Patent ID: 7629965
Filing Date: 2009-12-08
Classification: H01H,H04M

Abstract:
1. A keypad assembly, comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of actuating domes; and a flexible pad covering at least a portion of the PCB, the flexible pad including: button blocks corresponding to different keys of the keypad, a film formed over an upper surface of at least one of the button blocks; actuating protrusions extending from lower surfaces of respective ones of the button blocks, and electroluminescence (EL) layer portions covering upper surfaces of respective ones of the button blocks, wherein the EL layer portions mutually correspond to the domes of the PCB and where each EL layer portion generates a light pattern that is substantially oval or elliptical in shape, each oval or elliptical light pattern overlapping the oval or elliptical light pattern of one or more adjacent EL layer portions, the overlapping light patterns illuminating areas that not only include corresponding button blocks but also areas that are located between button blocks.