Electronic luminescence keyboard system for a portable device

In a device which includes a plurality of keypads and a panel which is illuminated by a light source within the panel, the panel displaying information responsive to the pressing of at least one of the plurality of keypads;

• the panel being rotatable from the plurality of keypads, an electronic luminescence keyboard (ELK) system comprising:
• conductor element coupled to the illuminated panel to conduct a portion of the light from the light source;
• and
• a light transparent support plane coupled to the conductor element and located underneath the plurality of keypads for illuminating the keypads with the portion of the light from the light source.

In a portable device which includes a plurality of keypads a panel which is illuminated by a light source within the panel displaying information responsive to the pressing of at least one of the plurality of keypads, the panel being rotatable from the plurality of keypads;

• an electronic luminescence keyboard (ELK) system comprising:
• conductor element coupled to the light source to conduct a portion of the light therefrom;
• and
• a panel member coupled to the illuminated panel for reflecting the portion of the light from the light source on a top surface of the keypads.

A portable device comprising:

• a plurality of keypads;
• a light source;
• a panel being illuminated by the light source, the light source being within the panel, the panel displaying information responsive to the pressing of at least one of the plurality of keypads, the panel being rotatable from the plurality of keypads;
• a conductor element for conducting a portion of the light from the light source;
• and
• illuminator element coupled to the conductor element for illuminating the plurality of keypads with the portion of the light from the light source.