US 4,806,908 A · Low profile backlighted keyboard

Abstract

A plurality of keys are mounted in parallel columns on a key supporting panel for reciprocation between upper, inactive positions and lower, active positions. Each key comprises a translucent core having a legend on its upper end, a conductor on its lower end, and an opening therethrough intermediate its ends. Each core is mounted for reciprocation at its lower end in a plastic sleeve, which is removably mounted by a flexible detent in one of the openings in the panel, and is surrounded adjacent its upper end by a flexible sleeve or hood which resiliently urges the key core to its upper position. In each column of key cores the openings in the latter register with each other, and an elongate electroluminescent strip extends through the registering openings and beneath the panel to prevent accidental withdrawal of the keys, and to illuminate the legends on a column of keys when energized.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A keyboard, comprising

a board having a printed circuit on its face,
means for supporting a keyholder panel on said board above and in spaced relation to said printed circuit,
a plurality of keys,
means for mounting said keys to reciprocate each in a different one of a like plurality of openings formed in said panel in spaced columns,
each of said keys comprising a light transmissive core having a conductor on its lower end engagable with said circuit upon depression of a respective key, having a light transmissive legend on its upper end to identify the key, and having a transverse opening therethrough intermediate its ends,
said keys being mounted in said panel so that the cores thereof in each column of keys having their transverse openings registering with each other, and
an elongated electroluminescent strip extending through the registering openings in the cores of each column of keys to simultaneously illuminate the legends on the upper ends of the associated key cores.

4 more elements

A keyboard, comprising

a keyholder panel mounted above and in spaced relation to a printed circuit board,
a plurality of keys, each comprising a translucent core having a translucent identifying legend on its upper end, and a conductor on its lower end, and
means for removably mounting each key core intermediate its ends in a different one of a plurality of openings in said panel, and for reciprocation between an upper, inactive position, and a lower, active position in which the conductor on the lower end of the key is engaged with a circuit on said board,
said mounting means including a pair of flexible, cooperating sleeve members, one of which is releasably secured intermediate its ends in one of said openings in said panel to surround and guide the lower end of one of said key cores for reciprocation in the bore of said one member, and the other of which members surrounds said one key core above said panel, and is releasably secured at opposite ends thereof to said one sleeve member and to said one key core, respectively, and operative resiliently to urge said one key core into its upper, inactive position.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Low profile backlighted keyboard

Life of this patent

Low profile backlighted keyboard

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12