KEY DESIGNS FOR COMPACT KEYPAD OF HANDHELD COMMUNICATION DEVICE
A keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys coupled to the housing. Each of the keys has means for making the selection of smaller key sizes easier for a user. The keys may incorporate a flexible or resilient upper part, or be configured to transform to a larger surface area upon the application of pressure. The keys may be configured to rotate away from a selected key. The keys adjacent a selected key may be configured to lock mechanically or electrically. The keys may have multiple parts that are movable relative to one another. The upper part of the key may include a fluid, with a selection rod positioned inside the upper part to enter the fluid.
This technology relates to key and keypad designs for compact keypads. In particular, the technology concerns key designs for improving the quality, enhancing the reliability, and/or reducing the fatigue associated with typing on compact keypads.
BACKGROUNDThe use of mobile handheld communication devices has increased. Examples of such mobile communication devices include mobile stations, cellular telephones, wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs), two-way paging devices, and others. Consumers desire smaller handheld communication devices because, inter alia, they are often carried on the body. As a result, keypads or keypads on handheld communication devices must be made smaller as the size of devices becomes smaller. In addition, as the transmission of emails from handheld communication devices becomes more popular, users are required to type messages using the keypads of handheld devices. Smaller keys are often associated with smaller keypads. When smaller keys are utilized, users are prone to activate more than one key at a time, or to accidentally activate the wrong key. This results in reliability issues.
An example of a keypad that is being utilized on devices that transmit email on handheld communication devices is the SureType™ keypad, by Research in Motion Limited of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. This keypad utilizes a standard alphabetic key arrangement in the form of a reduced QWERTY array of alphabetic letters, such that fewer than 26 keys are utilized to display the entire alphabetic key layout. In addition, numbers share keys with alphabetic characters. Information concerning the SureType™ keypad is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,342, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
One current solution requires that increased pressure be required in order to activate a key. Increasing the amount of localized pressure that is required to activate a key helps to prevent accidental activation, but, at the same time, results in greater fatigue on the part of the user. Accidental activation of keys detracts from the user's impression of quality and usability of the handheld communication device. This ultimately can have an impact on the popularity of a product.
SUMMARYExample keypads are described and claimed.
Example keys 20 are shown schematically in
Each of the example key 20 designs depicted in
The example key designs are particularly useful in compact thumb typing keypads those well suited for typing only with the user's thumbs. In mobile devices 10 of this type, the mobile device 10 is typically held in the palms of two hands while the user types with both thumbs on the keypad 14. Keypads of this type often are full alphanumeric keypads. The present example key designs make the selection of a key 20 easier and more reliable by such techniques as changing the shape or size of the key 20 as its pressed, moving keys 20b adjacent the selected key 20a out of the way, and locking keys 20b adjacent the selected key 20a to deter unintended pressing. As used herein, the term finger is defined as including all four fingers and thumb of the hand. The keys 20 may be selected by one of the four fingers or by the thumb. For simplicity, the term “finger” is used herein instead of referring to both the fingers and thumb.
In particular, four different design concepts are utilized to reduce accidental activation of keys 20 while identifying methods of reducing localized pressure required to activate the key switches 22 and reducing fatigue. A first concept is shown and described in connection with
A second concept is shown and described in connection with
A third concept is shown and described in
A fourth concept is shown and described in
Referring to the Figures,
The keys 20 of
FIGS, 13-15 depict an example key 20 similar to that of
The center post 58 is approximately rectangular in cross-section, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The key 20 shown in
The example of
While not shown, a combination of the locking blocks 144 and keys 20 of
The keys 20 shown may be any variety of shapes, including round, rectangular, oval, square, triangular, irregular, or otherwise. Other shapes and sizes may also be utilized, without limitation
The device 10 depicted in
A display 16 is preferably mounted on the PCB 264. When the first device housing section 260 and second device housing section 262 are coupled together, an aperture 223 in the first device housing section 260 at least partially exposes the display 16. The aperture 223 in the first device housing section 260 and the display 16 on the PCB 264 may be positioned such that a viewing area 225 of the display 16 is exposed. The frame and other components associated with the display 16 are preferably hidden from view when the first and second device housing sections 260, 262 are coupled together.
