Window-retaining, protective cap for scanning device

A scanning device, comprising;

• a scan engine;
• a scan engine support structure;
• an exit window;
• a device enclosure that cooperates with the exit window to define an interior space that encloses the scan engine and the scan engine support structure;
• and
• a protective cap, the protective cap including:
• a first portion that contacts at least a portion of an outwardly-facing surface of the exit window;
• a second portion coupled with the scan engine support structure, the second portion including at least a portion thereof that is positioned within the interior space;
• and
• a third portion coupled with the device enclosure that cooperates with the first portion and the second portion to secure the exit window in position at a fixed distance relative to the scan engine.

A protective cap for use with a scanning device, comprising:

• a rubber support body that includes:
• a first portion that contacts at least a portion of an outwardly-facing surface of an exit window of the scanning device, the first portion applying a retaining force to the exit window such that the exit window is pressed against a scan engine support structure when the scanning device is assembled and such that absent the protective cap, the exit window would cease contact with the scan engine support structure;
• a second portion having a protruded area, the protruded area being placed in a grove of the scan engine support structure such that the second portion and the scan engine support structure are coupled;
• and
• a third portion coupled with a scanning device enclosure, the scanning device enclosure cooperating with the exit window to define an interior space that encloses a scan engine and the scan engine support structure, wherein the first, second and third portions cooperate to secure the exit window in position at a fixed distance relative to the scan engine supported by the scan engine support structure, and wherein the second portion includes at least a portion thereof that is positioned within the interior space.

A protective cap for use with a mechanical assembly having first, second and third mechanical components and an assembly enclosure that at least partially encloses the first, second, and third mechanical components, the protective cap comprising:

• a first portion that contacts at least a portion of an outwardly-facing surface of the first mechanical component;
• a second portion coupled with the second mechanical component, the second portion including at least a portion thereof that is positioned within an interior space defined by the first mechanical component and the assembly enclosure;
• and
• a third portion coupled with the assembly enclosure, the first, second and third portions cooperating to secure the first mechanical component in position at a fixed distance relative to the third mechanical component when the mechanical assembly is assembled.