System for converting a mobile electronic payment terminal into a fixed electronic payment terminal

Abstract

A system of conversion of a mobile electronic payment terminal into a fixed electronic payment terminal. The system includes: first and second support elements having first hooking elements and a first reversible locking element. The support elements are configured to receive the electronic payment terminal or a charging base for charging the electronic payment terminal and to be fixedly attached to the charging base or to a fixed pedestal. The system also includes a lower hatch to be fixed beneath the electronic payment terminal and having second hooking elements configured to cooperate with the first hooking elements of the first and second support elements, and further having a second reversible locking element configured to cooperate the first the reversible locking element the support elements.

Claims

1. A system of conversion of a mobile electronic payment terminal into a fixed electronic payment terminal, said system of conversion comprising at least the following elements: first and second support elements, each comprising first hooking elements and a first reversible locking element, said first and second support elements being configured to receive said electronic payment terminal or a charging base for charging said electronic payment terminal and to be fixedly attached to said charging base or to a fixed pedestal wherein: the first support element corresponds to a base support element, configured to be fixedly attached to said charging base of said electronic payment terminal and to receive said electronic payment terminal; the second support element corresponds to a pedestal support element configured to be fixedly attached to said fixed pedestal and to receive said electronic payment terminal or said charging base of said electronic payment terminal; and a lower hatch configured to be fixed beneath said electronic payment terminal and comprising second hooking elements configured to cooperate with said first hooking elements of the first or second support elements, and a second reversible locking element configured to cooperate with said first reversible locking element of the first or second support elements.

2. The system of conversion according to claim 1, wherein said first hooking elements correspond to at least two fixed lateral hooks and said first reversible locking element corresponds to at least one mobile central hook, called a locking hook, and wherein said second hooking elements of said hatch correspond to at least two lateral apertures cooperating with said two fixed lateral hooks and said second reversible locking element corresponds to at least one central aperture cooperating with said locking hook.

3. The system of conversion according to claim 1, wherein said first and second support elements each furthermore have first affixation elements to affix to said charging base and second affixation elements to affix to said fixed pedestal.

4. The system of conversion according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second support elements comprises at least one first part to receive said charging base or said hatch of said electronic payment terminal, a second part comprising said first reversible locking element and a third part to be fixed to said fixed pedestal or to said charging base.

5. The system of conversion according to claim 1, wherein said hatch comprises a part adapted to the lower surface of said electronic payment terminal and two mobile parts for fixedly attaching said hatch to said electronic payment terminal.

6. A system of conversion of a mobile electronic payment terminal into a fixed electronic payment terminal, said system of conversion comprising at least the following elements: first and second support elements, each comprising first hooking elements and a first reversible locking element, said first and second support elements being configured to receive said electronic payment terminal or a charging base for charging said electronic payment terminal and to be fixedly attached to said charging base or to a fixed pedestal; and a lower hatch configured to be fixed beneath said electronic payment terminal and comprising second hooking elements configured to cooperate with said first hooking elements of the first or second support elements, and a second reversible locking element configured to cooperate with said first reversible locking element of the first or second support elements, wherein said first hooking elements correspond to at least two fixed lateral hooks and said first reversible locking element corresponds to at least one mobile central hook, called a locking hook, and wherein said second hooking elements of said hatch correspond to at least two lateral apertures cooperating with said two fixed lateral hooks and said second reversible locking element corresponds to at least one central aperture cooperating with said locking hook.

7. A system of conversion of a mobile electronic payment terminal into a fixed electronic payment terminal, said system of conversion comprising at least the following elements: first and second support elements, each comprising first hooking elements and a first reversible locking element, said first and second support elements being configured to receive said electronic payment terminal or a charging base for charging said electronic payment terminal and to be fixedly attached to said charging base or to a fixed pedestal; and a lower hatch configured to be fixed beneath said electronic payment terminal and comprising second hooking elements configured to cooperate with said first hooking elements of the first or second support elements, and a second reversible locking element configured to cooperate with said first reversible locking element of the first or second support elements, wherein at least one of the first and second support elements comprises at least one first part to receive said charging base or said hatch of said electronic payment terminal, a second part comprising said first reversible locking element and a third part to be fixed to said fixed pedestal or to said charging base.

