Patent Publication Number: US-8523068-B2

Title: Point of sale terminal for engagement with a mobile communicator

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 12/977,807 filed Dec. 23, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of the accompanying continuation application and is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to point of sale terminals generally. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following patent publications are believed to represent the current state of the art: 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,694,468; 5,825,874 and 6,002,765; and 
     U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2002/0009194; 2002/0176571; 2003/0013500; 2004/0204166 and 2004/0235533. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to provide a point of sale terminal having improved functionality. There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a point of sale terminal including a housing including at least first and second housing portions which are arranged for relative axial movement from a closed position to an open position, the first housing portion including at least a communications interface adapted for operative communications engagement with a mobile communicator and a first housing portion socket adapted for partially surrounding the mobile communicator, the second housing portion including a second housing portion socket adapted for partially surrounding the mobile communicator and the first and second housing portions being configured such that when they are arranged in the closed position the first housing portion socket and the second housing portion socket together hug the mobile communicator and prevent unwanted disengagement of the mobile communicator therefrom. 
     Preferably, the at least first and second housing portions are arranged for relative axial movement from the closed position to an intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the open position. Additionally, the first and second housing portions are configured and arranged such that when they are arranged in the intermediate position the first housing portion socket hugs the mobile communicator and the second housing portion socket does not hug the mobile communicator. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second housing portions are configured and arranged such that when they are arranged in the open position neither the first housing portion socket nor the second housing portion socket hugs the mobile communicator. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the point of sale terminal is configured to provide a user-sensible resistance, indicating to a user that the first and second housing portions are being moved from the closed position to the intermediate position. Additionally or alternatively, the point of sale terminal is configured to provide a user-sensible resistance, indicating to a user that the first and second housing portions are being moved from the intermediate position to the open position. 
     Preferably, the point of sale terminal is configured to provide a user-sensible resistance, indicating to a user that the first and second housing portions are being moved from the open position to the intermediate position. Additionally or alternatively, the point of sale terminal is configured to provide a user-sensible resistance, indicating to a user that the first and second housing portions are being moved from the intermediate position to the closed position. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the intermediate position adjacent surfaces of the first and second housing portions are separated by a first separation. Additionally, in the open position the adjacent surfaces of the first and second housing portions are separated by a second separation, greater than the first separation. 
     Preferably, in the closed position adjacent surfaces of the first and second housing portions are in touching engagement. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the communications interface includes a connector adapted for mechanical engagement with the mobile communicator. 
     Preferably, the communications interface includes a wireless interface adapted for wireless engagement with the mobile communicator. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the point of sale terminal also includes at least one of a magnetic stripe card reader, a smart card interface, a contactless card interface and a bar code reader. 
     Preferably, the point of sale terminal also includes a slidable latch element, configured to lock the point of sale terminal is the closed position. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least first and second housing portions are configured to limit the relative axial movement beyond the open position. 
     Preferably, the first and second housing portions are configured when in the open position to allow the mobile communicator to be placed into operative engagement with the point of sale terminal. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second housing portions are configured when in the open position to allow the mobile communicator to be removed from operative engagement with the point of sale terminal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1A ,  1 B &amp;  1 C are simplified pictorial illustrations of a slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal in operative association with a mobile communicator; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are respective downward and upward view simplified exploded view illustrations of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-1C ; 
         FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C are simplified illustrations of a bottom housing portion, forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-2B ,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  being bottom view pictorial illustrations taken along opposite directions and  FIG. 3C  being a top view pictorial illustration; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are simplified illustrations of a main top housing portion, forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-2B ,  FIG. 4A  being a top view pictorial illustration and  FIG. 4B  being a bottom view pictorial illustration; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are simplified illustrations of a slidable top housing portion, forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-2B ,  FIG. 5A  being a top view pictorial illustration and  FIG. 5B  being a bottom view pictorial illustration; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are simplified illustrations of a main mounting element, forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-2B ,  FIG. 6A  being a top view pictorial illustration and  FIG. 6B  being a bottom view pictorial illustration; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are simplified illustrations of a slidable mounting assembly, forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-2B ,  FIG. 7A  being a top view pictorial illustration and  FIG. 7B  being a bottom view pictorial illustration; 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified exploded view illustration of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A and 7B ; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are simplified pictorial top view and bottom view illustrations of a base portion of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A-8 ; 
         FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D are simplified illustrations of a first slidable pin element forming part of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A-8 ; 
         FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  11 C and  11 D are simplified illustrations of a second slidable pin element forming part of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A-8 ; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are simplified pictorial top view and bottom view illustrations of a connector support element forming part of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A-8 ; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  are simplified pictorial top view and bottom view illustrations of a connector assembly, forming part of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A-8 ; 
         FIGS. 14A ,  14 B and  14 C are simplified pictorial illustrations of a slidable latch element forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-2B ; 
       FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2  are together a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in a first operative orientation; 
         FIG. 15B  is a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in a second operative orientation; 
         FIG. 15C  is a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in a third operative orientation; 
         FIG. 15D  is a simplified illustration of insertion of a mobile communicator into operative engagement with the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C , when it is in the third operative orientation; 
         FIG. 15E  is a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the fourth operative orientation in operative engagement with the mobile communicator; 
         FIG. 15F  is a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the first operative orientation in operative engagement with a mobile communicator in a latch-unlocked state; 
         FIG. 15G  is a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the first operative orientation in operative engagement with a mobile communicator in a latch-locked state; 
         FIG. 15H  is a simplified illustration of operation of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the first operative orientation in operative engagement with a mobile communicator for magnetic card swiping; 
         FIG. 15I  is a simplified illustration of operation of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the first operative orientation in operative engagement with a mobile communicator for smart card reading; 
         FIG. 15J  is a simplified illustration of operation of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the first operative orientation in operative engagement with a mobile communicator in a bar code reading mode of operation. 
