Flexible Hinge Support Layer
First Claim
1. An input device comprising:
- an input portion configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device as inputs;
a connection portion that is configured to be removable attachable to the computing device and including at least one communication contact configured to form a communicative coupling with the computing device to communicate the generated signals;
a hinge that is configured to communicatively connect the connection portion to the input portion;
first and second outer layers that are configured to act as an outer surface of the input portion and the hinge and are physically secured to the connection portion; and
a support layer disposed between the first and second outer layers of the input portion and the hinge, the support layer having one or more tabs that are configured to be secured to the connection portion.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An input device comprising:
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an input portion configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device as inputs; a connection portion that is configured to be removable attachable to the computing device and including at least one communication contact configured to form a communicative coupling with the computing device to communicate the generated signals; a hinge that is configured to communicatively connect the connection portion to the input portion; first and second outer layers that are configured to act as an outer surface of the input portion and the hinge and are physically secured to the connection portion; and a support layer disposed between the first and second outer layers of the input portion and the hinge, the support layer having one or more tabs that are configured to be secured to the connection portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A keyboard comprising:
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an input portion having a plurality of keys configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device as inputs; a connection portion that is configured to be removable attachable to the computing device and form a communicative coupling with the computing device to communicate the generated signals; a flexible hinge that is configured to flexibly and communicatively connect the connection portion to the input portion; an outer layer that are configured to act as an outer surface of the input portion and the flexible hinge, the outer layer including one or more indications of operations associated with respective said keys; and a support layer disposed beneath the outer layer of the input portion and the flexible hinge and secured to the connection portion, the support layer formed from a material having a greater resistance to stretching than the outer layer. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An input device comprising:
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an input portion configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device as inputs; a connection portion that is configured to be removable attachable to the computing device and including at least one communication contact configured to form a communicative coupling with the computing device to communicate the generated signals; a flexible hinge that physically connects the connection portion with the input portion and includes a conductor to communicate the generated signals from the input portion to the at least one communication contact; and a support layer that is part of the input portion, extends through the flexible hinge, and is secured to the connection portion, the support layer formed to protect the conductor from breaking as a result of a force applied to pull the input portion away from the computing device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification