Keyboard for a mobile device

Abstract

A keyboard apparatus includes a group of keys with corresponding actuation indicia for a plurality of numerals in a telephone keypad and a plurality of letters in an overlapping text-entry keyboard. Each key in the group is configured for multi-directional movement pivotally into multiple actuated positions that comprise at least one telephone numeral position and multiple text-entry letter positions that are each different from the telephone numeral position.

1 . A keyboard apparatus for a handheld electronic device comprising:
 a group of keys with corresponding actuation indicia at a top surface of the keys, with each key in the group being configured for multi-directional movement pivotally into and out of multiple actuated positions, wherein the top surface includes a contoured major scalloped portion having an oval peripheral shape and a plurality of contoured minor scalloped portions which are smaller than the major scalloped portion and which have a segmental oval peripheral shape.   
   
   
       2 . The keyboard apparatus for a handheld electronic device according to  claim 1 , wherein the text-entry keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard. 
   
   
       3 . The keyboard apparatus for a handheld electronic device according to  claim 2 , wherein the text-entry keyboard further comprises function keys. 
   
   
       4 . A keyboard apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of keys with a top surface including a contoured major scalloped portion having an oval peripheral shape and a plurality of minor scalloped portions having a segmental oval peripheral shape, wherein each of the contoured scalloped portions correspond to one function or character.   
   
   
       5 . The keyboard apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the minor scalloped portions are smaller than the major scalloped portions. 
   
   
       6 . The keyboard apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard. 
   
   
       7 . A mobile computing system comprising:
 a display;   a memory;   a keyboard having a plurality of keys;   a microprocessor, executing software stored in the memory, for controlling operation of the display in response to actuation of a key, wherein the key is substantially dome-shaped and has three recessed portions separated from each other by generally-distinct non-recessed branches.   
   
   
       8 . The mobile computing system according to  claim 7 , wherein the recessed portions further comprise one major and two smaller minor portions 
   
   
       9 . The mobile computing system according to  claim 7 , wherein the microprocessor further processes input from the actuated key for transmission over a communications network. 
   
   
       10 . The mobile computing system according to  claim 7 , wherein the keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard. 
   
   
       11 . The mobile computing system according to  claim 10 , wherein the keyboard further comprises function keys. 
   
   
       12 . A keyboard apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of keys wherein each key is substantially dome-shaped and each key has three recessed portions separated from each other by generally-distinct non-recessed branches.   
   
   
       13 . The keyboard apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the recessed portions further comprise one major and two smaller minor portions 
   
   
       14 . The keyboard apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the three recessed portions of the keys have a contoured scalloped shape. 
   
   
       15 . The keyboard apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard. 
   
   
       16 . The keyboard apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the keyboard further comprises function keys. 
   
   
       17 . The keyboard apparatus as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the recessed portions of each key are concave.