초록 ▼

An ergonomic housing for a handheld device is provided. The device includes an ergonomic housing that is shaped to fit comfortably in the palm of a human hand, while simultaneously allowing fingered tactile operation of a set of key members on the face and lateral portions of the housing. The device

An ergonomic housing for a handheld device is provided. The device includes an ergonomic housing that is shaped to fit comfortably in the palm of a human hand, while simultaneously allowing fingered tactile operation of a set of key members on the face and lateral portions of the housing. The device is particularly useful for one-handed operation of portable devices utilizing a keypad where operation of such a device using two hands is not desirable. The position of keys on the housing facilitates minimal movement of both the fingers and thumb of the operator to operate the keys of the device. Such manipulation of keys may also be accomplished completely by touch, due to the uniquely shaped keys strategically placed in rows on the housing face within close proximity of the operator's natural finger positions and additional keys placed within close proximity of the operator's natural thumb position. An integral strap enables an operator to maintain control of the device without being forced to maintain a constant grip on the housing. The device may be used as, for example, a remote control, portable telephone, pager, or calculator.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A handheld apparatus housing, comprising:a front planar surface;a rear planar surface opposite said front planar surface;an upper surface interposed between the upper portion of said front planar surface and the upper portion of said rear planar surface of said housing;a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A handheld apparatus housing, comprising:a front planar surface;a rear planar surface opposite said front planar surface;an upper surface interposed between the upper portion of said front planar surface and the upper portion of said rear planar surface of said housing;a lower surface interposed between the lower portion of said front planar surface and the lower portion of said rear planar surface of said housing;a keypad comprising a plurality of keys on said front planar surface, said keys arranged in one or more horizontal rows along said front planar surface;anda plurality of radial ergonomic grooves arranged between said upper portion and said lower portion and along an edge of said apparatus, horizontally aligned with said rows of said keys.