Patent ID: 7889497

Claim:
A handheld electronic device, comprising: a housing; a center button including a first movable platform that moves relative to the housing in order to actuate a switch disposed between the first movable platform and the housing or structural component attached to the housing, moving the first movable platform compresses the switch thereby causing an input signal to be generated; and an outer multifunctional button surrounding the center button and including a second movable platform that tilts relative to the housing in order to actuate one or more mechanical switches disposed between the second movable platform and the housing or structural component attached to the housing, tilting the second movable platform at button regions compresses one or more of the actuators, thereby causing various input signals to be generated, the second movable platform protruding though an opening in the housing, and providing a tactile surface for actuating the various button regions of the second movable platform, wherein the second movable platform includes a cosmetic layer that is attached to the top surface of a rigid plate, with the cosmetic layer protruding through the opening in the housing and providing the tactile surface wherein a button cap associated with the center button is disposed between the cosmetic layer and the top side of the rigid plate, a top portion of the button cap is configured to protrude through an opening in the cosmetic layer while a flange portion is retained in a space formed between the cosmetic layer and the top surface of the rigid plate, and the top portion of the button cap may be pushed to activate a switch located underneath the button cap.