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Computer keyboard backlighting

  • US 20060011461A1
  • Filed: 02/18/2005
  • Published: 01/19/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/13/1998
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A backlit computer keyboard comprising:

  • a housing having an uppermost housing plate that has at least a portion that is transparent or translucent;

    a circuit board or membrane;

    a plurality of keyswitches operatively connected to said uppermost housing plate, each keyswitch having a cap portion for being forced downward by a user and having a translucent or transparent portion, and an actuation portion between the cap portion and the circuit board or membrane for transmitting force to the circuit board to affect switching;

    wherein said caps portions are spaced apart to provide gaps between the cap portions;

    a substantially planar panel of light-emitting material extending beneath said transparent or translucent uppermost housing plate, wherein the panel of light-emitting material extends between and underneath said cap portions;

    wherein said panel emits light up through said uppermost housing plate portion that is transparent or translucent and through said gaps to be visible by a user; and

    wherein said panel also emits light directly up through said keyswitches by passing through said translucent or transparent portion of each cap portion.

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