Patent ID: 7825833
Filing Date: 2010-11-02
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A keyboard for one-handed data input, comprising: a primary keypad defining a first side and an opposed second side, the primary keypad having a first set of keys arranged in spaced rows and columns; an auxiliary keypad disposed on the first side of the primary keypad and projecting therefrom, the auxiliary keypad having a second set of keys arranged in spaced rows and columns; an input selection pad disposed on the second side of the primary keypad and projecting therefrom, the input selection pad including a multiple position switch; and a rest pad centrally mounted to the primary keypad; wherein each of the keys is mapped to a corresponding input value generated in response to an activation thereof; wherein each of the keys of a subset have mapped thereto a plurality of corresponding input values, related input values being associated with an input value set; wherein the multiple position switch selectively maps the keys of the subset to a one of the input value sets; and wherein the multiple position switch has a plurality of angular stop positions, the multiple position switch further having an raised contact position and an lowered contact position at each of the angular stop positions, each of the raised and lowered contact positions being associated with a one of the selectively mapped input value sets.