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US 8,008,590 B2Granted
Illuminated key-pad assembly
AssigneeResearch In Motion Limited
InventorsChao Chen, Timothy Herbert Kyowski, Dennis J. Penner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
For a cell-phone or PDA, the rows of key-caps include respective light-strips, which pick up light from respective LEDs surface-mounted on the PCB. The light-strips are sandwiched between the key-caps and the key-switch actuators (whereby the light-strips move with the keys when the keys are depressed). Sockets for receiving the key-caps are co-molded to the light-strips. Sockets are provided in the resilient webs of the keys for receiving under-blocks co-molded to the light-strips.
Claims17
An illuminated key-pad unit comprising:
- a set of depressible keys, the keys including respective key-caps;
- a flexible web structure including block sockets;
- and
- at least one light strip including under-blocks to engage the block sockets and a set of key-cap sockets, located on a top surface of the light strip, to engage the key caps.
1 more element
An illuminated key-pad comprising:
- a frame;
- a set of keys assembled in at least two rows and mounted on the frame;
- and
- at least two light strips disposed along the at least two rows of keys, the at least two light strips including a respective overface;
- wherein the at least two light strips are linked at their ends by respective linking straps;
- whereby the linking straps are formed with notches hooked under tenons formed in the frame.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.