         FIG. 15K  is a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the first operative orientation in operative engagement with a mobile communicator returned to a latch-unlocked state; 
       FIGS.  15 L/ 1  and  15 L/ 2  are together a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in engagement with the mobile communicator, in a fifth operative orientation; 
       FIGS.  15 M/ 1  and  15 M/ 2  are together a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the third operative orientation; and 
         FIG. 15N  is a simplified pictorial illustration of disengagement of the mobile communicator from the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the third operative orientation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B &amp;  1 C, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of a slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal in operative engagement with a mobile communicator. In the examples described hereinbelow, the mobile communicator is an IPHONE3®. It is appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to use with an IPHONE3® or any other mobile communicator and is suitable for use with any appropriate mobile communicator, with suitable modifications to take into account different shapes of various mobile communicators and different arrangements of user interface elements and connectors thereon. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C, there is provided a slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  in operative association with an IPHONE® mobile communicator  101 . The slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  includes a bottom housing portion  102 , a main top housing portion  104 , which is fixed with respect to bottom housing portion  102 , and a slidable top housing portion  106 , which is slidable with respect to bottom housing portion  102  and to main top housing portion  104  along an axis  108  in respective opposite engage and disengage directions defined by arrows  110  and  112 . It is a particular feature of the present invention that operative engagement and disengagement of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  with respect to the mobile communicator  101  is provided by such sliding displacement of a housing portion. 
     It is thus appreciated that the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  is formed with a housing including at least first and second housing portions, such as portions  106  and  104 , which are arranged for relative axial movement from a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 1A , to an open position. A fully open position is shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C . 
     The first housing portion, preferably portion  106 , preferably includes a first housing portion socket  114  adapted for partially surrounding the mobile communicator  101 . The second housing portion, such as main top housing portion  104  preferably includes a second housing portion socket  116  adapted for partially surrounding the mobile communicator  101 . 
     Associated with the first housing portion, preferably portion  106 , is a communications interface  118 , adapted for operative communications engagement with mobile communicator  101 . Communications interface  118  may be a conventional physical connector, as shown in  FIG. 1C , which mechanically engages a corresponding physical socket in mobile communicator  101 . Alternatively, communications interface  118  may be a wireless communications interface, employing wireless technology, such as BLUETOOTH®. 
     The first and second housing portions are preferably configured such that when they are arranged in a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the first housing portion socket  114  and the second housing portion socket  116  together hug the mobile communicator  101  and prevent unwanted disengagement of the mobile communicator  101  therefrom. 
     Bottom housing portion  102  and top housing portion  104  are fixed to a main mounting element  120 . A magnetic card swipe slot  121  is defined between main mounting element  120 , which defines one edge wall of the slot  121 , and main top housing portion  104  and slidable top housing portion  106 , which define an opposite edge wall of the slot  121 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , which are respective downward and upward view simplified exploded view illustrations of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1C . It is seen that in addition to bottom housing portion  102 , main top housing portion  104 , slidable top housing portion  106 , and main mounting element  120 , there is also provided a slidable mounting assembly  122 , which is fixed to slidable top housing portion  106 . 
     Printed circuit boards  124 ,  126  and  128  are fixedly mounted generally as shown on main mounting element  120 . A slide out smart card socket  130  slidably engages main mounting element  120 . A slidable latch element  132  slidably engages bottom housing portion  102 . A magnetic stripe reading head  134  and an optional bar code reader  136  are fixedly mounted, generally as shown, on main mounting element  120 . Battery charger contacts  137  are fixedly mounted generally as shown on bottom housing portion  102 . An on/off switch element  138  is mounted, generally as shown, on bottom housing portion  102 . A generally flat keypad, contactless card interface and display assembly  139  is fixedly mounted generally as shown in a recess formed in bottom housing portion  102 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C, which are simplified illustrations of bottom housing portion  102 , forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-2B ,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  being bottom view pictorial illustrations taken along opposite directions and  FIG. 3C  being a top view pictorial illustration. As seen in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C, the bottom housing portion  102  defines a curved circumferential wall  140  surrounding a recess  142 , in which generally flat keypad, contactless card interface and display assembly  139  is fixedly mounted as by adhesive. Recess  142  preferably has formed therein various cut-outs designated by reference numerals  144 ,  145  and  146 , which accommodate various components of the device, including components which connect the generally flat keypad, contactless card interface and display assembly  139  to other components of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-2B . 