A speaker 234 is preferably mounted at or near the top of the PCB 264. One or more apertures 235 in the first device housing section 260 are positioned to at least partially expose the speaker 234 when the first and second device housing sections 260, 262 are coupled together. A microphone 236 is mounted in the second device housing section 262. The microphone 236 is at least partially exposed by the aperture 237B in the second device housing section, and coupled to the PCB and other device components. Audio or voice inputs to the microphone 236 may be used, for example, to generate voice communications. When the microphone 236 is positioned in the housing 12, an aperture (not shown) is provided in the first device housing section 260 to at least partially expose the microphone 236. The microphone 236 may alternatively be mounted in the first device housing section 260 or on the PCB 264.
The device housing sections 260, 262 may include further apertures to expose or partially expose other device components. In the first device housing section 260, apertures 270, 272 and 274 are configured to partially expose the auxiliary I/O devices. An aperture 268 is similarly positioned in the second device housing section 262 to at least partially expose an auxiliary I/O device 228D. An aperture 266 in the second device housing section 262 may be provided to accommodate a power supply such as a battery. Other apertures may also be provided in the device housing 12. as necessary.
Other internal components of the device 10 may also be mounted on the PCB 264. The device components are interconnected to provide at least data and voice communication functionality, possibly in addition to further local non-communication functions and short-range communication functions. Although these other internal components are not shown in
The first and second device housing sections 260, 262, when coupled together, form a handheld mobile communication device housing 12 enclosing the PCB 264 and internal components. The apertures 235, 223, 235 and 237B at least partially expose the speaker 234, display 16, keypad 14 and microphone 236 as described above. Partial exposure of these components allows a user to make use of these components while at the same time protecting the components from damage. Apertures 268, 270, 272, 274 similarly expose and protect auxiliary I/O devices. When access to a component will normally be required relatively infrequently, a removable cover element may be provided for a corresponding device housing aperture. In the above example of a device power supply, a cover (not shown) is preferably provided for the aperture 266. Access to the power supply is possible when required, but the battery remains protected when access is not necessary.
The mobile communication device 10 may also include a predictive text computer program that is used in conjunction with the keypad. Predictive test software is useful in reduced format keypads, such as the example keypad, in order to identify the desired input from the combination of keys strokes of a user. A predictive text computer program may, for example, be used to predict a complete word or phrase from one or more keystrokes. If the predictive text computer program does not successfully predict a desired word or phrase, then text-entry characters may be entered more precisely, albeit more slowly, by selecting the appropriate characters on the keys 20. An example predictive text computer program is described in the following co-owned patent applications, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: “Customizable Predictive Text Method For Reduced Keypads,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/397,680, filed Jul. 23, 2002; “Systems and Methods of Building and Using Custom Word Lists,” International Patent Application No. PCT/CA03/01103, filed Jul. 23, 2003, and “Portable Electronic Device With Keypad”, International Patent Application No. PCT/CA02/00862, filed Jun. 10, 2002.
The mobile communication devices 10 that may be utilized with the example keys 20 typically include a housing 12, a keypad 14 and an output device 16. An example of a mobile device 10 is shown in
The housing 12 may be elongated vertically, or may take on other sizes and shapes, including a clamshell housing structure, among other structures. The keypad may include a mode selection key, or other hardware or software for switching between text entry and telephony entry. Other shapes and sizes for the keypad may be utilized.
In addition to the processing device 18, other parts of the mobile communication device 10 are shown schematically in
Operating system software executed by the processing device 18 is preferably stored in a persistent store, such as a flash memory 116, but may be stored in other types of memory devices, such as a read only memory (ROM) or similar storage element. In addition, system software, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store, such as a random access memory (RAM) 118, Communication signals received by the mobile communication device may also be stored to the RAM 1118.
