Keyboard with back-lighted ultra-durable keys

A key for a keyboard includes a keycap having a top surface configured to be contacted for pressing the key down, and having a bottom. The keycap is substantially transparent. An intermediate layer is coupled to the bottom of the keycap. The intermediate layer is translucent and includes a top and a bottom. The top of the intermediate layer faces the bottom of the keycap. A character layer is positioned between the bottom of the keycap and the top of the intermediate layer. A resilient member is coupled to the bottom of the intermediate layer. The resilient member is translucent and is configured to direct light through the intermediate layer, through the character layer, and out from the keycap. The character layer is configured to be lighted for viewing through the keycap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to peripheral devices for computer systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a keyboard having back-lighted ultra-durable keys.

The use of computers is pervasive, and is becoming increasingly common all around the world. Numerous computers, along with their accompanying peripheral devices, are used in a multi-user environment, such as Internet cafes, schools, colleges etc. Especially in multi-user environments (where the computer and accompanying peripheral devices are used by users who do not own them), the usage of peripheral devices, such as keyboards and mice, can be quite frequent and rough on the devices. As a result, peripheral devices, and in particular input devices such as keyboards are subjected to significant wear. Wear is exacerbated by specific “heavy” users, such as gamers who can damage peripheral devices, such as keyboards, very quickly.

Specific examples of damage to keyboards includes: (i) key printing is often erased partially or fully, after a very short time (e.g., only a few weeks); (ii) dust or other foreign materials (e.g., food particles, cigarette ashes, liquids, and so on) enter between the keys in the keyboard, often leading to functional failure; and (iii) key switches are destroyed after a short time (e.g., only a few weeks).

In view of the foregoing discussed keyboard limitations, new keyboards and the like are needed wherein the keys of the keyboards are back-lighted, durable, and the key printing is not erased with rough and extended use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to peripheral devices for computer systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a keyboard having back-lighted ultra-durable keys.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a key for a keyboard includes a keycap having a top surface configured to be contacted for pressing the key down, and having a bottom. The keycap is substantially transparent. An intermediate layer is coupled to the bottom of the keycap. The intermediate layer is translucent and includes a top and a bottom. The top of the intermediate layer faces the bottom of the keycap. A character layer is positioned between the bottom of the keycap and the top of the intermediate layer. A resilient member is coupled to the bottom of the intermediate layer. The resilient member is translucent and is configured to direct light through the intermediate layer, through the character layer, and out from the keycap. The character layer is configured to be lighted for viewing through the keycap.

According to one specific embodiment of the key, the resilient member is coupled to a lightguide having a diffusion element. The diffusion element is optically coupled to the resilient member, and is configured to direct light from the lightguide into the resilient member. The diffusion element includes a lens or a roughened surface. The lightguide is optically coupled to a light generation device configured to send light into the lightguide. The light generation device may include a set of light emitting diodes.

According to another specific embodiment of the key, the bottom of the keycap includes a central portion corresponding to the character layer and a set of side portions, and the side portions of the keycap include a set of protrusions configured to mechanically couple the intermediate layer to the keycap. The character layer may be on the top of the intermediate layer, or on the bottom of the keycap. The character layer includes a layer of paint having a character formed in the layer of paint. The character may be formed by laser etching. According to one embodiment, the character layer includes a first paint layer and a second paint layer, and the first paint layer and the second paint layer have contrasting colors.

According to another specific embodiment of the key, the intermediate layer includes a light-dispersive material. The light dispersive material may include titanium oxide, nano-particles, or bubbles. The top of the intermediate layer may be rough to disperse light emanating from the top.

According to one embodiment, a key for a keyboard includes a keycap and an intermediate layer coupled to the keycap. A character layer is positioned between the keycap and the intermediate layer. A resilient member is coupled to the intermediate layer and is configured to push the intermediate layer if the resilient member is deformed. The resilient member is configured to direct light through the intermediate layer, through the character layer, and out from the keycap. The character layer is configured to be lighted for viewing through the keycap.

