. Thus, in one embodiment, the interactive display is at least a portion of a personal digital assistant having an interactive display that is configured to receive input from a user operating the personal digital assistant.  
     [0037] Sensor  10  may optionally include a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver incorporated into it to thereby allow a user to mark an exact position of an event being sensed. In one embodiment, sensor  10  includes a PDA having a GPS receiver incorporated into the PDA. Optionally, the GPS is independent from the PDA and is contained on or within the housing  12 . In one embodiment, display  40  includes the components of the GPS receiver, such as the screen and circuitry employed for the GPS receiver. In such an embodiment, the GPS receiver is mounted on housing  12  as shown in FIG. 1. The GPS receiver may be used in a variety of different settings. For instance, in the example provided above relating to the gas leak, the GPS receiver may be employed to indicate to the remote individual where the inspector holding sensor  10  is as the inspector is inspecting the gas leak. In one embodiment, display  40  is configured to display objects viewed by the video camera (e.g., device  20 ), GPS sensory data, and/or sensory data received from sensing device  22  or another sensing device (such as data received from a gas sensing device, motion sensing device, medical sensing device, or a variety of different sensing devices, such as those disclosed herein). In one embodiment, display  40  comprises a PDA having a GPS receiver therein.  
     [0038] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, lower case portion  42  is hinged such that it may move in a ratcheting manner into sequential positions that range between a folded down position where display  40  sits flush with the housing  12  along top  14 , to an essentially upright position in which it is substantially perpendicular to housing  12 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1, in order to selectively lock display  40  into a desired position, opposing ratcheting members  43  couple to the inner portions of respective arms  41  of portion  42  and into selected positions within opposing toothed ends  47  of hinge  46 .  
     [0039] Specifically, the inner tabs  43   a  of opposing ratcheting members  43  lock within respective corresponding grooves  42   a  in the arms of lower case portion  42 . The outer tabs  43   b  thereof temporarily, movably lock into respective corresponding grooves formed between the teeth  46   a  that are dispersed in a circular array about the inner diameter of opposing sides  47  of hinge  46 . Display  40  may ratchet from one position to another position by pivoting display  40  downward or upward, thereby causing outer tabs  43   b  to move into selected adjacent grooves between teeth  46   a . Members  43  and teeth  46   a  may be made from plastic materials, for example.  
     [0040] Transmitter  50  may comprise a variety of different types of wireless transmission equipment, such as that developed under the IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b wireless transmission standards, such as a wireless Ethernet card or digital cellular telephone equipment. Currently, such equipment might include, but is not limited to, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), Digital Broadcast Satellites, Switched Broadband, Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS), Local Multipoint Communication Systems (LMCS), microwave and/or other wireless communication means. Transmitter  50  may comprise or be incorporated into a PDA.  
     [0041] The light source  30 , sensing device  20  (and or sensing devices  22 ,  23 ), display  40 , transmitter  50 , and circuit board  95  are all electrically coupled to the power source  75  (See FIG. 3). The power source  75  may be a standard alkaline battery, or any hybrid, rechargeable type of battery, such as a lithium ion battery. If a rechargeable power source  75  is used, a recharging port  85  (see FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 in which port  85   a  is in an alternate location) may be added to housing  12  to allow for ease of recharging.  
     [0042] Sensing device  20  (and/or device  22 ,  23 ), display  40 , transmitter  50 , light source  30 , and power source  75  are all electrically coupled to the circuit board  95 , which is designed so that information from the sensing device(s) can be shown on the display  40  and/or transmitted to a remote location using transmitter  50 . FIG. 3 illustrates in schematic form an example of possible wiring for these components. Optionally, the circuit board  95  may be eliminated and the components wired directly to each other, and/or to a PDA.  
     [0043]FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an assembled, first operational position. Handle  18  has many advantages. It is possible for a user to grasp the handle  18  and conveniently view the image displayed by the display  40  and/or transmit the image via the transmitter to a remote viewer. In FIG. 2, handle  18  is shown in a first operational position, being substantially perpendicular to housing  12 . As shown from the first operational position, a user may conveniently observe display  40  while orienting sensing device  20  towards the object or area to be sensed.  
     [0044] As mentioned, the first operational position of handle  18  (FIGS.  1 - 3 ) is substantially perpendicular with respect to the housing  12 , and the second operational position (FIG. 4) of handle  18  is substantially parallel to the housing  12 . By selectively pivoting handle into the substantially parallel position and resting the sensor  10  on a support surface such as a floor or the ground, as shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to orient the camera into a compact position that can be conveniently left over a long period of time for long-term inspection, such as in a walkway of a property for long-term inspection by a remotely located property owner in which images of the property are transmitted to the property owner. As shown in FIG. 4, while the display is in the substantially perpendicular position, the sensing device rests partially on the display  40  and partially on the housing  10  with the lens  62  facing upward for long term inspection of a hallway or other area.  
     [0045]FIG. 4 shows sensor  10  in the second operational position. Here, portable sensor  10  is placed on a support surface such that it rests on housing  12  and on display  40 . When the unit is operational, with or without light source  30   a  (e.g., first and second light emitting diodes), display  40  is not visible from the front of the unit. This makes it easy and convenient to leave the unit sitting, for example on a desk or in a hallway, and, with the light source turned off, the unit appears to be a flashlight that is not turned on. Sensing device  20 , whether visual or one of the other types of sensing devices associated with the invention, operates to send sensed data via the transmitter to a remote location where it may be processed and stored. Using a PDA, the information may also be processed and/or stored with the sensor for downloading later. This allows the sensor to operate in environments where having a person present at all times to manually work the invention may not be practical or desirable.  
