Keyboard having illuminated keys

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Briefly, in accordance with the invention, I provide an improved keyboard having illuminated key members.
The improved keyboard includes a plurality of key members and, preferably, a light channeling membrane.
Both the light channeling member and key members are constructed of a substantially translucent material capable of channeling light rays.
In addition, the keyboard of the present invention includes a light source optically connected to the light channeling membrane.
In operation, the light source produces light rays which are received by the light channeling membrane which underlies the plurality of key members.
The light rays are channeled through the light channeling membrane to the key members which receive the light rays at their lower extremities and channel the light rays upwardly to their top surface.
Light is then emitted from the top of the key member to either provide illumination around an opaque construction of a symbol displayed on the top surface of the key member, or in the alternative, to emit light rays in the shape of the symbol itself.
In a preferred embodiment, the light channeling membrane and plurality of key members are manufactured of an acrylic plastic for optical clarity, though other materials may be used depending on weight and manufacturing limitations as would be understood by those skilled in the art.
For this embodiment, the light channeling membrane includes a plurality of bores, with each bore being constructed for receipt of the key shaft of a corresponding key member.
Meanwhile, each key member also includes a key cap having a symbol displayed thereon.
Each key member shaft is constructed to extend downwardly and telescopically into a corresponding bore of the light channeling membrane.
Light is channeled through the translucent material of the light channeling membrane until it is emitted from cylindrical sidewalls into the membrane's bores.
Light emitted from the bores' interior sidewalls is received onto the exterior of the shafts of the key members and channeled upwardly through the translucent material of the shaft, to the key caps which are also constructed of a translucent material