     A smart card receiving slot  152  is provided in circumferential wall  140  at one end of the bottom housing portion  102 . A plurality of connector socket cut outs are also provided in circumferential wall  140 . These include a cut out  160  for accommodating on/off switch element  138 , a cut out  162  for a power supply connector socket (not shown), cut outs  164  for battery charger contacts  137 , a cut out  166  for latch element  132 . A screw socket  168  is provided for a latch locking screw as will be described hereinbelow. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , which are simplified illustrations of main top housing portion  104 , forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-2B ,  FIG. 4A  being a top view pictorial illustration and  FIG. 4B  being a bottom view pictorial illustration. As seen in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the main top housing portion  104  defines a curved partially circumferential wall  170  surrounding socket  116  ( FIGS. 1A-1C ). Partially circumferential wall  170  is preferably formed at an end  172  of main top housing portion  104  with a pair of end cut outs  174  and  176  to provide access to the on/off button and to the ear phone plug socket of an IPHONE® and a side cut out  178  to provide access to the mute button of an IPHONE®. 
     At an opposite end  180  of main top housing portion  104  there are preferably provided a pair of pin receiving registration sockets respectively designated by reference numerals  181  and  182 , which provide secure alignment and engagement with corresponding pins of slidable mounting assembly  122  when the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  is in a first operative orientation as described hereinbelow. 
     At end  180  of main top housing portion  104  there are also preferably provided a pair of a pair of protrusions  184  which provide secure engagement with the main mounting element  120 , thereby to prevent disengagement of main top housing  104  from main mounting element  120 . A downward extending pin  185  is located intermediate protrusions  184 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , which are simplified illustrations of slidable top housing portion  106 , forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-2B ,  FIG. 5A  being a top view pictorial illustration and  FIG. 5B  being a bottom view pictorial illustration. As seen in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the slidable top housing portion  106  defines a curved partially circumferential wall  200  surrounding socket  114  ( FIGS. 1A-1C ). Socket  114  is preferably formed with a pair of recesses  204  and  206 , which provide sound conduits communicating with a microphone and a speaker of an IPHONE®. A cut out  207  is located generally between recesses  204  and  206 . Partially circumferential wall  200  is formed with a bottom edge  208  having a shoulder  210  and a protrusion  212 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , which are simplified illustrations of main mounting element  120 , forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-2B . As seen in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , main mounting element  120  is a generally rectangular, generally flat element which includes cut out  250 , which accommodates electrical components mounted on printed circuit boards  124  and  128  ( FIGS. 2A-2B ), cut outs  252  and  254 , which accommodate electrical components mounted on printed circuit board  126  ( FIGS. 2A-2B ), and cut out  256 , which accommodates magnetic stripe reading head  134  ( FIGS. 2A-2B ). Magnetic strip reading head  134  is mounted onto connection sockets  258  and  260 . Bar code reader  136  ( FIGS. 2A-2B ) is mounted in a recess  262 . 
     Main mounting element  120  is mounted onto bottom housing portion  102  typically by means of screws (not shown) which extend through screw sockets  263 ,  264 ,  265 ,  266  and  267 . Main top housing portion  104  is mounted onto main mounting element  120  typically by means of screws (not shown), which extend through screw sockets  270 ,  272  and  274 . An external power connection (not shown) preferably extends through opening  278 . 
     As seen particularly in  FIG. 6B , there are provided a pair of generally parallel slots  280  and  282  and as seen particularly in  FIG. 6A , there are provided corresponding tracks  290  and  292 , which partially overlie slots  280  and  282 . Each of tracks  290  and  292  is formed with an inwardly facing side cut out, respectively designated by reference numerals  294  and  296 , and with an upstanding pin, respectively designated by reference numerals  300  and  302 . Track  292  is formed with an additional side cut out  304  which defines a narrowed forward end  306  of track  292  having a side surface  308  which is engaged by shoulder  210  of slidable top housing portion  106  when the slidable top housing portion  106  is in the first operative orientation (FIG.  15 A/ 1 ). 
     A cantilevered catch tab  310  having first and second teeth  312  and  314  is provided generally intermediate tracks  290  and  292 . A pair of snap fit engagement sockets  322  are provided for snap fit engagement by protrusions  184  of main top housing portion  104 . A stop protrusion  326  for limiting motion of the slidable mounting assembly  122  is provided. 
     An aperture  340  accommodates a flexible connector (not shown) which is coupled to magnetic stripe reading head  134 . An adjacent latch travel slot  344  accommodates latch element  132  and intersects a slidable mounting assembly latchable protrusion travel path recess  346 . It is noted that protrusion  212  ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ) covers the forward end of recess  346  when the slidable top housing portion  106  is in the first operative orientation (FIG.  15 A/ 1 ). 
     Upstanding elements  350 ,  352 ,  354  and  356  together operate to define a mounting volume for a battery pack (not shown). Upstanding element pairs  360  and  362  together operate to define a mounting volume for battery charger contracts  137 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  8 , which are simplified illustrations of a slidable mounting assembly  122 , forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-2B . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  8 , the slidable mounting assembly  122  includes a base portion  400 , which is described in detail hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , and first and second slidable pin elements  410  and  420 , which are described in detail hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 10A-10D  and  FIGS. 11A-11D , respectively, which are slidably mounted onto base portion  400 . The slidable mounting assembly  122  also includes a connector support element  430 , described in detail hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 12A &amp; 12B , which is fixedly mounted onto base portion  400 , and a connector assembly  440 , described in detail hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 13A &amp; 13B , which is fixedly mounted onto connector support element  430 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , which are simplified pictorial top view and bottom view illustrations of base portion  400  of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A-8 . As seen in  FIGS. 9A &amp; 9B , the base portion  400  of the slidable mounting assembly  122  is generally planar and includes first and second generally planar corner surfaces  446  and  448  having respective curved corner edges  450  and  452  including respective lower outer lips  454  and  456  and higher inner lips  458  and  460 . 
