Keyboard having illuminated keys

• US 6,467,924 B2
• Filed: 04/16/2001
• Issued: 10/22/2002
• 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:
  US09/836,628
• Publication Number:
  US 20010022722A1
• Time in Patent Office: 554 Days
• Field of Search: 341/22, 341/84, 341/200, 341/7, 341/340, 341/472, 341/142, 341/708, 362/23, 362/29, 362/30, 362/31, 362/32, 362/84, 362/551, 362/555, 362/558, 362/559, 200/313, 200/314
• US Class Current: 362/600
• 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 LEC 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 including an upper clamshell member, said upper clamshell member being at least partially translucent to channel light;

a plurality of key members constructed of a substantially hard non-deformable material positioned within said keyboard housing;

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 signals in response to depression of said key members; and

a light source optically connected to said clamshell member for communicating light to said clamshell member, said clamshell member channeling light to at least some of said plurality of key members.

2. The lighted computer keyboard of claim 1 wherein said light source include LEDs or LECs.

3. The lighted computer keyboard of claim 2 wherein said LEDs or LECs are embedded in said clamshell member.

4. The lighted computer keyboard of claim 1 wherein said light source include fiber optic cables.

5. The lighted computer keyboard of claim 4 wherein said fiberoptic cables are embedded in said clamshell member.