Patent ID: 7877841

Claim:
A handle for a portable computer having one or more scanning functions for interacting with information objects in a logistics environment, the handle for releasably securing with a housing of the portable computer such that once attached, the handle facilitating directional pointing of the portable computer by a user, the handle comprising: a handle body having a grip portion shaped for grasping by a hand of a user of the portable computer, a proximal end of the grip portion for coupling to the housing of the portable computer such that the proximal end having a proximal surface for mating with an adjacent surface of the housing, and a distal end of the grip portion; an actuator assembly for affecting the operation of said one or more scanning functions located in the grip portion of the handle body, the actuator assembly for coupling via a control coupling to one or more components of the portable computer providing said one or more scanning functions; and a releasable connection mechanism positioned on the proximal surface including an operable latch extending outwardly from the proximal surface and adapted for engaging with a corresponding first slot in the adjacent surface of the housing, and at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the proximal surface on a side of the proximal surface opposite to the operable latch and adapted for engaging with a corresponding second slot in the adjacent surface of the housing; wherein the control coupling is established once the proximal surface is mated with the adjacent surface through engagement of the releasable connection mechanism.