Patent classifications
H01H2209/086
Apparatus and method of backlighting through a cover on the apparatus
A keyboard apparatus includes a key cover having a plurality of holes that extend through a thickness of the cover from a top side of the cover to a bottom side of the cover. The plurality of holes are arranged to collectively form a predetermined shape. A mask layer is disposed at the bottom side of the cover. A first region of the mask layer is opaque and a second region of the mask layer allows light to pass therethrough to the plurality of holes. A light source is disposed beneath the mask layer and positioned such that light emitted from the light source passes through the second region of the mask layer to the plurality of holes. A sensory contact terminal is disposed beneath the mask layer, and the terminal detects a keystroke movement.
APPARATUS AND METHOD OF BACKLIGHTING THROUGH A COVER ON THE APPARATUS
A keyboard apparatus includes a key cover having a plurality of holes that extend through a thickness of the cover from a top side of the cover to a bottom side of the cover. The plurality of holes are arranged to collectively form a predetermined shape. A mask layer is disposed at the bottom side of the cover. A first region of the mask layer is opaque and a second region of the mask layer allows light to pass therethrough to the plurality of holes. A light source is disposed beneath the mask layer and positioned such that light emitted from the light source passes through the second region of the mask layer to the plurality of holes. A sensory contact terminal is disposed beneath the mask layer, and the terminal detects a keystroke movement.
Devices having keyboards with fabric layers
Electrical equipment such as a tablet computer cover, a laptop computer, or other equipment may include a keyboard. The keyboard may have an array of key members. The key members may have key symbols that are illuminated with light from light-emitting diodes. Each key member may be supported by a corresponding key member support structure. A fabric layer such as a woven fabric layer having warp and weft strands formed from polymer or other materials may be sandwiched between each key member and corresponding key member support structure. Opaque masking material may be formed on peripheral portions of each key member support structure. Each key member may have a symbol formed from coating layers such as a white ink coating for light diffusing, a patterned black ink coating with a symbol-shaped opening, and a clear overcoat.
Apparatus and method of backlighting through a cover on the apparatus
A keyboard apparatus includes a fabric key cover having a plurality of holes that extend through a thickness of the cover from a top side of the cover to a bottom side of the cover. The plurality of holes are arranged to collectively form a predetermined shape. A mask layer is disposed at the bottom side of the cover. A first region of the mask layer is opaque and a second region of the mask layer allows light to pass therethrough to the plurality of holes. A light source is disposed beneath the mask layer and positioned such that light emitted from the light source passes through the second region of the mask layer to the plurality of holes. A sensory contact terminal is disposed beneath the mask layer, and the terminal detects a keystroke movement.
APPARATUS AND METHOD OF BACKLIGHTING THROUGH A COVER ON THE APPARATUS
A keyboard apparatus includes a fabric key cover having a plurality of holes that extend through a thickness of the cover from a top side of the cover to a bottom side of the cover. The plurality of holes are arranged to collectively form a predetermined shape. A mask layer is disposed at the bottom side of the cover. A first region of the mask layer is opaque and a second region of the mask layer allows light to pass therethrough to the plurality of holes. A light source is disposed beneath the mask layer and positioned such that light emitted from the light source passes through the second region of the mask layer to the plurality of holes. A sensory contact terminal is disposed beneath the mask layer, and the terminal detects a keystroke movement.