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Handheld Electronic Device and Keypad Having Keys With Upstanding Engagement Surfaces

  • US 20110069439A1
  • Filed: 09/18/2009
  • Published: 03/24/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A handheld electronic device that is structured to be operated by the thumbs of a user, the handheld electronic device comprising:

  • a housing having a left-hand portion and a right-hand portion;

    a keypad disposed on the housing;

    the keypad comprising a plurality of keys situated in a plurality of rows that extend along a first direction and a plurality of columns that extend along a second direction;

    the keys being arranged in a first array and a second array, the first array being disposed on the right-hand portion of the housing, the second array being disposed on the left-hand portion of the housing;

    the keys being of a stepped shape and comprising a base portion and an upstanding engagement portion disposed on the base portion, the base portions each having a base surface, the engagement portions each having an upstanding engagement surface; and

    the engagement surfaces of at least some of the keys each being oriented non-coplanar and non-parallel with one another.

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