Apparatus and method of backlighting through a cover on the apparatus

• US 10,629,393 B2
• Filed: 01/17/2017
• Issued: 04/21/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 01/15/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cowles SEMI LLC
• Original Assignee: Rohinni LLC
• Inventors: Peterson, Cody, Huska, Andrew, Huschke, Lars, Bokma, Peter, Adams, Clinton
• Primary Examiner(s): Saeed, Ahmed M
• Application Number:
  US16/069,871
• Publication Number:
  US 20190051473A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,190 Days
• Field of Search: 200 5 A, 200310-317, 200341-345
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/83 characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2209/082 transparent
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2209/086 Trellis; Lattice
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/00 Legends
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/028 Printed information
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/052 Phosphorescence
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/056 Diffuser; Uneven surface
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2223/044 Protecting cover
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/02 Laser

Abstract

A keyboard apparatus includes a fabric key cover having a plurality of holes that extend through a thickness of the cover from a top side of the cover to a bottom side of the cover. The plurality of holes are arranged to collectively form a predetermined shape. A mask layer is disposed at the bottom side of the cover. A first region of the mask layer is opaque and a second region of the mask layer allows light to pass therethrough to the plurality of holes. A light source is disposed beneath the mask layer and positioned such that light emitted from the light source passes through the second region of the mask layer to the plurality of holes. A sensory contact terminal is disposed beneath the mask layer, and the terminal detects a keystroke movement.

Claims

1. A keyboard apparatus comprising:

a fabric key cover having a plurality of holes that extend through a thickness of the cover from a top side of the cover to a bottom side of the cover, the plurality of holes being arranged to collectively form a predetermined shape;

a mask layer disposed at the bottom side of the cover, a first region of the mask layer being opaque and a second region of the mask layer allowing light to pass therethrough to the plurality of holes;

a light source disposed beneath the mask layer and positioned such that light emitted from the light source passes through the second region of the mask layer to the plurality of holes; and

a sensory contact terminal disposed beneath the mask layer, the terminal detecting a keystroke movement,

wherein the second region of the mask layer is an aperture within the mask layer, and

wherein the aperture in the second region of the mask layer has a peripheral shape that is aligned with and shaped substantially similar to a perimeter of the predetermined shape within which the plurality of holes are formed.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes are formed within a perimeter of the predetermined shape of one of a character, number, symbol, image, or graphic.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second region of the mask layer is an aperture within the mask layer.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the aperture in the second region of the mask layer has a peripheral shape that is aligned with and shaped substantially similar to a perimeter of the predetermined shape within which the plurality of holes are formed.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first region of the mask layer is sized and shaped to block light from passing outside of a perimeter of the predetermined shape within which the plurality of holes in the cover are formed.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second region of the mask layer is a translucent material.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second region of the mask layer includes a material containing phosphor.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a keycap stiffener disposed between the mask layer and the light source.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the keycap stiffener is translucent.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the keycap stiffener includes phosphor.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a material of the keycap stiffener diffuses the light from the light source.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an internal surface of the plurality of holes in the fabric key cover are fused by a laser that forms the plurality of holes.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of holes ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source includes LEDs arranged adjacent to the sensory contact terminal.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source includes direct-transferred LEDs disposed adjacent a base of the sensory contact terminal.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensory contact terminal includes a reflexive dome that responds reflexively upon the keystroke movement.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source includes LEDs having a height ranging from 12.5 microns to 200 microns.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fabric key cover includes a plastic material.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask layer is printed onto a back of the cover.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask layer is etched onto the back of the cover.