According to one embodiment, a keyboard includes a plurality of keys. Each key includes: i) a keycap; ii) an intermediate layer coupled to the keycap; iii) a character layer positioned between the keycap and the intermediate layer; and iv) a resilient member coupled to the intermediate layer and configured to push the intermediate layer if the resilient member is deformed. The keyboard further includes a lightguide having a plurality of diffusion elements. The plurality of diffusion elements are respectively optically coupled to the plurality of resilient members. The plurality of diffusion elements are configured to direct light: i) from the lightguide into the resilient members, ii) through the intermediate layers, iii) through the character layers, and iv) out from the keycaps. The character layers are configured to be lighted for viewing through the keycaps.

According to one embodiment, a key for a keyboard includes a top plate that is substantially transparent and is configured to be contacted for pressing the key down. An intermediate layer is coupled to a bottom of the top plate. The intermediate layer is translucent and includes a top and a bottom. The top of the intermediate layer faces the bottom of the top plate. A side portion of the key surrounds at least a portion of side portions of the top plate and side portions of the intermediate layer. A character layer is positioned between the bottom of the top plate and the top of the intermediate layer. A resilient member is coupled to the bottom of the intermediate layer. The resilient member is translucent and is configured to direct light through the intermediate layer, through the character layer, and out from the top plate. The character layer is configured to be lighted for viewing through the top plate. According to one specific embodiment, the top plate includes a transparent layer disposed over the character layer, and a translucent paint layer disposed under the character layer. The top plate may include a glue layer disposed between the character layer and the intermediate layer, and may be configured to couple the top plate to the intermediate layer. Alternatively, the top plate is configured to mechanically couple to the intermediate plate.

According to one embodiment, a keyboard includes a plurality of keys where each key includes a character layer coupled thereto. A lightguide is disposed under the keys. The light guide is configured to direct light into the keys and through the character layer to light the character layer for viewing by a user. The light guide includes a top surface facing the keys and a bottom surface facing away from the keys. A plurality of ring structures is disposed on the bottom surface and extend from the bottom surface. Each ring structure is disposed below one of the keys. According to one specific embodiment, the plurality of ring structures is integrally formed with the lightguide. According to an alternative embodiment, the plurality of ring structures is a paint layer. Each ring structure may have a surface that is curved, and the curve may be parabolic.

Each of the ring structures is configured to direct light up from the bottom of the lightguide, into a body of the lightguide, and out through the top surface of the lightguide to illuminate the key. Pluralities of surface features may be disposed on the bottom surface, and extend from the bottom surface. Each of the ring features surrounds one of the pluralities of surface features. Each of the surface features has a curved surface, which may be parabolic.

These and other embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail in conjunction with the text below and the attached figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECT EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a peripheral device for computer systems. More particularly, the present invention provides a keyboard having ultra-durable keys.

One aspect of the present invention relates to making the printing on the keys of a keyboard stay without wearing off. The printing on the keys includes the characters, symbols, and text, which provides information for the functions the keys perform when pressed by a user. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by not having the user's fingers touch the printing directly, as on conventional keyboards, but rather having a protective covering between the printing and the part of the key that is contacted by the user's fingers. The protective covering may be transparent or translucent, so that the user can see the printing on the key through the protective coating. According to one embodiment, the printing is back lighted so that a character in the printing may be visible in low light environments.

FIG. 1is a simplified schematic of a key100according to one embodiment of the present invention. Key100may be configured for use with a keyboard or the like. Key100includes a keycap105where the user's fingers cannot touch a character layer110directly so that a printed character in the character layer will not be erased with repeated contact with a user's fingers. More specifically, key100includes keycap105, character layer110, an intermediate layer115, a resilient member120, a diffusion layer125, a lightguide130, and a light source135(e.g., a set of light emitting diode) configured to send light into the lightguide. A set as referred to herein includes one or more elements.

