Patent ID: 8226310

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: a plurality of keys each having an in-use configuration and a stowed configuration, and a keypad housing comprising key apertures, wherein the plurality of keys, are located at respective ones of the key apertures, wherein a first one of the keys, when in the in-use configuration, is at least partially located in a first respective key aperture and extends past a front side of the keypad housing, wherein the first key is configured to travel between a first relatively raised position and a second relatively lowered position under a user applied force and is configured to return to the first relatively raised position after removal of the user applied force, and wherein the first key, when in the stowed configuration, is recessed in the first respective key aperture substantially beneath the front side of the keypad housing and unable to travel to the first relatively raised position, and a mechanism configured to retain at least one key in the stowed configuration, wherein the mechanism comprises a sliding cover configured to slide above the front side of the keypad housing.