Flexible hinge support layer

A keyboard comprising:

• 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 such that a greater amount of force resulting from pulling of the input portion away from the computing device is supported by the support layer than the outer layer.

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 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, the support layer formed from a material having a greater resistance to stretching than an outer layer that provides an outer surface of the flexible hinge and at least part of the input portion.