Keycap105forms an upper portion of the key and may be clear or substantially translucent. Keycap105may be formed from plastic or the like. According to one embodiment, character layer110may be disposed on an “under” surface105aof the keycap. Character layer110may include at least a first paint layer and a second paint layer. The first paint layer may be a layer of black paint that may be painted, printed (e.g., tampo printed), or the like onto under surface105aof key105. According to one embodiment, the first paint layer may be etched, such as by a laser, to form a character in the first paint layer. The character may be any character typically found on a key of a keyboard. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the lightguide may extend beneath a number of keys on a keyboard and provide light to the keys.

FIGS. 2A-2Care a time ordered sequence of events of a first paint layer110abeing formed on keycap105, and a character110bbeing formed in the first paint layer. More specifically,FIG. 2Ais a simplified bottom view of keycap105not having paint on under surface105a.FIG. 2Bis a simplified bottom view of keycap105having the first paint layer110aformed on under surface105a.FIG. 2Cis a simplified bottom view of keycap105where character110b(e.g., character “A”) is formed in the first paint layer. The character may be formed by laser etching or the like. According to one specific embodiment, the second paint layer is a layer of white paint formed over the first paint layer. The second paint layer may be painted over the first paint layer after the character is etched in the first paint layer.

FIGS. 2D-2Fare a time ordered sequence of events of first paint layer110aand second paint layer110cbeing formed on under surface105aof keycap105. Each ofFIGS. 2D-2Fincludes a top view and a bottom view of the keycap. The top image (towards the top of the page) of the keycap in each ofFIGS. 2D-2Fis a bottom view of the keycap, and the bottom image (towards the bottom of the page) in each ofFIGS. 2D-2Fis a top view of the keycap. More specifically,FIG. 2Dshows the first paint layer110aformed on the under surface of the keycap.FIG. 2Eshows character110bformed in the first paint layer.FIG. 2Fshows second paint layer110cformed over first paint layer110A. The second paint layer is formed at least over the character formed in the first paint layer.

Referring again toFIG. 1, intermediate layer115may be coupled to the keycap to enclose the character layer between under surface105aof the keycap and an “upper” surface115aof the intermediate layer. Keycap105and intermediate layer115may be bounded by glue, ultrasonic welding, or the like. According to one specific embodiment, keycap105includes a set of tabs145disposed on sides105bof keycap105. Tabs145may be generally triangular in shape, and may be configured to mechanically couple intermediate layer115to keycap105.

According to an alternative embodiment, the second paint layer (e.g., white paint layer) may be painted onto upper surface115aof intermediate layer115. According to another alternative embodiment, first paint layer (e.g., black paint layer) may be painted over the second paint layer onto the upper surface115aof intermediate layer115. Thereafter, the first paint layer may be etched to form a character in the first paint layer. According to this embodiment, the entire character layer110may be formed on the upper surface of the intermediate layer.

According to another alternative embodiment, character layer110includes the first paint layer painted directly onto the upper surface of the intermediate layer. The first paint layer may be etched to form a character in the paint layer. The color of the first paint layer may contrast the color of the top of the intermediate layer.

According to one embodiment, resilient member120is formed of rubber or the like and is substantially translucent. An upper portion of the resilient member is coupled to an under surface115bof intermediate layer115, and a lower portion of the resilient member is coupled to lightguide130at diffusion layer125. The resilient member is configured to deform if the keycap is pressed downward so that the cap may move downward. The resilient member may be configured to rebound to push the keycap back up after the keycap is pressed.

Diffusion layer125is configured to direct light upward from the lightguide into the resilient member. Diffusion layer125may include a lens, a roughened surface (sanded, pitted, etc.) of the lightguide, or the like. The resilient member is translucent and is configured to direct light from the diffusion layer upward into the intermediate layer, which is also translucent. The intermediate layer is configured to direct light received from the resilient member up through upper surface115a. According to one embodiment, upper surface115amay be a roughened surface to enhance dispersion of the light at the upper surface. According to a specific embodiment where the second paint layer (e.g., white paint layer) is formed on the upper surface115aof the intermediate layer, the second paint layer may also be configured to disperse light from the intermediate layer. The dispersion of light from the intermediate layer serves to illuminate the character formed in the first paint layer substantially uniformly.

According to a further embodiment, the intermediate layer may include a light-dispersive material (not shown). The intermediate layer may be formed of plastic or the like and may include the light-dispersive material. The light-dispersive material may include titanium oxide, particulate matter (e.g., nano-particles), bubbles (e.g., micro-bubbles), or the like. The light-dispersive material is configured to scatter light in the intermediate layer so that light exiting the intermediate layer through upper surface115ailluminates the character formed in the first paint layer substantially uniformly. Light passing out from the first paint layer though the keycap forms an image of the character, which is visible to a user viewing the key. Because the keycap is substantially transparent, the light passes through the character and outward from the keycap. Thereby, the character may be a lighted character that is visible in a low light environment, such as a darkened room.

FIG. 3is an exploded view of a key300according to another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3is generally a top-perspective view of key300. The same number scheme used above forFIG. 1is used to identify the same or substantially the same elements inFIG. 3. Key300is similar to key100described above, but differs from key100in that key300includes a scissor mount305, which may be mounted to a plate310and coupled to intermediate layer115. Plate310may be a portion of an extended plate, which extends throughout a keyboard. Plate310may be metal and may include various structures (such as hook structures)310ato couple to the base of the scissor mount. The lightguide130(not shown inFIG. 3) and diffusion layer125(not shown inFIG. 3) may be disposed under plate310. According to one embodiment, resilient member120is coupled to the lightguide at the diffusion layer and is configured to extent through the scissor mount to contact the intermediate layer115. The intermediate layer115may include various mount structures115con the under surface115bto couple to the scissor mount. The intermediate layer115may also include a structure115d(e.g., a star structure) on under surface115bto couple the resilient member to the intermediate layer. The star structure may fit in an opening120a, which is formed at the top of the resilient member. It is noted that intermediate layer115is shown inFIG. 3as see through so that mount structures115cmay be seen from a top view of the intermediate layer. Scissor mount305is configured to couple to the intermediate plate to guide the keycap105and the intermediate layer115substantially vertically up and down as the keycap is pressed and released. The scissor mount, in addition to the resilient member, may provide a spring force on the intermediate plate and keycap to push the intermediate plate and keycap upward after the keycap is pressed and released. Otherwise, the functionality of key300is substantially similar to key100described above.

FIG. 4is an exploded view of a key400according to another embodiment of the present invention. The same number schema used above forFIGS. 1 and 3is used to identify the same or substantially the same elements inFIG. 4. Key400is similar to key300described above, but differs from key300in that key400includes a colored film405disposed on intermediate layer115. The colored film may be translucent and may be a different color than the plastic (or the like) forming the intermediate layer. The colored film may be mounted on the upper surface115aof the intermediate layer. As light passes upward and through the intermediate layer and the colored film, the intermediate layer is configured to illuminate a first character (e.g., “F3”) with a first color (e.g., white), and the colored film is configured to illuminate a second character (e.g., a rectangular region) with a second color (e.g., orange). While key400shown inFIG. 4includes one colored film405, the key may include more than one colored film so that the characters of the key may be illuminated with those colors of the colored films. Otherwise, the functionality of key400is substantially similar to key100described above.

FIG. 5is a simplified cross-section view of a key500according to another embodiment of the present invention. Key500is substantially similar to the keys described above except that key500includes top plate505coupled to intermediate layer115, and a side portion510, which couples to both the top plate and the intermediate layer. Side portion510may be mechanically coupled to the intermediate layer by clips or the like as described above. Side portion510of key500forms an outer portion of the side of the key. Side portion510surrounds at least a portion of the sides of the top plate and the sides of the intermediate layer. According to one embodiment, side portion510includes a shelf515that extends laterally with respect to the top of the key. Shelf515is coupled to both the top plate and the intermediate layer115. Side portion510may extend downward substantially perpendicular to the top plate as shown inFIG. 5, or may be beveled.

