Patent ID: 8358267
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A handheld electronic device configured to receive data communications, the device comprising: a body having a front face; a display screen located on the front face of the body and upon which information is displayed; a navigation row located on the front face of the body below the display screen, the navigation row comprising: a track-based navigation tool assembly; a pair of actuable input keys laterally flanking the track-based navigation tool assembly, the pair of actuable input keys constitute a monolithic rocking, two-switch actuator, the track-based navigation tool assembly being located between the pair of actuable input keys and configured to extend below the pair of actuable input keys; a conjoining portion positioned adjacent to the track-based navigation tool assembly to enable the multi-directional navigation tool assembly to extend below the conjoining portion, the conjoining portion being provided to physically couple the pair of actuable input keys so that the conjoining portion and the pair of actuable input keys together cover between one half and three quarters of an area surrounding the navigation tool assembly to provide a uniform surface that substantially surrounds the navigation tool assembly; and a fulcrum positioned to engage the conjoining portion to enable the pair of actuable input keys to toggle about the fulcrum; and a microprocessor configured to receive electrical signals from the navigation tool assembly and the input keys, the microprocessor instructing commensurate changes to the display screen.