Keyboard having keys arranged in a pan configuration
First Claim
1. A manually activated keyboard comprising:
- a) an array of central keys positioned in a generally planar configuration; and
b) a plurality of inwardly-angled keys positioned peripherally adjacent to and angled toward the central keys.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A keyboard has an array of central keys positioned in a generally planar configuration and an array of inwardly-angled keys positioned around and angled toward the central keys to define a pan-like configuration. The keyboard may also comprise an array of outside keys positioned around the inwardly-angled keys. The keyboard may have one or more outwardly angled keys positioned around and angled away from the central keys. The outwardly angled keys are adapted to be accessible by a user'"'"'s thumb, little finger or side of a hand. A keyboard, adapted for use with one hand, comprise four rows of five central keys forming a rectangular outer boundary. Two columns and two rows of 5 inwardly-angled keys surround the central keys. The character-key allocation of the pan-shaped keyboard adapted for use with one hand comprises the re-arrangement of the 3 main rows of 10 keys of a standard keyboard standard. The configuration permits a user to locate his or her hands on the home keys readily, without visual aid by feeling the raised edges of the inwardly-angled keys.
8 Citations
27 Claims
-
1. A manually activated keyboard comprising:
-
a) an array of central keys positioned in a generally planar configuration; and
b) a plurality of inwardly-angled keys positioned peripherally adjacent to and angled toward the central keys. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26)
-
-
25. A keyboard wherein:
-
(a) a first primary row of keys is assigned the letters ”
Q”
, “
W”
, “
E”
, “
R” and
“
T”
of the English alphabet;
(b) a second primary row of keys is assigned the letters “
A”
, “
S”
, “
D”
, “
F” and
“
G”
of the English alphabet;
(c) a third primary row of keys is assigned the letters “
Y”
, “
U”
, “
I”
, “
O” and
“
P”
of the English alphabet; and
,(d) a fourth primary row of keys is assigned the letters “
H”
, “
J”
, “
K” and
“
L”
of the English alphabet and the character “
;
”
or “
;
”
;
wherein the first and secondary rows of keys are positioned adjacent to one another; and
wherein the third and fourth rows of keys are positioned adjacent to one another.
-
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27. A method for assigning letters, characters or functions found in a standard keyboard comprising 3 rows of 10 keys, to the keys of an alternate keyboard having 4 primary rows of 5 keys and 2 secondary rows of 5 keys, the method comprising:
-
(a) assigning letters, characters or functions found in one set of 5 keys of the first row of the standard keyboard to the first primary row of 5 keys of the alternate keyboard;
(b) assigning letters, characters or functions found in one set of 5 keys of the second row of the standard keyboard to the second primary row of 5 keys of the alternate keyboard;
(c) assigning letters, characters or functions found in the other set of 5 keys of the first row of the standard keyboard to the third primary row of 5 keys of the alternate keyboard;
(d) assigning letters, characters or functions found in the other set of 5 keys of the second row of the standard keyboard to the fourth primary row of 5 keys of the alternate keyboard;
(e) assigning letters, characters or functions found in one set of 5 keys of the third row of the standard keyboard to the first secondary row of 5 keys of the alternate keyboard; and
(f) assigning letters, characters or functions found in the other set of last 5 keys of the third row of the standard keyboard to the second secondary row of 5 keys of the alternate keyboard.
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Specification