     First and second spaced inwardly directed registration pins  462  and  464  extend in a direction generally parallel to the plane of base portion  400  and are raised from respective planar corner surfaces  446  and  448  by respective upstanding support portions  466  and  468 . Adjacent each of pins  462  and  464  there are provided respective cover portion engagement protrusions  470  and  472  to slidable top housing portion  106  sockets (not shown). 
     Screw engagement sockets  480 ,  482 ,  484 ,  486 ,  488  and  490  are formed at various locations on base portion  400 . Screw engagement sockets  480 ,  482 ,  488  and  490  are engaged by screws (not shown), which fix base portion  400  to slidable top housing portion  106 . Screw engagement sockets  482  and  484  are engaged by screws (not shown), which fix base portion  400  to connector support element  430  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     A first pin element socket  500  is formed on base portion  400  and includes an elongate cut out  502  having rounded ends  504  and  506  and having a widened side portion  508 . As seen particularly in  FIG. 9B , an elongate track  510  underlies widened side portion  508 . Surrounding elongate cut out  502  and widened side portion  508  on a surface  512  of base portion  400  is a shallow recess  514  having an inward end  516  and an outward end  518 . 
     A second pin element socket  520  is formed on base portion  400  and includes an elongate cut out  522  having rounded ends  524  and  526  and having a widened side portion  528 . As seen particularly in  FIG. 9B , an elongate track  530  underlies widened side portion  528 . Surrounding elongate cut out  522  and widened side portion  528  on a surface  532  of base portion  400  is a shallow recess  534  having an inward end  535  and an outward end  536 . 
     A slidable top housing portion engagement protrusion  537  is located generally equidistant between the curved corner edges  450  and  452 . An elongate cut out  538 , having a widened end portion  540 , is provided inwardly of corner edge  450 . 
     As seen particularly in  FIG. 9B , there is seen a downwardly facing generally U-shaped protrusion  550  which extends downwardly from a bridge portion  552  which spans a cut out  554 , formed in base portion  400 . 
     An inwardly-directed extension portion  560  includes an elongate cut out  561  having rounded ends  562  and  563 . On an underside of inwardly-directed extension portion  560  there are provided a pair of mutually spaced downwardly directed teeth  564  and  566 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D, which are simplified illustrations of first slidable pin element  410  forming part of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A-8 . The relationship between the various views of the first slidable pin element  410  is indicated by suitably labeled arrows in the drawings. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 10A-10D , first slidable pin element  410  includes a generally circular cylindrical portion  600  having an asymmetrical end  602 . Cylindrical portion  600  extends from an upstanding support portion  604 , which in turn extends from an inclined intermediate support portion  606 . Intermediate support portion  606  extends from a base portion  610 , which is formed with an elongate slot  612 , having respective rounded ends  614  and  616 . Base portion  610  has a generally flat underneath surface  618  and a top surface which includes a generally flat top surface portion  620  and a downwardly tapered top surface portion  622 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  11 C and  11 D, which are simplified illustrations of second slidable pin element  420  forming part of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A-8 . The relationship between the various views of the second slidable pin element  420  is indicated by suitably labeled arrows in the drawings. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 11A-11D , second slidable pin element  420  includes a generally circular cylindrical portion  630  having an asymmetric end  632 . Cylindrical portion  630  extends from an upstanding support portion  634 , which in turn extends from first base portion  636 . First base portion  636  extends transversely from a second base portion  640 , which is formed with an elongate slot  642  having respective rounded ends  644  and  646 . Second base portion  640  has a generally flat underneath surface  648  and a top surface which includes a generally flat top surface portion  650  and a downwardly tapered top surface portion  652 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , which are simplified pictorial top view and bottom view illustrations of connector support element  430  forming part of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A-8 . As seen particularly in  FIG. 12B , connector support element  430  includes a pair of screw engagement sockets  670  and  672  for fixed mounting of connector support element  430  onto base portion  400  of the slidable mounting assembly  122  at screw engagement sockets  484  and  486  thereof. As seen in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , connector support element  430  also includes a pair of screw engagement sockets  676  and  678  for fixed mounting of connector assembly  440  thereto. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , which are simplified pictorial top view and bottom view illustrations of connector assembly  440  forming part of the slidable mounting assembly of  FIGS. 7A-8 . As seen in  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the connector assembly  440  preferably includes a PCB  680  and a connector  682 , which is fixedly mounted onto PCB  680  and is suitable for operative connection to a corresponding connection socket of a mobile communicator  101 , such as an IPHONE®. PCB  680  is preferably formed with screw engagement sockets  690  and  692  for fixed mounting of PCB  680  and thus of connector assembly  440  onto connector support element  430  at screw engagement sockets  676  and  678  respectively. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 14A ,  14 B and  14 C, which are simplified illustrations of slidable latch element  132 , forming part of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-2B . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 14A-14C , the slidable latch element  132  includes a generally planar portion  690  having a finger engagement protrusion  692  extending perpendicularly therefrom and a latch operating lever portion  694  extending transversely therefrom. A screw engagement socket  696  is adapted to be engaged by a locking screw  698  which can be inserted via screw socket  168  ( FIGS. 3A &amp; 3C ). 
