Button assembly with status indicator and programmable backlighting

A switch matrix assembly configurable to form a plurality of distinct button patterns, each button pattern comprising one or more button positions, said switch matrix comprising:

• two or more cross members;
• a frame means for supporting the two or more cross members;
• a plurality of coupling means for releasably attaching each of the two or more cross members to the frame means;
• and
• whereby the two or more cross members may be selectably positioned on the frame means to provide the plurality of distinct button patterns.

A switch matrix assembly configurable to form a plurality of distinct button patterns, each button pattern comprising one or more button positions, said switch matrix assembly comprising:

• a support frame, said support frame comprising a first support, a second support, a third support and a fourth support;
• a plurality of cantilevers being disposed on the first and second supports;
• a plurality of receiving channels being disposed on the third support;
• a plurality of cutouts being disposed on the fourth support;
• two or more cross members, each of the two or more cross members comprising a plurality of cantilevers and a first and second ends;
• a guide post being disposed on the first end of each of the two or more cross members;
• a protruding ledge being disposed on the second end of each of the two or more cross members;
• and
• whereby each of the two or more cross members may be releasably attached to the third and fourth support to form the one or more button positions when the guide post is inserted into the cutout on the fourth support and the protruding ledge is inserted into the receiving channel on the third support.

A button assembly for actuating an electrical switch, said button assembly comprising:

• a lens, said lens being composed of a transparent material, said lens further comprising a bottom surface;
• a base, said base comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface comprising a recessed portion adapted to receive the bottom surface of the lens;
• and
• a first means for releasably coupling the lens and base together.

A keypad assembly for interfacing with a control system, said keypad assembly comprising:

• a switch matrix, said switch matrix comprising one or more button positions, each button position comprising a first cantilever and a second cantilever;
• a circuit board, said circuit board comprising a switch for each button position;
• a button or key releasably attached in each button position, each button or key comprising a bottom surface, said bottom surface non-fixidly engaging the first and second cantilevers;
• and
• whereby the switch for each button position may be actuated by depressing its associated button or key, said first and second cantilevers restoring the depressed button or key to its prior position when released.

An apparatus for backlighting an object with varying colors of light, said apparatus comprising:

• a power supply;
• a first plurality of individual light sources each capable of emitting a distinct color of light;
• a micro-processor capable of controlling the intensity of each of the first plurality of individual light sources;
• and
• whereby the color of light viewed on the object may be varied by instructing the micro-processor to alter the intensity of each of the first plurality of individual lights.

A switch matrix for use in a keypad, said switch matrix comprising:

• a support frame;
• and
• at least one key positioning member disposed on said support frame, said at least one key positioning member comprising a first cantilever and key attaching means for removably attaching a key to said key positioning member;
• wherein keys of different sizes and shapes may be attached to said switch matrix.

A switch matrix for use in a keypad, said switch matrix comprising:

• a plurality of key positioning members, each of said plurality of key positioning members comprising a knob;
• and
• at least one key having an opening defined by a sidewall, said opening configured to receive said knob to removably attach said at least one key to said knob with a friction fit;
• wherein said at least one key may be attached to any of said plurality of key positioning members such that a configuration of said at least one key on said keypad may be varied.

A method of attaching one or more keys to a keypad comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a switch matrix having a plurality locations where said one or more keys may be attached;
• (b) attaching said switch matrix to said keypad;
• (c) providing said one or more keys of a first size and shape;
• (d) selecting one or more of said plurality of locations on said switch matrix to attach said one or more keys;
• and
• (e) pressing said one or more keys on said one or more of said selected plurality of locations to attach said one or more keys to said keypad.

A method for attaching keys of different sizes and shapes to a keypad, said method comprising:

• (a) providing a switch matrix having a plurality of attaching means for removably attaching said keys;
• (b) providing said keys having corresponding attaching means independent of the size and shape of said keys;
• (c) selecting a configuration of said keys to be attached on said keypad;
• (d) selecting said attaching means corresponding to the configuration of said keys to be attached on said keypad;
• and
• (e) joining said corresponding attaching means to said selected attaching means to thereby attach said keys to said keypad.