The processing device 18, in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution of software applications 130A-130N on the device 10. A predetermined set of applications that control basic device operations, such as data and voice communications 130A and 130B, may be installed on the device 10 during manufacture. In addition, a personal information manager (PIM) application may be installed during manufacture. The PIM is preferably capable of organizing and managing data items, such as e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. The PIM application is also preferably capable of sending and receiving data items via a wireless network 140. Preferably, the PIM data items are seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated via the wireless network 140 with the device user's corresponding data items stored or associated with a host computer system. An example system and method for accomplishing these steps is disclosed in “System And Method For Pushing Information From A Host System To A Mobile Device Having A Shared Electronic Address,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,694, which is owned by the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference.
Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through the communication subsystem 100, and possibly through the short-range communications subsystem. The communication subsystem 100 includes a receiver 150, a transmitter 152, and one or more antennas 154, 156. In addition, the communication subsystem 100 also includes a processing module, such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 158, and local oscillators (LOs) 160. The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem 100 is dependent upon the communication network in which the mobile communication device 10 is intended to operate. For example, a mobile communication device 10 may include a communication subsystem 100 designed to operate with the Mobitex™, Data TAC™ or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile data communication networks and also designed to operate with any of a variety of voice communication networks, such as AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, PCS, GSM, etc. Other types of data and voice networks, both separate and integrated, may also be utilized with the mobile communication device 10.
Network access requirements vary depending upon the type of communication system. For example, in the Mobitex and DataTAC networks, mobile devices are registered on the network using a unique personal identification number or PIN associated with each device. In GPRS networks, however, network access is associated with a subscriber or user of a device. A GPRS device therefore requires a subscriber identity module, commonly referred to as a SIM card, in order to operate on a GPRS network.
When required network registration or activation procedures have been completed, the mobile communication device 10 may send and receive communication signals over the communication network 140. Signals received from the communication network 140 by the antenna 154 are routed to the receiver 150, which provides for signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., and may also provide analog to digital conversion. Analog-to-digital conversion of the received signal allows the DSP 158 to perform more complex communication functions, such as demodulation and decoding. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted to the network 140 are processed (e.g. modulated and encoded) by the DSP 158 and are then provided to the transmitter 152 for digital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission to the communication network 140 (or networks) via the antenna 156.
In addition to processing communication signals, the DSP 158 provides for control of the receiver 150 and the transmitter 152. For example, gains applied to communication signals in the receiver 150 and transmitter 152 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP 158.
In a data communication mode, a received signal, such as a text message or web page download, is processed by the communication subsystem 100 and is input to the processing device 18. The received signal is then further processed by the processing device 18 for an output to the display 16, or alternatively to some other auxiliary I/O device 106. A device user may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, using the keypad 14 and/or some other auxiliary I/O device 106, such as a touchpad, a rocker switch, a thumb-wheel, or some other type of input device. The composed data items may then be transmitted over the communication network 140 via the communication subsystem 100.
In a voice communication mode, overall operation of the device is substantially similar to the data communication mode, except that received signals are output to a speaker 110, and signals for transmission are generated by a microphone 112. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on the device 10. In addition, the display 16 may also be utilized in voice communication mode, for example to display the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information.
The short-range communications subsystem enables communication between the mobile communication device 10 and other proximate systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the short-range communications subsystem may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™ communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices.
A keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing of the mobile device, each key having means for making the selection of smaller key sizes easier for a user. In one example, the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post and an upper portion, with at least the upper portion being configured to transform in shape to provide a larger surface area for coupling with a finger of a user upon pressing down upon the key.
In another example, the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post and an upper portion, with the upper portion comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is movably coupled to the second portion and the first portion is smaller than the second portion. When the first portion is pressed by a finger of a user, it is subsumed by the second portion such that the finger of the user contacts the second, larger portion, thereby making it easier to press the key. The second portion may travel upwardly as the first portion is pressed such that the second portion joins with the user's finger at a height that is greater than a resting height of the key. The first portion may be coupled to an orifice in the second portion and a spring may be associated with the orifice such that when pressure is applied to the first portion, it is subsumed into the second portion. When pressure is released from the first portion, the first portion springs back to a position wherein the first portion is not fully subsumed by the second portion.
