Combination keyboard and cover for a handheld computer

摘要

A device (10) adding 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).