US 2015/0090570 A1 · KEYCAPS WITH REDUCED THICKNESS

Abstract

An illuminated metal keycap having a legend diffuser material that may diffuse light through a legend opened in a background layer. The background layer may be opaque and the legend may be transparent. The metal keycap is adhered to a scissor mechanism positioned above electrical switch circuitry. Included within, below, or adjacent to the scissor mechanism may be one or more light sources positioned to emit light through the metal keycap, around the perimeter of the metal keycap, and/or through the background layer.

Claims23

Dependent claims

An illuminated input apparatus for use with a computing device comprising:

a plurality of keys, each key comprising:
a keycap having a top surface;
a legend aperture formed within the metal keycap;
a legend diffuser material within the legend aperture;
a compressible scissor mechanism configured to support the keycap;
and
a light source having an on state and an off state, the light source oriented to transmit light through the legend aperture.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

14/501,121Filed 30 Sep 2014

Priority

30 Sep 2013

Published

2 Apr 2015

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification18 codes

H01H 13/83
Having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard: characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid…
B05D 5/06
Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures: to obtain…
B23K 26/38
Removing material: by boring or cutting
G06F 3/0202
Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials: constructional details or processes of manufacture of the…

Keycaps with reduced thickness

Life of this patent

Keycaps with reduced thickness

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23