In another example, the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post and an upper portion, with the upper portion having a central part that is movably coupled to a left arm and a right arm. The central part, left arm and right arm are positioned above the housing and, in a resting position, the central part is higher in elevation than the left arm and right arm. When the central part is pressed by a finger of a user, the key moves downwardly such that the left and right arms interact with the housing and the key changes in shape to provide a larger surface area for pressing. The left and right arms may be coupled to the central part via a hinge. The key may further comprise a gear coupled to a pushrod and a rack coupled to the post, with the rack in engagement with the gear and the pushrod in engagement with a switch positioned in the housing such that the post travels a greater distance when pushed than the pushrod. The central part, left arm and night arms may be elastomeric, with the central part and left and right arms being coupled via a living hinge and integral with one another.
In another example, the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a center post surrounded by a first post and a second post, with each of the posts being positioned vertically, and an upper, flexible member coupled to the first, second, and center posts. The center post is substantially rectangular in cross-section and the first and second posts are trapezoidal in cross-section. An angled surface of the first and second posts is positioned at an upper end of the respective posts and is angled inwardly and downwardly toward the center post. The application of pressure to the upper member causes the first and second posts to spring upwardly to meet a user's finger, thereby providing a larger surface area for engaging with a user's finger.
In a further example, the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having an upper part and a lower part that couple together. The lower part includes a post having a recess for receiving a portion of the upper part, with the upper part having an upper wall and two arms extending outwardly from and hinged to the upper wall. The upper wall seats in the recess. When the upper part is pressed by a user's finger, the arms rotate upwardly to meet the finger of the user as they abut the lower part to provide a greater surface area for pressing the key. The lower part may be pitch-fork shaped, with a center post having a height that is lower than the height of two adjacent fork arms. Recesses are formed between the fork arms and the center post. The upper part has two legs that are configured to seat inside the recesses of the lower part, with the arms of the upper part acting against the fork arms of the lower part when the upper part is pressed by a finger of a user such that the arms of the upper part are forced upwardly.
In yet another example, the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post coupled to a central button portion and a selection rod, with the central portion housing a fluid and the selection rod being positioned to enter the fluid upon pressing such that as the selection rod is pressed into the fluid inside the central button portion. The central button portion rises up to meet the finger of a user, thereby providing a larger surface area for the user's finger to engage. The selection rod may be axially aligned with the post and the post may be configured to engage a switch positioned inside the housing. The means may further comprise a spring mechanism for moving the central button portion towards the user's finger as the selection rod is pressed into the fluid. The post may be T-shaped, with the upper part of the “T” being a transverse shelf member that is positioned inside the central button portion and forms the bottom surface of the central button portion. The shelf member is displaced vertically as the selection rod is pressed into the fluid inside the central button portion in order to allow quicker activation of the dome switch. The means may further comprise a seal coupled between the shelf member and an inner surface of the central button portion, and a seal coupled between the central button portion and the selection rod.
In another example, the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post coupled to an upper portion via a pivot. When one of the keys is pressed by a user's finger, the keys adjacent the pressed key tilt out of the way.
In a further example, the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post coupled to an upper portion, and a camming block positioned between each key. The camming block has an angled, camming surface positioned adjacent each key. When pressure is applied to one of the keys, the upper portion of the key interacts with the camming surface of the block in order to rock the block sideways and out of the path of the user's finger in order to ensure that only the selected key is pressed.
In another example, the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post coupled to an upper portion, and a camming block positioned between each key. The block has a camming surface positioned adjacent each key and an upper locking surface at the top of the block. When the selected key is pressed by a user's finger, the key moves downwardly along the camming surfaces of the adjacent blocks, thereby moving the block sideways such that the blocks slide under adjacent keys in order to lock them in a non-activating position.
In a further example, the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post coupled to an upper portion and each key is associated with a movement sensor and a locking mechanism, which is coupled to a processor having programming that is positioned inside the housing. When a key is selected for pressing by a user's finger, the associated sensor determines that the key is being pressed and sends an electronic signal to the processor which signals any adjacent keys to lock into position utilizing the locking mechanism.
