Keyboard having illuminated keys

• US 6,217,183 B1
• Filed: 02/09/2000
• Issued: 04/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Michael Shipman
• Original Assignee: Michael Shipman
• Inventors: Shipman, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hobden, David V.
• Application Number:
  US09/500,735
• Time in Patent Office: 433 Days
• Field of Search: 362/30, 362/29, 362/31, 362/32, 362/84, 362/23, 200/314, 200/313, 341/22, 341/84, 341/200, 341/7, 341/340, 341/472, 341/142, 341/708
• US Class Current: 362/30
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/70 having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard mounting together a plurality of independent switches H02B
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/83 characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/018 Electroluminescent panel
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/037 using organic materials, e.g. organic LED
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/062 Light conductor
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/0621 Optical fiber light conductor
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/07 transparent

Abstract

A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LCD systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane. However, in a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane.

Claims

1. A lighted computer keyboard comprising:

a keyboard housing;

a plurality of key members constructed of a substantially hard non-deformable material, said key members depressably positioned within said keyboard housing, said plurality of key members also including at least twenty-six key members having letters displayed thereon;

an elastic diaphragm underlying said key members for biasing said key members in an upward direction;

a circuit board underlying said plurality of key members and said elastic diaphragm, said circuit board being operational to produce signal in response to depression of said key members; and

a luminescent planar sheet for producing light, said luminescent planar sheet positioned between said plurality of key members and said elastic diaphragm, and being optically connected to said key member so as to permit the transmission light to at least some of said plurality of key members, said luminescent planar sheet also including a plurality of holes underlying said key members for permitting said key members to engage said elastic diaphragm.

2. A lighted computer keyboard comprising;

a keyboard housing;

a plurality of key member constructed of a substantially hard non-deformable material, said key members depressably positioned within said keyboard housing, said plurality of key members also including at least twenty-six key members having letters displayed thereon;

a substantially translucent elastic diaphragm underlying said key members for biasing said key members in an upward direction;

a circuit board underlying said plurality of key members and said elastic diaphragm, said circuit board being operational to produce signals in response to depression of said key members; and

a luminescent planar sheet for producing light, said luminescent planar sheet underlying said key members and said elastic diaphragm, and being positioned between said elastic diaphragm and said circuit board, said luminescent planar sheet being optically connected to said key members so as to permit the transmission of light to at least some of said plurality of key members.

3. A lighted computer keyboard comprising:

a keyboard housing;

a plurality of key members constructed of a substantially hard non-deformable material, said key members depressably positioned within said keyboard housing, said plurality of key members also including at least twenty-six key members having letters displayed thereon;

a substantially translucent elastic diaphragm underlying said key members for biasing said key members in an upward direction;

a substantially translucent circuit board underlying said plurality of key members and said elastic diaphragm, said circuit board being operational to produce signals in response to depression of said key members; and

a luminescent planar sheet for producing light, said luminescent planar sheet underlying said key members, said elastic diaphragm and said circuit board, said luminescent planar sheet being optically connected to said key members so as to permit the transmission of light to at least some of said plurality of key members.