The present invention relates to an illuminated keyboard, particularly a user-friendly illuminated keyboard with illuminated patterns being displayed on the top surface of the keyboard.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The conventional illuminated keyboard uses an electroluminescent light as a continuous light source in dark environments. An electroluminescent board is installed inside conventional illuminated keyboards, such that when power is supplied, the electroluminescent board is illuminated to emit light onto the keyboard. However, the main purpose of the electroluminescent board is to emit a continuous illuminated light in a dark environment. The user of such an illuminated keyboard is only provided with the feeling of a cold-hearted device.
In view of the above shortcoming in the conventional illuminated keyboard, the present invention provides an illuminated keyboard that invokes a user-friendly feeling by displaying figured patterns on its top using the light projected from the electroluminescent board, in addition to its regular function of providing an illuminated light in a dark environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the first objective of this invention to provide an illuminated keyboard with illuminated patterns displayed on top of the keyboard.
It is a second objective of this invention to provide an illuminated keyboard with contrasted illuminated patterns being displayed on top of the keyboard.
It is a third objective of this invention to provide an illuminated keyboard that, in addition to enabling continued operation even in a dark environment, it has enhanced user-friendliness by displaying figured patterns on top of the keyboard.
To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an illuminated keyboard with illuminated patterns on top of the keyboard that includes a plurality of keys, a top cover accommodating the keys, a bottom cover that is combined with the top cover, and an electroluminescent board installed between the top cover and the bottom cover. The electroluminescent board includes patterns that can be illuminated and displayed on top of the keyboard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the present invention of the keyboard with illuminated patterns displayed on top of the keyboard;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a first embodiment of the electroluminescent board in the invention;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a second embodiment of the electroluminescent board in the invention;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a third embodiment of the electroluminescent board in the invention; and
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a fourth embodiment of the electroluminescent board in the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the illuminated keyboard of the present invention with patterns of figures being displayed on top of the keyboard. The illuminated keyboard 10 of the present invention includes at least a top cover 101, a bottom cover 103, a plurality of keys 105 and an electroluminescent board 107. In assembling the keyboard 10, the final step is to combine the top cover 101 with the bottom cover 103 to form a single unit. The space between the top cover 101 and the bottom cover 103 is used to accommodate the electroluminescent board 107 and related components, including a plurality of flexible members 109 and a membrane circuit board 111. To enable penetration of the electroluminescent light emitted from the electroluminescent board 107 through the top surface of keyboard 101a, the top cover 101 is preferably made of transparent materials. The keys 105 are installed on the top cover 101 and are preferably transparent to enable penetration of electroluminescent light being emitted from the electroluminescent board 107. The top surface of keyboard 101a encompasses an area which includes the area occupied by the keys 105, as well as other areas of the top cover 101 not occupied by the keys 105. Importantly, the main purpose of the top surface of keyboard 101a is to display a visual effect created by the electroluminescent light emitted from the electroluminescent board 107.
The electroluminescent board 107 is installed between the top cover 101 and the bottom cover 103. For example, the electroluminescent board 107 is installed on a bottom side of the top cover 101. The most important characteristic of the electroluminescent board 107 of the invention is its inclusion of at least one pattern of a figure 1071. The patterns 1071 may consist of one of the following: a cartoon figure, a series of text and digits, or a picture pattern.
FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the electroluminescent board of the present invention. On the electroluminescent board 107 shown in FIG. 2, the pattern 1071a (shown in diagonal lines) is coated with electroluminescent material, to enable display of illuminated patterns when they are electrified. When the light of the pattern 1071a penetrates the top surface of keyboard 101a, the pattern 1071a is lit and displayed on the top surface of keyboard 101a. The pattern 1071b consists of a series of letters “BTC”. The letters “BTC” themselves may not be electrified to give light. The remaining area (shown in diagonal lines) surrounding patterns 1071b, such as a rectangular zone from which the letters “BTC” are excluded, is coated with electroluminescent material. When the surrounding area is illuminated, the pattern 1071b is displayed on the top surface of keyboard 101a as a shadow on the surrounding area.
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the electroluminescent board of the present invention. On the electroluminescent board 107 shown in FIG. 3, the patterns 1071c, 1071d are not capable of being illuminated, however, the other areas on the electroluminescent board 107 (shown at the diagonal lines) are coated with electroluminescent material. When the electroluminescent board 107 is electrified, most of the area on the top surface of keyboard 101a is illuminated thereby, whereby the figures 1071c, 1071d are displayed in shadow.
FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the electroluminescent board of the present invention. On the electroluminescent board 107 shown in FIG. 4, the patterns 1071e (shown in diagonal lines) are coated directly on the electroluminescent board with electroluminescent material. The electroluminescent coating on the patterns 1071e is positioned on the surface that is occupied by keys 105. Thus, when the patterns 1071e on the electroluminescent board 107 are electrified to give light, the top surface of keyboard 101a where the keys 105 are located displays an illuminated image of the patterns 1071e.
FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the electroluminescent board of the present invention. On the electroluminescent board 107 shown in FIG. 5, patterns 1071f themselves are not capable of being illuminated, but are formed on the electroluminescent board 107. Instead, the area surrounding the patterns 1071f is coated with electroluminescent material. The marked area having diagonal lines designates the area that is occupied by keys 105. When the electroluminescent board 107 is electrified to give light, the marked area having diagonal lines is illuminated, thereby displaying shadows of the patterns 1071f, such that they are visible on keys 105.
Using the illuminated electroluminescent board 107, the present invention can be operated even in a dark environment by displaying an illuminated image of the patterns on the top surface of the keyboard, providing the user with a feeling of variety in the illuminated figures being displayed on the keyboard, as well as visual enjoyment.
It is to be understood that variations or modifications may be made to the present invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and intent of the invention, and that all variations and modifications so made are encompassed in the following claims.
Patent Grant
7214897