Description

4. FIGURES

(1) Other features and advantages shall appear more clearly from the following description of one particular embodiment of the disclosure, given by way of a simple, illustratory and non-exhaustive example, and from the appended drawings of which:

(2) FIGS. 1a and 1b respectively illustrate a support element and a hatch of a conversion system according to one embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 1c illustrates an example of a support element of a conversion system according to one embodiment of the invention;

(4) FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate an example of a hatch of a conversion system according to one embodiment of the invention, respectively above an electronic payment terminal and affixed to an electronic payment terminal;

(5) FIGS. 2c and 2d respectively illustrate the non-locked and locked positions of a hatch of a conversion system on a support element of a conversion system according to one embodiment of the invention;

(6) FIG. 3a presents an example of a support element of a conversion system according to one embodiment of the invention, to be affixed to a charging base of an electronic payment terminal;

(7) FIG. 3b illustrates a support element of a conversion system according to one embodiment of the invention, affixed to a charging base, and an electronic payment terminal ready to be positioned on the charging base;

(8) FIG. 3c illustrates an electronic payment terminal being charged on a charging base via a support element of a conversion system according to one embodiment of the invention;

(9) FIGS. 4a and 4b present an example of a support element of a conversion system according to one embodiment of the invention, respectively ready to be affixed to a pedestal and already fixed to a pedestal;

(10) FIGS. 4c and 4d illustrate an electronic payment terminal respectively ready to be affixed to a pedestal to which a support element of a conversion system is affixed according to one embodiment of the invention, and already fixed to such a pedestal;

(11) FIGS. 4e and 4f respectively illustrate the non-locked and locked positions of the first reversible locking means of a support element of a conversion system, according to one embodiment of the invention;

(12) FIGS. 5a and 5b respectively illustrate a charging base ready to be affixed to a pedestal to which there is affixed a support element of a conversion system according to one embodiment of the invention and an electronic payment terminal positioned on such a charging base;

(13) FIGS. 5c and 5d respectively illustrate the non-locked and locked positions of a charging base on a support element of a conversion system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

(14) In all the figures of the present document, identical elements and steps are designated by one and the same reference.

5. DESCRIPTION

(15) a. General Principle

(16) The general principle of the technique described consists in providing a conversion system, also called a conversion kit, enabling a user (for example a merchant) to reversibly convert a mobile/portable electronic payment terminal into a fixed electronic payment terminal.

(17) Thus, the solution of the invention, according to its different embodiments, offers the user of electronic payment terminals the possibility of converting a mobile electronic payment terminal, all on his own, into a fixed electronic payment terminal without being obliged to send his mobile electronic payment terminal to the manufacturer to carry out the conversion, or even to purchase a fixed electronic payment terminal in addition to his mobile electronic payment terminal. The solution of the invention also enables the user to return to a mobile electronic payment terminal if he so wishes through the reversible characteristic of the conversion.

(18) To this end, the conversion kit according to the invention comprises at least three elements, including two copies of a support element 10 and one hatch 11 illustrated for example in FIGS. 1a and 1b.

(19) Indeed, to convert a mobile electronic payment terminal into a fixed electronic payment terminal, means for fixedly attaching the mobile electronic payment terminal to a fixed pedestal are needed. In addition, since an electronic payment terminal has to be charged through a charging base, it is also necessary to be able to fixedly attach such a base to a fixed pedestal and to be able to fixedly attach the electronic payment terminal to the charging base.