     Reference is now made to FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2 , which are together a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in a first operative orientation. As seen in FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2 , in the first operative orientation, the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-13B  is closed but a mobile communicator  101  is not operatively engaged thereby. 
     As seen in FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2 , particularly where slidable top housing portion is removed, and specifically at enlargements A, B and C, pin  300  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  502  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  adjacent rounded end  506  thereof and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  612  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) adjacent rounded end  616  thereof. It is also seen that base portion  610  of first slidable pin element  410  is located at the outward end  518  of recess  514  formed in base portion  400 . 
     Correspondingly, pin  302  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  522  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  adjacent rounded end  526  thereof and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  642  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) adjacent rounded end  646  thereof. Second base portion  640  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) is located at the outward end  536  of recess  534  formed in base portion  400 . 
     As seen in FIG.  15 A/ 1 , particularly at enlargement D, cantilevered catch tab  310  having first and second teeth  312  and  314  is engaged by the underside of inwardly-directed extension portion  560 , having formed thereon mutually spaced downwardly directed teeth  564  and  566  ( FIG. 9B ). More specifically, downwardly directed tooth  566  lies in a valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  and downwardly directed tooth  564  lies inwardly thereof along cantilevered catch tab  310 . The engagement of downwardly directed tooth  566  with valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  slightly flexes the cantilevered catch tab  310  downwardly. 
     As seen in FIG.  15 A/ 2 , particularly where slidable top housing portion  106 , slidable pins elements  410  &amp;  420 , connector support element  430  and connector assembly  440  are removed, and specifically at enlargements E &amp; F, pin  185  of main top housing portion  104  is located within elongate cut out  561  of base portion  400  adjacent rounded end  563  thereof. 
     As seen in FIG.  15 A/ 2 , specifically at enlargements G and H, elongate tracks  510  and  530  of base portion  400  ( FIG. 9B ) operatively and slidably engage corresponding tracks  290  and  292  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ), permitting slidable extension of top housing portion  106  and slidable mounting assembly  122 , relative to main top housing portion  104  and to bottom housing portion  102 . 
     As also seen in FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2 , registration pins  462  and  464  of base portion  400  are fully engaged in pin receiving registration sockets  181  and  182  at end  180  of main top housing portion  104 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15B , which is a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in a second operative orientation in which the slidable top housing portion  106  and slidable mounting assembly  122  are extended outwardly relative to main top housing portion  104  and to bottom housing portion  102  to a first extent, typically defining a separation between adjacent surfaces  700  and  702  of the slidable top housing portion  106  and the main top housing portion  104  respectively, typically of 3 mm. 
     It is seen from a comparison of  FIG. 15B  with FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2  that whereas in FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2 , in the first operative orientation, the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  is closed, in the second operative orientation of  FIG. 15B , the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  is partially opened by the user grasping the slidable top housing portion  106  with one hand and the bottom housing portion  102  with his other hand, and sliding the slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to the bottom housing portion  102  in the direction indicated by arrow  710 . 
     Whereas in the first operative orientation shown in FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2 , as seen particularly at enlargements A, B and C thereof, pin  300  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  502  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  adjacent rounded end  504  thereof and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  612  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) adjacent rounded end  616  thereof, in the second operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15B , pin  300  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  502  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  at an intermediate location therealong and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  612  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) adjacent rounded end  614  thereof. 
     It is also seen that base portion  610  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) remains located at the outward end  518  of recess  514  formed in base portion  400 . 
     Correspondingly, whereas in the first operative orientation shown in FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2 , pin  302  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  522  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  adjacent rounded end  524  thereof and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  642  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) adjacent rounded end  646  thereof, in the second operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15B , pin  302  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  522  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  at an intermediate location therealong and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  642  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) adjacent rounded end  644  thereof. Second base portion  640  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) remains located at the outward end  536  of recess  534  formed in base portion  400 . 
     Whereas, as seen in FIG.  15 A/ 1 , particularly at enlargement D, downwardly directed tooth  566  lies in a valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  and downwardly directed tooth  564  lies inwardly thereof along cantilevered catch tab  310 , outward displacement of inwardly-directed extension portion  560  to the second operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15B , as particularly seen at enlargement D, causes downwardly directed tooth  566  to lie outwardly of valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  and downwardly directed tooth  564  to remain at a position inwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314 . The disengagement of downwardly directed tooth  566  from valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  slightly flexes the cantilevered catch tab  310  and provides a user-sensible resistance which indicates to the user that the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  is being opened. 