In yet another example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key has a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion is for contacting a user's finger. The upper portion is flexible for transforming in shape to substantially conforming to the shape of a user's finger.
In a further example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key is made of an elastomeric material such that at least a portion of the key is flexible. An upper surface of the key may be flexible.
In another example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key is configured to rotate away from a selected key when the selected key is pressed by a finger of a user.
In yet another example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key is configured to transform from a small surface area to a larger surface area upon the application of pressure to the small surface area of the key by a finger of a user. The small surface area may be associated with a smaller portion having a top surface. The larger surface area may be associated with a larger portion having a top surface. The smaller portion may be positioned to be initially pressed by a user's finger, and the top surface of the larger portion rises up to meet the top surface of the smaller portion via a mechanism.
In another example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key is associated with a locking mechanism. When one of the keys is selected by a finger of a user, any keys adjacent the selected key are locked into position so that they cannot be accidentally depressed.
In a further example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key is configured to tilt from side to side in response to a downward force from a user's finger. When the downward force from a user's finger is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of a selected key, the key does not tilt and is pressable by a user.
In another example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key has an upper surface that is deformable upon pressing with a finger of a user.
In yet another example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key has a first part coupled to a second part. In a resting position, the first part is positioned higher than the second part. Upon activation by applying pressure to the first part, the second part rises to meet the first part.
In a further example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key has an upper portion that comprises an upper surface. The upper portion comprises at least two parts, with the parts being movable relative to one another and connected together via a linkage. The upper portion may comprise three parts, with two of the parts being rotatable relative to one of the parts.
In another example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key has a first, lower part, and a second, upper part. The upper part is positioned inside a recess of the lower part and movable relative thereto.
In yet another example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key has a switch engaging portion, a central portion housing a fluid, and an upper portion configured to enter the fluid upon the application of a pressure thereto.
In a further example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key has a stem and a perpendicular top wall that is coupled to the stem via a linkage. The top wall is rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the stem.
In another example, a keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys associated with the housing. Each key has three parts including two outer parts positioned around an inner part. The outer part is movable relative the inner part.
The term “substantially,” as used herein, is a term of estimation. While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, it should be understood that the features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to be limited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein.
Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. The embodiments described herein are exemplary of the claimed invention. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The intended scope of the invention may thus include other embodiments that do not differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprising:
- a plurality of keys associated with the housing of the mobile device, each key having means for making the selection of smaller key sizes easier for a user.
2. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post and an upper portion, with at least the upper portion being configured to transform in shape to provide a larger surface area for coupling with a finger of a user upon pressing down upon the key.
3. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post and an upper portion, with the upper portion comprising a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion movably coupled to the second portion and the first portion being smaller than the second portion, wherein when the first portion is pressed by a finger of a user, it is subsumed by the second portion such that the finger of the user contacts the second, larger portion, thereby making it easier to press the key.
4. The keypad of claim 3, wherein the second portion travels upwardly as the first portion is pressed such that the second portion joins with the user's finger at a height that is greater than a resting height of the key.
5. The keypad of claim 3, wherein the first portion is coupled to an orifice in the second portion and a spring is associated with the orifice such that when pressure is applied to the first portion, it is subsumed into the second portion, but when pressure is released from the first portion, the first portion springs back to a position wherein the first portion is not fully subsumed by the second portion.
6. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post and an upper portion, with the upper portion having a central part that is movably coupled to a left arm and a right arm, with the central part, left arm and right arm being positioned above the housing and, in a resting position, the central part is higher in elevation than the left arm and right arm, and when the central part is pressed by a finger of a user, the key moves downwardly such that the left and right arms interact with the housing and the key changes in shape to provide a larger surface area for pressing.
7. The keypad of claim 6, wherein the left and right arms are coupled to the central part via a hinge.
8. The keypad of claim 6, further comprising a gear coupled to a pushrod and a rack coupled to the post, with the rack in engagement with the gear and the pushrod in engagement with a switch positioned in the housing such that the post travels a greater distance when pushed than the pushrod.
