Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A keyboard device (2) for a compact electronic device, comprising a plurality of keys (7) arranged in at least two sets, wherein each set (8) of keys (7) comprises a first horizontally extending row (6A) of keys (7) and a second horizontally extending row (6B) of keys (7) and wherein the keys (7) of the first (6A) and second (6B) rows of each set (8) are arranged in a staggered fashion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 1, wherein a vertical distance between the centers of adjacent keys (7) in different rows (6A, 6B) of a set (8) is smaller than a vertical distance between the centers of adjacent keys of different sets.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein a horizontal distance between the centers of adjacent keys (7) within each row (6A;6B) of a set (8) is greater than a horizontal distance between the center of a key (7) in the first row (6A) of the set (8) and the center of an adjacent key (7) in the second row (6B) of the set (8).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the combined keys of the first (6A) and second (6B) rows of each set (8) are arranged in a pattern similar to a single row of keys of a standard full-sized keyboard.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the keys of each row (6A;6B) of each set (8) are arranged in a pattern similar to a single row of keys of a standard full-sized keyboard.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
50 words
The device of any preceding claim wherein top surfaces of the plurality of keys (7) have a shape that includes a pointed indicator portion (13), and wherein the pointed indicator portions (13) of the first (6A) and second (6B) rows of each set (8) are arranged in an interdigitated manner.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 5, wherein the pointed indicator portions (13) of each of the plurality of keys (7) bears a character or symbol that indicates the function of the key (7).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of keys (7) are arranged so that the characters or symbols on the pointed indicator portions (13) of the keys (7) of each set (8) are aligned in a substantially straight line.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A portable electronic device (1), comprising: a keyboard device (2) according to any preceding claim for inputting characters and symbols.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 9 further comprising: a printer for printing characters and symbols input with the keyboard.