     Whereas, in the first operative orientation shown in FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2 , registration pins  462  and  464  of base portion  400  are fully engaged in pin receiving registration sockets  181  and  182  at end  180  of main top housing portion  104 , in the second operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15B , registration pins  462  and  464  of base portion  400  are fully disengaged from respective pin receiving registration sockets  181  and  182  at end  180  of main top housing portion  104 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15C , which is a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in a third operative orientation in which the slidable top housing portion  106  and slidable mounting assembly  122  are further extended outwardly relative to main top housing portion  104  and to bottom housing portion  102  to a second extent, typically defining a separation between adjacent surfaces  700  and  702  of the slidable top housing portion  106  and the main top housing portion  104  respectively, typically of 8 mm. 
     It is seen from a comparison of  FIG. 15C  with  FIG. 15B  that whereas in  FIG. 15B , in the second operative orientation, the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  is partially open, in the third operative orientation of  FIG. 15C , the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  is fully opened by the user grasping the top housing portion  106  with one hand and the bottom housing portion  102  with his other hand, and sliding the slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to the bottom housing portion  102  in the direction indicated by arrow  720 , which is identical to the direction indicated by arrow  710  ( FIG. 15B ). 
     Whereas in the second operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15B , pin  300  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  502  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  at an intermediate location therealong and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  612  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) adjacent rounded end  614  thereof, in the third operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15C , pin  300  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  502  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  adjacent rounded end  504  and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  612  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) adjacent rounded end  614  thereof. 
     It is also seen that base portion  610  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) is now located at the inward end  516  of recess  514  formed in base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122 . 
     Correspondingly, whereas pin  302  in the second operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15B  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  522  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  at an intermediate location therealong and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  642  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) adjacent rounded end  646  thereof, in the third operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15C , pin  302  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  522  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  adjacent end  524  thereof and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  642  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) adjacent rounded end  644  thereof. Second base portion  640  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) is now located at the inward end  535  of recess  534  formed in base portion  400 . 
     Whereas, as seen in  FIG. 15B , particularly at enlargement D, downwardly directed tooth  566  lies outwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  and downwardly directed tooth  564  remains at a position inwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314 , further outward displacement of slidable mounting assembly  122  causes both of downwardly directed teeth  564  and  566  to lie outwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314 , as seen particularly in enlargement D in  FIG. 15C . The momentary engagement and disengagement of downwardly directed tooth  564  respectively with and from the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  twice slightly flexes the cantilevered catch tab  310  and provides a user-sensible resistance which indicates to the user that the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  is being fully opened. 
     From a comparison of  FIG. 15C  with FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2 , it is seen that whereas in the first operative orientation shown in FIG.  15 A/ 2 , particularly at enlargements E &amp; F, pin  185  of main top housing portion  104  is located within elongate cut out  561  of base portion  400  adjacent rounded end  563 , in the third operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15C , pin  185  of main top housing portion  104  is located within elongate cut out  561  of base portion  400  adjacent rounded end  562 . It is appreciated that the engagement of pin  185  with elongate cut out  561  is operative to limit the extension of the slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to the remainder of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  along axis  108  ( FIG. 1A ) in a direction defined by arrows  710  and  720 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15D , which shows insertion of a mobile communicator  101  into the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the third operative orientation. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15E , which shows partial retraction of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in a fourth operative orientation in engagement with a mobile communicator  101  in which the slidable top housing portion  106  and slidable mounting assembly  122  are slightly retracted from their operative orientation shown in  FIGS. 15C and 15D , typically defining a separation between adjacent surfaces  700  and  702  of the slidable top housing portion  106  and the main top housing portion  104  respectively, typically approximately 3 mm. 
     It is seen from a comparison of  FIG. 15E  with  FIG. 15C  that whereas in the third operative orientation of  FIG. 15C , the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  is fully opened by the user grasping the top housing portion  106  with one hand and the bottom housing portion  102  with his other hand, and sliding the slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to the bottom housing portion  102  in the direction indicated by arrow  720 , in the fourth operative orientation of  FIG. 15E , the slidable mounting assembly  122  is partially retracted by the user grasping the top housing portion  106  with one hand and the bottom housing portion  102  with his other hand, and sliding the slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to the bottom housing portion  102  in the direction indicated by arrow  730 , which is opposite to the direction indicated by arrow  720 . 
     Whereas in the third operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15C , pin  300  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  502  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  adjacent rounded end  504  and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  612  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) adjacent rounded end  614  thereof, in the fourth operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15E , pin  300  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  502  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  intermediate ends  504  and  506  thereof and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  612  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) intermediate rounded ends  614  and  616  thereof. It is also seen that base portion  610  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) is located in recess  514  formed in base portion  400  intermediate inward end  516  and outward end  518  thereof. 
     Correspondingly, whereas in the third operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15C , pin  302  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  522  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  adjacent rounded end  524  and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  642  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) adjacent rounded end  644  thereof, in the fourth operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15E , pin  302  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  522  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  intermediate rounded ends  524  and  526  thereof and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  642  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) intermediate rounded ends  644  and  646  thereof. Second base portion  640  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) is located in recess  534  formed in base portion  400  intermediate inward end  535  and outward end  536  thereof. 
