Patent ID: 6842169

Claim:
A thumbwheel input device for a handheld electronic device with a housing, in an inclined orientation, comprising: a. a wheel that has an axle rotating around a first axis of rotation, and that partially protrudes through the device housing on an incline; b. a rotating encoder switch that receives a first input when the wheel rotates about its first axis, and that has an aperture in which the wheel axle sits; c. a printed circuit board with a first side and second side, with the rotating encoder switch attached to the first side of the printed circuit board; d. a holder, having a second axis of rotation, that contains the wheel, the printed circuit board, and the rotating encoder switch, and that is oriented on an incline; e. a tactile switch, attached to the second side of the printed circuit board, for receiving a second input; and f. a stop that engages the tactile switch for receiving a second input about the second axis of rotation.