(20) This is why the conversion kit according to the invention provides two support elements making it possible to fixedly attach the electronic payment terminal to a fixed pedestal or to a charging base as well as a modified electronic payment terminal lower hatch enabling the electronic payment terminal to be adapted to one of the above-mentioned support elements.

(21) b. Support Element(s)

(22) FIG. 1a illustrates such an example of a support element 10, having especially first lateral hooking means 101, for example in the form of two lateral hooks, intended to cooperate with corresponding means beneath the electronic payment terminal (via the hatch 11 as described in greater detail here below) or beneath the charging base (as also described in greater detail here below). These hooks therefore serve to hook the electronic payment terminal or the charging base to the support element so as to position it accurately for optimal functioning.

(23) Besides, in order to ensure a fixed attachment of the electronic payment terminal or of the charging base to the support element 10, this support element also has first reversible locking means 102, for example in the form of a mobile central hook intended to cooperate with corresponding means beneath the electronic payment terminal (via the hatch 11 as described in greater detail here below) or beneath the charging base (as also described in greater detail here below). This mobile central hook therefore enables the locking of the electronic payment terminal or the charging base to the support element so as to make the electronic payment terminal fixed. In addition, because of its reversible character, for example through its mobility in the corresponding locking means of the electronic payment terminal or of the base, the central hook can be unlocked and thus makes it possible to detach the electronic payment terminal or the base for mobile use for example. By contrast, in order to ensure efficient and secured fixed attachment, the access 1020 to these reversible locking means (for example the mobile central hook as illustrated in FIG. 1a) can for example be planned via a tool. Thus, a mishandling of the electronic payment terminal or of the support element cannot lead to an undesired unlocking.

(24) Such a support element 10 is also illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 1c, with especially the different distinct parts (1001, 1002 and 1004) that compose it, as well as the means (104) for affixation to a fixed pedestal (for example a metallic or wooden support, such as a table or a counter) and means (103) of affixation to a charging base (made of plastic).

(25) For example, a support element 10 therefore comprises: at least one first part 1001 to receive a charging base or the lower hatch of the electronic payment terminal, this part comprising therefore the first hooking means 101 (for example two lateral hooks); a second part 1002, smaller in this example, that gets inserted beneath the first part 1001 and comprises first reversible locking means 102 (for example the mobile central hook); a third part 1004, that gets assembled beneath the first part 1002 (this part is therefore held between the upper part 1001 and the lower part 1004) and is intended to be affixed to a fixed pedestal or to a charging base.

(26) Besides, first affixation means 103 corresponding for example to screws and corresponding apertures intended for the passage of these screws through the support element 10 enable for example affixation to a charging base and second affixation means 104, corresponding for example to screws and corresponding apertures intended for the passage of these screws through the support element 10, enable for example affixation to a fixed pedestal. These means 103 and 104 can be distinct depending on their use for affixation to a base or a fixed pedestal, the screws of the means 103 being for example intended for an affixation to plastic elements while the screws of the means 104 are rather intended for affixation in a metal or wooden support (for example a table).

(27) It is understood that any other technique enabling such affixation can also be implemented.

(28) c. Lower Hatch of the Electronic Payment Terminal

(29) We shall now provide a more detailed description, with reference to FIGS. 1b and 2a to 2d, of a lower hatch 11 of an electronic payment terminal, modified according to the invention to enable cooperation with a support element as described here above.

(30) FIG. 2a illustrates a lower hatch 11 of this kind positioned above an electronic payment terminal 20 in order to be affixed thereto (FIG. 2b).

(31) As already indicated here above, the lower hatch of the electronic payment terminal must be modified so that it is possible to make the electronic payment terminal a fixed terminal in adapting to a support element. This is why the conversion kit according to the invention provides a lower hatch 11 of an electronic payment terminal that is intended to replace the existing hatch of the mobile electronic payment terminal in the user's possession. It must be noted that this replacement is an easy step to perform for a user inasmuch as the step is approached in a known way, for example as in the case of changing the battery of the electronic payment terminal. This change of lower hatch of an electronic payment terminal therefore requires no particular tool in addition to those already known and used by the user.

