Portable communication device
First Claim
1. A portable communication device comprisinga front face having a plurality of openings therein, and an array of keys, each key comprising a switch actuator and a switching element, wherein each switch actuator protrudes from one of the plurality of openings to provide its upper surface for tactile actuation by a user, and a coupler for coupling the tactile actuation of the upper surface by a user to the switching element, wherein the coupler comprises a shaft extending from the switch actuator and a first bearing around the shaft, the first bearing allowing for longitudinal movement of the switch actuator with respect to the first bearing and being a jewelled bearing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A portable communication device is disclosed comprising a front face (3) having a plurality of openings therein, and an array (6) of keys. Each key has a switch actuator, a switching element, and coupling means. The switch actuator has an upper surface bounded by side walls, and the switch actuator of each key of the array (6) protrudes from one of the plurality of openings to provide its upper surface for tactile actuation by a user and is physically discrete from the others. The coupling means couples the tactile actuation of the upper surface by a user to the switching element.
53 Citations
40 Claims
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1. A portable communication device comprising
a front face having a plurality of openings therein, and an array of keys, each key comprising a switch actuator and a switching element, wherein each switch actuator protrudes from one of the plurality of openings to provide its upper surface for tactile actuation by a user, and a coupler for coupling the tactile actuation of the upper surface by a user to the switching element, wherein the coupler comprises a shaft extending from the switch actuator and a first bearing around the shaft, the first bearing allowing for longitudinal movement of the switch actuator with respect to the first bearing and being a jewelled bearing.
Specification