     Whereas, as seen in  FIG. 15C , particularly at enlargement D, both of downwardly directed teeth  564  and  566  lie outwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314 , inward displacement of slidable mounting assembly  122  to the orientation shown in  FIG. 15E  causes downwardly directed tooth  564  to momentarily engage and disengage the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  and thus twice slightly flexes the cantilevered catch tab  310 . This provides a user-sensible resistance which indicates to the user that the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  is being partially closed. In the orientation of  FIG. 15E , downwardly directed tooth  564  lies inwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  and downwardly directed tooth  566  remains outwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15F , which shows full retraction of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  to the first operative orientation (FIGS.  15 A/ 1  and  15 A/ 2 ). This operative orientation is realized by by the user grasping the top housing portion  106  with one hand and the bottom housing portion  102  with his other hand, and sliding the slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to the bottom housing portion  102  in the direction indicated by arrow  740 , which is parallel to the direction indicated by arrow  730  ( FIG. 15E ). 
     In the operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15F , the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  is in engagement with mobile communicator  101  and the adjacent surfaces  700  and  702  of the slidable top housing portion  106  and the main top housing portion  104  respectively are in touching engagement. In this operative orientation, the mobile communicator  101  is hugged in sockets  114  and  116  ( FIGS. 4A-5B ) of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C . 
     It is seen that ends  602  and  632  of respective cylindrical portions  600  and  630  of respective slidable pin elements  410  and  420  are in engagement with an outer edge surface of the mobile communicator  101 . 
     It is also seen that connector  682  is inserted into operative engagement with a corresponding internal connector socket  750  of the mobile communicator  101 . 
     It is additionally seen that base portion  610  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) remains located at the outward end  518  of recess  514  formed in base portion  400 . Correspondingly, second base portion  640  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) remains located at the outward end  536  of recess  534  formed in base portion  400 . 
     Whereas, as seen in  FIG. 15E , particularly at enlargement D, downwardly directed tooth  566  lies outwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  and downwardly directed tooth  564  is at a position inwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314 , further inward displacement of inwardly-directed extension portion  560  to the first operative orientation shown in  FIG. 15F , as particularly seen at enlargement D, causes downwardly directed tooth  566  to lie in the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  and causes downwardly directed tooth  564  to lie inwardly thereof along cantilevered catch tab  310 . The engagement of downwardly directed tooth  566  with the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  slightly flexes the cantilevered catch tab  310  and provides a user-sensible resistance which indicates to the user that the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  is being fully closed. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15G , which shows locking of the latch of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C , which prevents inadvertent disengagement of the mobile communicator  101  from the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C . 
     As seen in  FIG. 15G , particularly in enlargement B, when finger engagement protrusion  692  of slidable latch element  132  ( FIGS. 14A-14C ) is positioned in a locking position, latch operating lever portion  694  lies in a locking position in latch travel slot  344  blocking slidable mounting assembly latchable protrusion travel path recess  346  and thus preventing outward displacement of generally U-shaped protrusion  550  ( FIG. 9B ) therealong and thus prevents slidable displacement of slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to main mounting element  120 , which could allow disengagement of the mobile communicator  101  from the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C . The slidable latch element  132  may be retained in the locking position by engagement of screw  698  therewith via screw socket  168 , formed in bottom housing portion  102 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 15H and 15I , which respectively show reading of a magnetic stripe card and of a smart card by the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C . Reference is also made to  FIG. 15J  which illustrates operation of optional bar code reader  136  ( FIGS. 2A &amp; 2B ) 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15K , which shows unlocking of the latch of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C , which permits disengagement of the mobile communicator  101  from the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C . 
     As seen in  FIG. 15K , particularly in enlargement B, when finger engagement protrusion  692  of slidable latch element  132  ( FIGS. 14A-14C ) is positioned in a non-locking position, latch operating lever portion  694  lies in a non-locking position in latch travel slot  344  not blocking slidable mounting assembly latchable protrusion travel path recess  346  and thus not preventing outward displacement of generally U-shaped protrusion  550  therealong and thus permitting slidable displacement of slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to main mounting element  120 , which allows disengagement of the mobile communicator  101  from the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C . 
     Reference is now made to FIGS.  15 L/ 1  and  15 L/ 2 , which are together a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in a fifth operative orientation. As seen in FIGS.  15 L/ 1  and  15 L/ 2 , in the fifth operative orientation, the slidable top housing portion  106  and slidable mounting assembly  122  are extended outwardly relative to main top housing portion  104  and to bottom housing portion  102  to a fifth extent, typically defining a separation between adjacent surfaces  700  and  702  of the slidable top housing portion  106  and the main top housing portion  104  respectively, typically approximately 3 mm. 
     It is seen from a comparison of FIGS.  15 L/ 1  and  15 L/ 2  with  FIG. 15K  that whereas in  FIG. 15K , in the first operative orientation, the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  is closed, in the fifth operative orientation of FIGS.  15 L/ 1  and  15 L/ 2 , the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  is partially opened by the user grasping the slidable top housing portion  106  with one hand and the bottom housing portion  102  with his other hand, and sliding the slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to the bottom housing portion  102  in the direction indicated by arrow  760 . 
     It is a particular feature of the fifth operative orientation that the mobile communicator  101  remains fully engaged with the slidable mounting assembly  122  and is fully seated in first housing portion socket  114  of the slidable top housing portion  106 , fixed to slidable mounting assembly  122  and is partially disengaged from the second housing portion socket  116  of the main top housing portion  104 . 
