US5815225A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lighting apparatus for a portable computer with illumination apertures
Assignee: Gateway Inc
•
Filing: 1997-01-22
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Granted: 1998-09-29
•
Expires: 2017-01-22
Abstract
Abstract A lap top computer system is provided having a light emitting device for illuminating a keyboard, and the surrounding work area. The apparatus operates to convey light from the liquid crystal display backlighting light source to the keyboard and work area utilizing light pipes. The light pipes transmit light from the backlighting system light source to lenses located on a surface of the computer body. The lenses are provided with adjustable doors covering the light source for varying the level of illumination.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard F. Nelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:33
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1615; G06F1/1616; G06F1/1633; G06F1/1637
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A lighting apparatus for illuminating a keyboard on a lap top computer, comprising: a light source for backlighting a liquid crystal display screen, said light source including a light distribution medium; a liquid crystal display case, the liquid crystal display case having at least one illumination aperture therein; and a door member slidably mounted on said screen body for covering said illumination apertures, said door member being adjustably mounted thereon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
A lighting apparatus for illuminating a keyboard on a lap top computer, comprising: a light source for backlighting a liquid crystal display screen, said light source including a light distribution medium; a liquid crystal display case, the liquid crystal display case having at least one illumination aperture therein; and a door member slidably mounted on said screen body for covering said illumination apertures, said door member being adjustably mounted thereon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The lighting apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the light source is a cold cathode fluorescent lamp placed adjacent the light distribution medium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The lighting apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the light distribution medium is a light pipe.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The lighting apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one illumination aperture is disposed below the liquid crystal display screen.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The lighting apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one illumination aperture is disposed on at least one side of the liquid crystal display screen.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The lighting apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal display case has a plurality of illumination apertures.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The lighting apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one illumination aperture has a lens disposed therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The lighting apparatus as recited in claim 7, the at least one illumination aperture and an outer surface of the corresponding lens having a square or rectangular shape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The lighting apparatus as recited in claim 7, the at least one illumination aperture and an outer surface of the corresponding lens having a circular shape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
142 words
A lighting apparatus for illuminating a keyboard on a lap top computer, comprising: a light source for backlighting a liquid crystal display screen, said light source comprising a cold cathode fluorescent lamp placed adjacent a light distribution medium; a liquid crystal display case; a liquid crystal display disposed within the liquid crystal display case; the liquid crystal display case having four illumination apertures therein, two of the illumination apertures having a circular shape being disposed on each side of the liquid crystal display, two of the illumination apertures having a rectangular shape being disposed below said liquid crystal display; four lenses disposed within said illumination apertures, said lenses for transmitting light from the light distribution medium through the illumination aperture; and a door member slidably mounted on said screen body for covering said illumination apertures, said door member being adjustably mounted thereon.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
142 words
A lighting apparatus for illuminating a keyboard on a lap top computer, comprising: a light source for backlighting a liquid crystal display screen, said light source comprising a cold cathode fluorescent lamp placed adjacent a light distribution medium; a liquid crystal display case; a liquid crystal display disposed within the liquid crystal display case; the liquid crystal display case having four illumination apertures therein, two of the illumination apertures having a circular shape being disposed on each side of the liquid crystal display, two of the illumination apertures having a rectangular shape being disposed below said liquid crystal display; four lenses disposed within said illumination apertures, said lenses for transmitting light from the light distribution medium through the illumination aperture; and a door member slidably mounted on said screen body for covering said illumination apertures, said door member being adjustably mounted thereon.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-09-28 | 2002-03-30 | 2002-09-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-09-28 | 2006-03-30 | 2006-09-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-03-30 | 2010-09-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |