Illuminated keyboard
First Claim
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;
a biasing means for biasing said key members in an upward direction;
a circuit board underlying said plurality of key members, 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 into at least some of said plurality of key members.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling upper clamshell and preferably 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 or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members. In still additional preferred embodiments, the keyboard space bar includes a luminescent line or decorative design for indicating the space bar'"'"'s function and position.
143 Citations
10 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; a biasing means for biasing said key members in an upward direction; a circuit board underlying said plurality of key members, 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 into at least some of said plurality of key members. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
Specification