(32) As illustrated in FIG. 1b, the lower hatch 11 has especially second hooking means 111 (for example in the form of two lateral apertures) to cooperate with the first hooking means 101 of the support elements 10 provided in the conversion kit. Thus, according to the example already described with reference to FIGS. 1a and 1c, the two lateral hooks 101 of the support element 10 can be inserted into the two lateral apertures 111 of the lower hatch 11 so as to accurately position the electronic payment terminal 20 on the support element 10. Then, in order to lock the electronic payment terminal to the support element 10, the lower hatch 11 has second reversible locking means 112 (for example in the form of a central aperture) to cooperate with the first reversible locking means of the support element. For example, the central aperture 112 makes it possible firstly to insert the mobile central hook 102 of the support element 10 as well as its movement to pass from a non-locked position of installation to a locked position as illustrated for example respectively in FIGS. 2c and 2d.

(33) It is understood that any other technique enabling such hooking can also be implemented.

(34) In addition, the lower hatch 11 can be fixedly attached (in a known way) beneath the electronic payment terminal by means of fixed attachment means 113a and 113b, for example in the form of hooks as illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

(35) FIGS. 2c and 2d for their part illustrate the positions in which the lower hatch 11 is non-locked (FIG. 2c) and locked (FIG. 2d) to a support element 10 via the cooperation of the first and second reversible locking means 102 (of the support element) and 112 (of the hatch). Indeed, it can be seen that the central hook 102 of the support element 10 has passed from a right-hand position (non-locked) in the corresponding aperture 112 of the hatch 11 (illustrated in FIG. 2c) to a left-hand position (locked) in the corresponding aperture 112 of the hatch 11 (illustrated in FIG. 2d). It is also seen besides that the lateral hooks 101 of the support element 10 are inserted into the corresponding lateral apertures 111 of the hatch 11.

(36) d. Electronic Payment Terminal on a Charging Base

(37) As already indicated here above, one of the possible uses for the mobile electronic payment terminal converted into a fixed electronic payment terminal according to the invention corresponds to the one where the electronic payment terminal 20 is placed on a charging base 30 via a support element 10 provided in the conversion kit. This configuration is illustrated especially by FIGS. 3a to 3c.

(38) In addition, as described here below with reference to FIGS. 5a to 5c, the charging base 30 can itself be also fixed to a fixed pedestal.

(39) Thus, FIG. 3a presents a charging base 30 on which a support element 10 given in the conversion kit according to the invention can be affixed, especially via the affixation means 103 of the support element 10. In particular, as already indicated here above, the charging base 30 is adapted to receiving this support element 10 and especially to enabling the affixation of this support element 10. For example, receiving means (not shown) for receiving the screws 103 provided with the support element are planned in the charging base 30.

(40) Once the support element 10 is fixed to the charging base 30, it is then possible to position (FIG. 3b) the electronic payment terminal 20, with its lower hatch 11 modified as described here above, on the charging base 30 in order to charge the electronic payment terminal 20. The first hooking means 101 (for example the two lateral hooks) of the support element 10 affixed to the charging base 30 can then get inserted into the second hooking means 111 (for example the two lateral apertures) provided in the modified lower hatch 11 of the electronic payment terminal 20. Similarly, the first reversible locking means 102 (for example the mobile central hook) of the support element 10 affixed to the charging base 30 can then get inserted into the second reversible locking means 112 (for example the central aperture) provided in the modified lower hatch 11. FIG. 3c illustrates this configuration.

(41) Finally, in order to lock the electronic payment terminal 20 to the charging base 30, these first reversible locking means 102 can be actuated in the second reversible locking means 112 (for example via the introduction of a tool by lateral access to the support element) as already described here above.

