Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inputting data to a mobile device using multi-character keys. A first input may be generated by pressing a multi-character key on the mobile device. In response to the first input, the mobile device may sequentially display a plurality of characters associated with the pressed multi-character key. When a desired character is displayed, a second input may be generated to select the currently displayed character as character data input.

Abstract: A key activation system for use in a handheld communication device is provided. The system comprises an activation mechanism associated with a key in the system, a first feedback system and a second feedback system. The activation mechanism is associated with the key activation system and provides a first feedback sense when the activation mechanism has triggered the first activation condition. The second feedback system provides a second feedback sense indicating when the key triggers the second activation condition. In the system, the second feedback system operates independently from the activation mechanism and the first activation condition is triggered before the second activation condition when the activation mechanism is initially engaged. An activation mechanism may be centrally located for a set of keys.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes electric switches and keys. Each key is configured, when individually pressed, to actuate one or more of the switches simultaneously. At least one of the keys is configured, when individually pressed, to actuate two or more of the switches simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention is directed at a support clip for a mobile communication device, comprising an attachment portion securable to the device; and an elongated portion configured to extend from the attachment portion and along the device, generally parallel thereto; wherein the elongated portion has at least one recess defined in a device facing surface thereof, such that the elongated portion is spaced farther from the device at the recess than on either distal or proximal areas of the elongated portion relative to the recess, the recess thereby providing a space for at least one finger of an individual.

Abstract: An improved keypad and handheld electronic device are optimized for use by the thumbs of a user. The keypad is a reduced keyboard and includes a number of first keys, a number of second keys, and a number of third keys. The first keys are of a first shape that is of an elongated form and is tilted in a first direction relative to a common reference. The second keys are of a second shape that is of substantially the same elongated form and is tilted in a second direction relative to the common reference. The first shape enables the first keys to be used by one of the thumbs of a user, while the second shape of the second keys enables the second keys to be used by the other thumb of the user. At least some of the third keys are of a merged shape having portions of both the first shape and the second shape in order to enable use by either of the thumbs of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosure for a speaker for a communication device. The enclosure comprises: a surface; a speaker grill located in the surface, the grill having an opening therein providing an air channel to the speaker; and at least one structure located in a first region in the surface and protruding from the surface. The enclosure is shaped such that when the enclosure is placed on a flat surface with the surface facing the flat surface, the structure causes the surface to be canted from the flat surface to expose the speaker grill to ambient air.

Abstract: Various dynamic tactile feedback is provided to the user of a handheld electronic device through a scrollwheel depending on the types of data, priority of particular data and user preferences. In one embodiment the type of feedback is determined by a software module, which analyses the data being displayed on a display screen, and provides differing types and levels of feedback including resistance to rotational movement, such as free slides, partially resisted rotation, and full stops, as well as lateral motion feedback such as “bumps,” “holes,” and plateaus, to the user through a scrollwheel or scrollwheel. Intelligent software decides what if any feedback should be associated with a particular type of feedback In another embodiment of the invention, information telling the software application to use a particular feedback type is embedded in the data. The system then provides tactile feedback at specified locations according to the embedded data.

Abstract: The present invention is a remove-able portable alerter for a portable wireless communication host device. The alerter provides a method to receive un-obtrusive alerts from the host device informing the user of incoming notifications. Users are informed of alerts without having to wear, hold, carry or listen to alerts from the host device. The invention provides an alternative to carrying a larger, bulkier host communication device. The alerter provided greater control and manageability of incoming notification enabling them to respond to alerts at their convenience.

Abstract: A switch configuration for use with a keyboard comprises a plurality of support structures positioned adjacent each other in spaced relation and a plurality of dome switches, with at least one dome switch being coupled to each of the plurality of support structures. A keyboard and mobile communication device incorporate the switch configuration.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for a mobile device is provided that reduces the separation between keys by reducing the number of required dome switches. A reduction in the number of dome switches can alternatively reduce the amount of real estate taken up by dome switches on a printed circuit board (PCB). Fewer dome switches than keys are provided on a PCB to activate a desired functionality when a key is depressed. The dome switches are each actuatable by and disposed between more than one key, such keys preferably being adjacent keys. Each key has an actuator with at least one arm for actuating a dome switch in an actuated dome switch pattern when the key is depressed. Such a keyboard assembly can be used for any electronic device having a standard QWERTY or Dvorak keyboard layout, a standard telephone or numeric keypad layout, or any other layout of keys.

Abstract: A keypad for a mobile electronic device is provided. A frame includes ridges defining a set of locations for housing actuators. A set of actuators is supported on the frame at the set of locations. In operation, the ridges assist to guide the user's fingers or thumbs to one of the actuators while the user is typing on the keypad.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing and managing the flow of information between a plurality of networks uses a device that can receive voice and data signals simultaneously through a single communication point from a remote integrated voice/data network and distribute these signals to one or more end terminals connected to a local network. The device has a specific telephone number and an IP address for receiving voice and data signals from the remote network. Upon receiving voice and/or data signals, the device determines which end terminal connected to the local network is to receive the incoming signal and routes the signal to the appropriate terminal. The device can also transmit voice and data signals from the local network to the remote network and serve as a firewall for both incoming and outgoing transmissions.