Abstract: A device (10) adding keyboard input to a handheld computer (12) lacking such input (such as pen computers and personal digital assistants) includes a bracket (30) having a plurality of clips (33) removably carrying the handheld computer (12), and a joint (40) secured to the keyboard (11) and the bracket (30) for positioning the keyboard (11) in a plurality of orientations relative to the handheld computer (12). These orientations include a first orientation in which the keyboard (11) is operable and at a preselected viewing angle from a display (14) that is pan of the handheld computer (12), a second orientation adjacent the display (14) in which the keyboard (11) substantially covers the display (14), and a third orientation proximate the handheld computer (12) in which the display (14) is unobstructed, thereby facilitating pen-based input through the display (14).

Abstract: A protective case for housing a portable computer having a keyboard and a display, which protective case includes a keyboard case for receiving the keyboard and a display case for receiving the display. The display case is pivotally attached to the keyboard case and is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the keyboard case. The axis of rotation of the display case relative to the keyboard case is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the display relative to the keyboard of the portable computer. An articulating handle is provided which attaches to both the keyboard case and the display case, and articulates about a pivot pin as the display case moves relative to the keyboard case. Additionally, the handle may be moved between an unlatched position whereby the display case pivots freely relative to the keyboard case, and a latched position whereby the display case is retained against movement relative to the keyboard case.

Abstract: A laptop style computing device (10) includes a base portion (11), a display portion (12) containing a display screen (16) and a touch input panel (18) and a mechanism (45, 55) for selectively positioning the display portion in selective angular engagement with the base portion in a plurality of angular upright positions for use in the laptop mode, as well as the display up position for slate style use and the display down position for closing the device.

Abstract: An electronic terminal of the type employing a card reading device mounted within the interior thereof accessible through an input port formed in a wall of the terminal. A shield formed of an elastomeric material is mounted adjacent the input port of the card reader to prevent the entrance of debris into the interior of the terminal. The shield provides at least two opposing movable overlapping flaps extending over the card reader input port. The flaps are readily flexible to allow a card to slide therebetween, and automatically flex back to an overlapping closed position when the card is withdrawn. Locator pins and mating holes are provided in said flaps to assure a consistent return to the closed and sealed position. In one embodiment, the shield is made from two half sections which may be either separated or connected via a flexible bridge.