Multi-function key assembly for an electronic device
First Claim
1. A data entry device for an apparatus, the data entry device including:
- a plurality of switches;
a movable button member spaced apart from the plurality of switches, the button member including a first contoured surface and a second contoured surface, the first contoured surface defining a plurality of key regions and the second contoured surface defining a plurality of plungers, each of the plurality of plungers adapted to contact and actuate a corresponding one of the plurality of switches when a corresponding one of the plurality of key regions is depressed; and
a base for supporting the button member at a predetermined distance away from the plurality of switches, the base including a central hub and a plurality of legs extending radially from the hub;
wherein the second contoured surface includes a plurality of radially-extending grooves that interface with the corresponding plurality of legs to prevent the button member from simultaneously actuating more than one of the plurality of switches, and prevent the button member from rotating relative to the base.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An improved multi-function key assembly (12) is provided. The multi-function key assembly includes a printed circuit board substrate (28) having a popple dome switch array (26) mounted thereto. Attached to the substrate is a button member (22) adapted for use as a data input device for an electronic device. The button member has a central area or region (48) and a contoured peripheral surface (30) serving as a plurality of perimeter key regions (32-46). The contour of the peripheral surface provides a user with tactile feedback in determining the location of the various key regions. The button member additionally includes a plurality of plungers (54-68, 72) extending from its bottom surface (70). Each plunger corresponds to a specific key region and is capable of actuating a popple dome switch (154, 156) for that specific key region. The assembly may include a base (76) having a plurality of legs (90). The base can be mounted to the substrate or a housing (2) and supportably allows the button member to pivot about a central plunger (72) located on its bottom surface. The base may additionally include indentions (110) on its legs and a raised central hub (88) for providing clearance between the base and the popple dome switch array.
99 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A data entry device for an apparatus, the data entry device including:
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a plurality of switches;
a movable button member spaced apart from the plurality of switches, the button member including a first contoured surface and a second contoured surface, the first contoured surface defining a plurality of key regions and the second contoured surface defining a plurality of plungers, each of the plurality of plungers adapted to contact and actuate a corresponding one of the plurality of switches when a corresponding one of the plurality of key regions is depressed; and
a base for supporting the button member at a predetermined distance away from the plurality of switches, the base including a central hub and a plurality of legs extending radially from the hub;
wherein the second contoured surface includes a plurality of radially-extending grooves that interface with the corresponding plurality of legs to prevent the button member from simultaneously actuating more than one of the plurality of switches, and prevent the button member from rotating relative to the base. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A wireless subscriber device comprising:
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a housing with an aperture therethrough;
a data input assembly including a plurality of switches, and a movable button member spaced apart from the plurality of switches, the button member including a first contoured surface and a second contoured surface, the first contoured surface projecting through the aperture and defining a plurality of key regions, the second contoured surface defining a plurality of plungers, each of the plurality of plungers adapted to contact and actuate a corresponding one of the plurality of switches when a corresponding one of the plurality of key regions is depressed; and
a base having a central hub and a plurality of legs extending radially from the hub, at least one of the plurality of legs being secured to the housing to support the button member at a predetermined clearance from the plurality of switches;
wherein the second contoured surface includes a plurality of radially-extending grooves that interface with the corresponding plurality of legs, and includes a plurality of raised stops, the grooves adapted to prevent the button member from simultaneously actuating more than one of the plurality of switches, and prevent the button member from rotating relative to the base. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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Specification