Cradle for connecting two hand-held devices to form a single unit

#This invention relates to hand-held consumer devices, such as computers, calculators, and telephones, and more particularly to a cradle that attaches two such devices together for portable one-handed use of the two devices.

#Hand-held calculator-based data collection devices are becoming increasingly popular for math and science students in high school and college. These devices provide an interface for a variety of sensors and probes, such as for motion detection, force sensing, pH sensing, temperature sensing, and barometric sensing. The devices are operable on battery power and can be taken out of the classroom for a vast variety of experiments. In short, they permit students to collect and analyze real-world data.

#Typically, the data collection device may be used in two modes: as a stand alone device or connected to a hand-held calculator with a linking cable. Programs on the calculator may be used to set up data collection parameters, to control data collection, and the analyze the data.

#FIG. 1 illustrates the cradle in accordance with the invention, as well as two devices to be attached together with the cradle.

#FIG. 2 illustrates one of the devices of FIG. 1 attached to the bottom side of the cradle.

#FIG. 3 illustrates both devices of FIG. 1 attached to the cradle, one to the bottom side and another to the top side.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a cradle 10, as well as two electronic devices to be attached together with the cradle. FIG. 1 is a top plan view, showing the top surface of cradle 10 and the top surface of each of the two devices to be attached to each other. In the example of FIG. 1, these two devices are a hand-held data collection device 11 and a hand-held calculator 12.

#Although the following description is in terms of using cradle 10 to attach a data collection device 11 to a calculator 12, the same concepts could be applied to connect any two portable hand-held electronic devices. As indicated in the Background, various portable handheld devices, such as telephones, computers, audio or visual recording or playing equipment, and various peripheral devices could all be used in pairs.

#In FIG. 1, cradle 10 is shown physically separated from data collection device 11 and calculator 12. As explained below, cradle 10 is used to mechanically attach these two devices together. A probe 13 is used for sensing a real world measurement, such as temperature. A cable 14 provides data communication between the data collection device 11 and the calculator 12.