Peripheral unit adapted to variably sized handheld host devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a peripheral unit system that provides a universally usable system for adding peripheral functions to off-the-shelf handheld host devices of variable size and configuration. The system and methods according to the invention allow adaptation to variably sized handheld host devices without the need to customize the peripheral unit to the host device. The invention provides added functionality such as increased ruggedness and durability, while providing an integrated system in association with a handheld host device, to provide the convenience of a one-piece form-factor, without sacrificing universality of the solution. The peripheral unit comprises a housing having a portion configured to engage with a handheld host device of various sizes and electrical configurations. An attachment mechanism is associated with the housing, being used to selectively secure the housing to the handheld host device to form a one-piece apparatus suitable for handheld use. The attachment mechanism is secured to the host device by selective adjustment of the size to adapt to a host device. In addition, the peripheral unit may provide a universal connection to at least one electrical connector of the host device, to provide added input-output functions to the operation of the combined system.