FIG. 6is a further detailed schematic of top plate505according to one embodiment of the present invention. Top plate505includes a transparent layer520, a character layer110, a translucent paint layer525, and a glue layer530. Transparent layer520may be a plastic type film (e.g., a polymer film). The transparent layer may be about 1 millimeter thick or less. The transparent layer may be glued to the intermediate layer by the glue layer. Character layer110may have each of the features described above. For example, the character layer110may be printed (e.g., tampo printed) onto transparent layer520. The character may be a black character with a white background, or a white character surrounded by the substantially black printing. According to an alternative embodiment, the character layer may be a paint layer and the character may be etched (e.g., laser etched) into the paint layers.

According to one embodiment, the translucent paint layer may be a white paint layer or the like. The translucent paint layer may be wider than the width and height of the character, or wider than the width and height of the background of the character. The glue layer may be substantially transparent. According to one embodiment, light from the lightguide130is configured to travel trough diffusion layer125, through resilient member120, through intermediate layer115, through the character formed in character layer110, and out through transparent layer520where the character may be visible by a user.

FIG. 7is a simplified cross-section view of a portion of a keyboard700according to another embodiment of the present invention. Keyboard700includes a plurality of keys of which one key705is shown inFIG. 7. Each of the keys included in keyboard700may be configured similarly to key705. Key705may be any of the key embodiments described above. According to one embodiment, lightguide130is wrapped on a bottom surface710and a side surface715with a reflector720. Reflector720may be a white color film (e.g., white plastic, white paint, etc.), a metallic film, or the like. The reflector is configured to direct light escaping from the bottom surface and the side surface of the lightguide back into the body of the lightguide.

According to one embodiment, lightguide130includes a plurality of surface features725that extend outward from the bottom of the lightguide.FIG. 8is a perspective view of the plurality of surface features725that may be disposed under key705. Note thatFIG. 8shows a bottom view of the lightguide.FIG. 9is an extended view of a portion of a lightguide and shows surface features725for a number of key positions.

The surface features are configured to direct light out through a top surface730of the lightguide and out through the key to light the character formed in the character layer of the key. The surface features may be configured to reflect light upward and to focus the reflected light. According to one embodiment, the light focused from the surface features strikes the top surface of the waveguide at a given angle, which may be less than the critical angle at which total internal reflection occurs at the top surface.

Each of the surface features may have a curved surface as shown inFIG. 8or may be substantially flat. For example, each surface feature may have a parabolic shape or the like. The surface features may be cylindrical. According to one embodiment, the plurality of surface features is integrally formed with the lightguide. According to an alternative embodiment, the surface features are formed on the bottom surface and may be painted or printed on the bottom surface. Alternatively, the surface features may be roughened sections of the bottom surface of the lightguide. Portions of the light guide surrounding the roughened section may be relatively smooth compared to the roughened sections.FIG. 9is an image of a lightguide having several pluralities of surface features725where each plurality of surface features is proximate to a position of a key. According to the specific embodiment of the lightguide shown inFIG. 9, the surface features are painted or printed onto the bottom surface of the light guide and may be substantially flat.

According to a further embodiment, lightguide130includes a ring feature735. Ring feature735extends from the bottom of the lightguide. The ring feature may be integrally formed with the lightguide or may be applied to the bottom surface of the lightguide by painting, printing, or the like. Ring feature735is configured to direct light up from the bottom of the lightguide, into the lightguide body, and out through top surface730of the lightguide to illuminate the key. The ring feature may have a rounded surface. According to one embodiment, the rounded surface may be parabolic (in a cross-sectional view of the ring feature). Alternatively, if the ring features (and/or surface features) are painted or printed, the ring feature (and/or the surface features) may be substantially two dimensional. According to one embodiment, the ring feature is configured to provide additional illumination at the sides of the key as compared to the plurality of surface features725. By providing additional illumination at the sides of the key, any character formed in the character layer may be substantially uniformly illuminated. The ring feature may be substantially square as shown or may have other advantage shapes, such as rectangular, rounded, or the like. While the ring feature is shown as having a curved profile, the ring feature may have other profiles, such as rectangular or the like.

While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various other modifications, changes, and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus of the present invention disclosed herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.