     It is seen that ends  602  and  632  of respective cylindrical portions  600  and  630  of respective first and second slidable pin elements  410  and  420  remain in engagement with the outer edge surface of the mobile communicator  101  and that base portion  610  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) remains located at the outward end  518  of recess  514  formed in base portion  400 . Correspondingly, second base portion  640  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) remains located at the outward end  536  of recess  534  formed in base portion  400 . 
     It is also seen that connector  682  preferably remains fully inserted into operative engagement with corresponding internal connector socket  750  of the mobile communicator  101 . 
     As seen further in FIG.  15 L/ 2 , particularly where slidable top housing portion  106 , slidable pins elements  410  &amp;  420 , connector support element  430  and connector assembly  440  are removed, and specifically at enlargements E &amp; F, pin  185  of main top housing portion  104  is located within elongate cut out  561  of base portion  400  intermediate rounded ends  562  and  563  thereof. 
     Reference is now made to FIGS.  15 M/ 1  and  15 M/ 2 , which is a simplified illustration of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  in the third operative orientation in which the slidable top housing portion  106  and slidable mounting assembly  122  are extended fully outwardly relative to main top housing portion  104  and to bottom housing portion  102 , typically defining a separation between adjacent surfaces  700  and  702  of the slidable top housing portion  106  and the main top housing portion  104  respectively, typically approximately 8 mm. 
     It is seen that connector  682  is fully disengaged from corresponding internal connector socket  750  of the mobile communicator  101 . 
     It is seen from a comparison of FIGS.  15 M/ 1  and  15 M/ 2  with FIGS.  15 L/ 1  and  15 L/ 2  that whereas in FIGS.  15 L/ 1  and  15 L/ 2 , in the fifth operative orientation, the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  is partially open, in the third operative orientation of FIGS.  15 M/ 1  and  15 M/ 2 , the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  is fully opened by the user grasping the top housing portion  106  with one hand and the bottom housing portion  102  with his other hand, and sliding the slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to the bottom housing portion  102  in the direction indicated by arrow  770 , which is identical to the direction indicated by arrow  760  (FIG.  15 L/ 1 ). 
     Whereas in the fifth operative orientation shown in FIGS.  15 L/ 1  and  15 L/ 2 , pin  300  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  502  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  at an intermediate location therealong and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  612  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) adjacent rounded end  614  thereof, in the third operative orientation shown in FIGS.  15 M/ 1  and  15 M/ 2 , pin  300  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  502  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  adjacent rounded end  504  and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  612  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) adjacent rounded end  614  thereof. 
     It is also seen that base portion  610  of first slidable pin element  410  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) is now located at the inward end  516  of recess  514  formed in base portion  400 . 
     Correspondingly, whereas in the fifth operative orientation shown in FIGS.  15 L/ 1  and  15 L/ 2  pin  302  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  522  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  at an intermediate location therealong and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  642  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) adjacent rounded end  644  thereof, in the third operative orientation shown in FIGS.  15 M/ 1  and  15 M/ 2 , pin  302  of main mounting element  120  ( FIG. 6A ) is located in elongate cut out  522  of base portion  400  of slidable mounting assembly  122  adjacent end  524  thereof and is also simultaneously located in elongate slot  642  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) adjacent rounded end  644  thereof. Second base portion  640  of second slidable pin element  420  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) is now located at the inward end  535  of recess  534  formed in base portion  400 . 
     Whereas, as seen in FIGS.  15 L/ 1  and  15 L/ 2 , particularly at enlargement D, downwardly directed tooth  566  lies outwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  and downwardly directed tooth  564  is at a position inwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314 , further outward displacement of slidable mounting assembly  122  causes both of downwardly directed teeth  564  and  566  to lie outwardly of the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314 , as seen particularly in enlargement D in FIGS.  15 M/ 1  and  15 M/ 2 . The momentary engagement and disengagement of downwardly directed tooth  564  respectively with and from the valley defined between teeth  312  and  314  twice slightly flexes the cantilevered catch tab  310  and provides a user-sensible resistance which indicates to the user that the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  is being fully opened. 
     As further seen in FIG.  15 M/ 2 , specifically at enlargements E &amp; F, pin  185  of main top housing portion  104  is located within elongate cut out  561  of base portion  400  adjacent rounded end  562  thereof. 
     From a comparison of FIG.  15 M/ 2  with FIG.  15 L/ 2 , it is seen that whereas in the fifth operative orientation shown in FIG.  15 L/ 2 , particularly at enlargements E &amp; F, pin  185  of main top housing portion  104  is located within elongate cut out  561  of base portion  400  intermediate rounded ends  562  and  563  thereof, in the third operative orientation shown in FIG.  15 M/ 2 , pin  185  of main top housing portion  104  is located within elongate cut out  561  of base portion  400  adjacent rounded end  562 . It is appreciated that the engagement of pin  185  with elongate cut out  561  is operative to limit the extension of the slidable mounting assembly  122  relative to the remainder of the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  along axis  108  ( FIG. 1A ) in a direction defined by arrows  760  and  770 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15N , which is a simplified pictorial illustration of disengagement of the mobile communicator  101  from the slidable engage/disengage point of sale terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A-14C  when it is in the third operative orientation. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.