US5638257A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combination keyboard and cover for a handheld computer
Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Fund 83 LLC
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Filing: 1996-08-19
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Granted: 1997-06-10
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Expires: 2016-08-19
Abstract
Abstract A device (10) adding apparatus as a keyboard input to a handheld computer (12) lacking such input (such as pen computers and personal digital assistants) includes a keyboard (11) and a planar motion pivot mechanism (30). Planar motion pivot mechanism (30) includes a body (31) formed as a boot that encloses an end of the handheld computer (12), and a pivot pin (32). The user simply rotates keyboard (11) from a nonoperational position substantially covering the handheld computer display (14), to an operational position at substantially a right angle to the display (14).
Inventors
- 👤 Rajendra Kumar
- 👤 II John W. Morrison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 12:13
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/02; H04M1/0202; H04M1/0206; H04M1/0208; H04M1/0225; G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1615; G06F1/1622; G06F1/1626; G06F1/1632; G06F2200/00; G06F2200/16; G06F2200/163; G06F2200/1634; H04M1/0231; H04M2250/00; H04M2250/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A device comprising: a handheld first apparatus having a display including a first surface from which at least a portion of the display may be viewed; a second apparatus in operative association with said handheld first apparatus including a second surface, said second apparatus movable between an operational position and a nonoperational position; and, a planar motion mechanism carrying one of said handheld first apparatus and said second apparatus and allowing planar motion between said second surface and said first surface whereby said second apparatus may be selectably moved between said operational position and said nonoperational position.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
97 words
A device comprising: a handheld first apparatus having a display including a first surface from which at least a portion of the display may be viewed; a second apparatus in operative association with said handheld first apparatus including a second surface, said second apparatus movable between an operational position and a nonoperational position; and, a planar motion mechanism carrying one of said handheld first apparatus and said second apparatus and allowing planar motion between said second surface and said first surface whereby said second apparatus may be selectably moved between said operational position and said nonoperational position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first input is a keyboard.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said planar motion mechanism includes a pivot pin and a body carried by said handheld apparatus and carrying said pivot pin and said keyboard, said keyboard rotating about said pivot pin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said handheld apparatus has an end and said body is a boot that encloses said end of said handheld apparatus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said keyboard is at substantially a right angle to said display when said keyboard is in said operational position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said keyboard substantially covers said display when said keyboard is in said nonoperational position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said handheld apparatus is one of a pen computer and personal digital assistant.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-06-09 | 2000-12-09 | 2001-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-06-09 | 2004-12-09 | 2005-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-06-09 | 2008-12-09 | 2009-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |