Patent ID: 7772507
Filing Date: 2010-08-10
Classification: G06F,H01H,H03K,H04M,H05K

Abstract:
1. A handheld electronic device comprising: a housing; a processor apparatus comprising a processor and a memory supported on the housing; an input apparatus in communication with the processor apparatus and comprising a switch assembly supported on the housing; an output apparatus in communication with the processor apparatus and comprising a display supported on the housing; the switch assembly comprising a substrate, a capacitive sensing system, and at least a first switch; the substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite one another; the capacitive sensing system comprising a series of at least three contacts disposed on the first surface; and the at least first switch being disposed on the second surface and being engageable with an engagement structure to provide an input to the processor apparatus, wherein the housing has a receptacle formed therein, at least a portion of the switch assembly being disposed in the receptacle, and wherein the housing further comprises a membrane that extends across at least a portion of the receptacle and that substantially encloses the at least portion of the switch assembly within the receptacle.