9. The keypad of claim 6, wherein the central part, left arm and right arms are elastomeric, with the central part and left and right arms being coupled via a living hinge and integral with one another.
10. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a center post surrounded by a first post and a second post, with each of the posts being positioned vertically, and an upper, flexible member coupled to the first, second, and center posts, with the center post being substantially rectangular in cross-section and the first and second posts being trapezoidal in cross-section, with an angled surface of the first and second posts being positioned at an upper end of the respective posts and being angled inwardly and downwardly toward the center post, wherein application of pressure to the upper member causes the first and second posts to spring upwardly to meet a user's finger, thereby providing a larger surface area for engaging with a user's finger.
11. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having an upper part and a lower part that couple together, with the lower part including a post having a recess for receiving a portion of the upper part, with the upper part having an upper wall and two arms extending outwardly from and hinged to the upper wall, wherein the upper wall seats in the recess and when the upper part is pressed by a user's finger, the arms rotate upwardly to meet the finger of the user as they abut the lower part to provide a greater surface area for pressing the key.
12. The keypad of claim 11, wherein the lower part is pitch-fork shaped, with a center post having a height that is lower than the height of two adjacent fork arms, with recesses formed between the fork arms and the center post, and the upper part has two legs that are configured to seat inside the recesses of the lower part, with the arms of the upper part acting against the fork arms of the lower part when the upper part is pressed by a finger of a user such that the arms of the upper part are forced upwardly.
13. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post coupled to a central button portion and a selection rod, with the central portion housing a fluid and the selection rod being positioned to enter the fluid upon pressing such that as the selection rod is pressed into the fluid inside the central button portion, the central button portion rises up to meet the finger of a user, thereby providing a larger surface area for the user's finger to engage.
14. The keypad of claim 13, wherein the selection rod is axially aligned with the post and the post is configured to engage a switch positioned inside the housing, and further comprising a spring mechanism for moving the central button portion towards the user's finger as the selection rod is pressed into the fluid.
15. The keypad of claim 13, wherein the post is T-shaped, with the upper part of the “T” being a transverse shelf member that is positioned inside the central button portion and forms the bottom surface of the central button portion, with the shelf member being displaced vertically as the selection rod is pressed into the fluid inside the central button portion in order to allow quicker activation of the dome switch.
16. The keypad of claim 15, further comprising a seal coupled between the shelf member and an inner surface of the central button portion, and a seal coupled between the central button portion and the selection rod.
17. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post coupled to an upper portion via a pivot such that when one of said keys is pressed by a user's finger, the keys adjacent the pressed key tilt out of the way.
18. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key comprising a post coupled to an upper portion, and a camming block positioned between each key, with the camming block having an angled, camming surface positioned adjacent each key such that when pressure is applied to one of said keys, the upper portion of the key interacts with the camming surface of the block in order to rock the block sideways and out of the path of the user's finger in order to ensure that only the selected key is pressed.
19. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post coupled to an upper portion, and a camming block positioned between each key, with the block having a camming surface positioned adjacent each key and an upper locking surface at the top of the block so that when the selected key is pressed by a user's finger, the key moves downwardly along the camming surfaces of the adjacent blocks, thereby moving the block sideways such that the blocks slide under adjacent keys in order to lock them in a non-activating position.
20. The keypad of claim 1, wherein the means for making selection of smaller key sizes easier comprises a key having a post coupled to an upper portion and each key is associated with a movement sensor and a locking mechanism, which is coupled to a processor having programming that is positioned inside the housing, such that when a key is selected for pressing by a user's finger, the associated sensor determines that the key is being pressed and sends an electronic signal to the processor which signals any adjacent keys to lock into position utilizing the locking mechanism.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 1, 2007
Publication Date: Feb 5, 2009
Inventors: Norman M. Ladouceur (Waterloo), Jason T. Griffin (Kitchener), Frank M. Tyneski (Solana Beach, CA)
Application Number: 11/832,068
International Classification: H03K 17/94 (20060101); H04M 1/02 (20060101);