Patent ID: 7702356

Claim:
A keypad assembly for a mobile station, the keypad assembly comprising: a base pad configured to support a plurality of first keys and a plurality of second keys, and having contact protrusions corresponding to the plurality of first keys, the contact protrusions disposed on one surface of the base pad to correspond to dome switches of a circuit board on which the base pad is disposed, the plurality of first keys and the plurality of second keys arranged on the base pad, the plurality of second keys defined by horizontal center lines and vertical center lines of the plurality of first keys; key supporting protrusions protruding toward the second keys in the base pad; and a strength reinforcing plate coupled to the base pad to be positioned between the base pad and the second keys, and configured to mechanically strengthen the keypad assembly, wherein the base pad comprises a plurality of slits configured to prevent overlapping first keys with first keys, first keys with second keys, and second keys with second keys, wherein the slits are formed from a plurality of straight portions or a plurality of curved portions, wherein the strength reinforcing plate is formed of a different material from the base pad, and comprises a plurality of through holes, and wherein the key supporting protrusions are positioned inside the plurality of through holes such that the second keys are respectively attached thereto.