(42) e. Electronic Payment Terminal on a Fixed Pedestal

(43) As already indicated here above, another possible use for the mobile electronic payment terminal converted into a fixed electronic payment terminal according to the invention corresponds to the one where the electronic payment terminal 20 is directly affixed to a fixed pedestal 40 via a support element 10 provided in the conversion kit. This configuration is illustrated especially in FIGS. 4a to 4f.

(44) Thus, FIGS. 4a and 4b present a fixed pedestal 40 (for example a pedestal affixed to a merchant's counter) on which a support element 10, provided in the conversion kit according to the invention, can be affixed, especially through affixation means 104 for affixing the support element 10 (already described with reference to FIG. 1c).

(45) FIGS. 4c and 4d then present the configuration of use of the electronic payment terminal 20 in which it is positioned on this fixed pedestal 40, via the support element 10 cooperating with the lower hatch 11 provided in the conversion kit.

(46) As in the case of the configuration described here above, the first hooking means 101 (for example the two lateral hooks) of the support element 10 affixed to the fixed pedestal 40 can then get inserted into the hooking means 111 (for example the two lateral apertures) provided in the modified lower hatch 11 of the electronic payment terminal 20. Similarly, the first reversible locking means 102 (for example the mobile central hook) of the support element 10 affixed to the fixed pedestal 40 can then get inserted into the second reversible locking means 112 (for example the central aperture) provided in the modified lower hatch 11 of the electronic payment terminal 20. FIG. 4d illustrates this configuration.

(47) Finally, to lock the electronic payment terminal 20 to the fixed pedestal 40, these first reversible locking means 102 can be actuated in the second reversible locking means 112 (for example by the introduction of a tool through a lateral access on the support element) as already described here above. Thus, FIGS. 4e and 4f therefore illustrate the non-locked and locked positions respectively of the first reversible locking means 102 of a support element 10. Indeed, it is seen that the central hook 102 of the support element 10 has passed from a right-hand position (not locked) to a left-hand position (locked).

(48) f. Electronic Payment Terminal on a Fixed Pedestal Via a Charging Base

(49) Referring now to FIGS. 5a to 5c, we describe the configuration in which the electronic payment terminal converted into a fixed electronic payment terminal is placed on a charging base 30 via a first support element 10 provided in the conversion kit, the charging base 30 itself being also affixed to a fixed pedestal 40 via a second support element 10.

(50) In this configuration, a first support element 10a is affixed to a charging base 30, as in the configuration described in paragraph d. here above and a second support element 10b is affixed to the fixed pedestal 40, as in the configuration described in paragraph e. here above.

(51) As illustrated in FIG. 5a, a charging base 30 (illustrated in this FIG. 5a without the first support element 10a) is positioned so as to get affixed to the second support element 10b affixed to the fixed pedestal 40, then as illustrated in FIG. 5b, the electronic payment terminal 20, with a lower hatch 11 given in the conversion kit, is affixed to the charging base 30.

(52) This configuration therefore uses all the elements provided (the two support elements and the hatch) in the conversion kit and makes sure that the electronic payment terminal 20 is made fixed when the electronic payment terminal 20 is locked to the first support 10a and, at the same time, the charging base 30 is locked to the second support 10b as illustrated in FIGS. 5c and 5d. Indeed, in these figures, the non-locked position (FIG. 5c) and locked position (FIG. 5d) of the first reversible locking means 102 of a support element 10 are represented, the central hook 102 of the support element 10 passing from a central (non-locked) position in the corresponding aperture beneath the charging base 30 to a right-hand (locked) position in the corresponding aperture beneath the charging base 30.

(53) The conversion kit/system according to the different embodiments of the invention therefore resolves the technical problem in providing all the means enabling a user to modify his mobile electronic payment terminal, on his own, into a fixed electronic payment terminal without having recourse to the manufacturer of the electronic payment terminal or resorting to the purchase of another electronic payment terminal.