     [0046] Returning to FIG. 2, an on/off switch  70  is located on collar  17 . Alternately switch  70  could be on the handle  18 , the display  40 , or any other location. Switch  70  may operate the sensing device(s) and display  40  and/or light source  30 . Optionally switch  70  operates the transmitter. Also optionally, the light source and/or transmitter may have a separate switch located elsewhere on the housing  12  or handle  18  and/or the display  40  may have its own switch, such as a switch mounted on the display  40 . Each separate sensing device may also have its own switch.  
     [0047] Returning now to FIG. 3, optional second sensing device  22  and an optional third sensing device  23  are shown in phantom lines as being co-located in the housing  12 . In this embodiment, sensing device  20  may represent a camera, while sensing device  22  may represent a gas sensing device and sensing device  23  may represent a microphone for picking up audible signals or other sensing device. Alternatively, one or both sensing devices  22 ,  23  may be some other type of electromagnetic sensing device, such as an infrared or ultraviolet camera, or a radiation sensing device, such as a Geiger counter, or any other electromagnetic radiation sensing device or a combination thereof. A speaker, (not shown) may also be incorporated into the invention to allow the inspector holding the sensor to hear the remote viewer.  
     [0048] The sensing device(s)  22  and/or  23  may comprise a gas sensing device designed to detect any number or type of gases, such as oxygen, ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, methane, hydrogen sulfide, lower explosion limits, upper explosion limits, or any other gas. The sensing device (e.g. device  22 ) may have an extendible wand, which protrudes out of the housing  12  to act as a “sniffer” for particular gases.  
     [0049] Sensing device(s)  22  and/or  23  can optionally be sensitive to sound or motion. Device  22  or  23  may optionally represent a medical sensing device to record, for example, blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and the like. Note that there is virtually no limit as to how many different sensing devices may be incorporated into the invention, except technological size and space limitations. There could be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more sensing devices incorporated into different embodiments of the invention.  
     [0050] Transmitter  50  sends a signal from one or more sensing devices  20 ,  22 , or  23  to receiver  80 . Transmitted information is then processed on computer  90 . All of the electrically powered components of the sensor  10  may be electrically coupled to and powered by the power source  75 , co-located in the housing  12 .  
     [0051] Handle  18  is pivotally coupled to collar  17  of housing  12 . Specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, handle  18  is pivotally coupled to a lower base portion  17   a  of collar  17  (see also FIG. 2). Handle  18  has an angled portion  102  that interfaces with an angled portion  104  of collar base  17   a . Consequently, when handle  18  pivots, it moves between a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the housing  12  and a substantially parallel position with respect to the housing  12 .  
     [0052] Handle  18  may be pivotally coupled to housing  12  in a variety of different manners. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, handle  18  includes a head  105  (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 3 and illustrated schematically in FIG. 5) that extends into and is pivotally coupled to collar base  17   a . Head  105  has an upper rim  106  having first and second channels  108   a ,  108   b  therein and a lower annular rim  107 . Rims  106  and  107  may each pivot on corresponding portions (e.g., a plate or ridge) of base  17   a.    
     [0053] Handle  18  may be selectively locked into the substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular position in a variety of different manners. In one embodiment a spring loaded release button  100  shown in FIG. 2 and in phantom lines in FIG. 3 allows pivoting movement of handle  18  between the first operational position and the second operational position. Button  100  is an elongate hollow button having first and second tabs  110 ,  112  extending downwardly therefrom (see FIGS. 3, 5 a - d ) and having a spring (not shown) mounted therein biasing the button  100  outwardly away from base  17   a . As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and  5   a , when the button  100  is in a nondepressed condition, tabs  110 , and  112  extend downwardly from button  100  into respective first and second channels  108   a ,  108   b  of upper rim  106 , thereby locking handle  18  into the substantially perpendicular position. FIG. 5 a  represents the handle  18  in the locked substantially perpendicular position of FIG. 3. Channels  110  and  112  converge into larger central channel  114 .  
     [0054] As illustrated in FIG. 5 b , upon depressing button  100 , tabs  110 ,  112  of button  100  move sidewardly out of channels  108   a ,  108   b  and thereby unlocking handle  18 . When tab  112  is in the larger central channel  114  and tab  110  is out of channel  108   a , handle  18  can then be moved by the user toward the substantially parallel position, as shown in FIG. 5C. FIG. 5 c  represents the movement of the unlocked handle toward the substantially parallel position. Upon reaching the substantially parallel position, tabs  110 ,  112  of button  100  can snap into opposite channels  108   b ,  108   a  respectively. FIG. 5 d  thus represents the handle in the locked substantially parallel position.  
     [0055] Thus, when the button  100  is extended (i.e., non-depressed) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 a , the tabs  110 ,  112  engage respective channels  108   a ,  108   b  and lock handle  18  into a fixed position. When button  100  is depressed (FIG. 5B), the tabs  110 ,  112  do not engage respective channels, but rather, allow movement (FIG. 5C) of the handle  18 . As shown in FIG. 5 d  tabs  110 ,  112  snap back into opposite side channels and the handle  18  locks again.  
     [0056] In another embodiment, a springloaded detent allows movement of the handle but locks it into desired positions. However, a variety of other mechanisms may be employed for locking the handle into desired positions, such as those known in the art.  
     [0057] The structure  101  shown in FIG. 1 may be a cosmetic cover, for example.  
     [0058] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.