Abstract: A backlit button assembly suitable for use in an illuminated graphic display in an instrument panel of an automobile. The backlit assembly is composed of a support member and any number of molded plastic or silicone rubber buttons or keys that, together with the support member, form a keypad or switchpad. Each button of the assembly is injection molded to include a translucent portion that enables light to be transmitted from a backside of the button to a front surface of the button accessible to a person operating the button assembly. Each button is disposed at least partially within an opening formed in the support member, and has at least one integrally-formed hinge member that is directly adhered to the support member. The hinge member flexibly interconnects the button with the support member such that the button is flexibly supported within the opening in the support member.

Abstract: A backlit button assembly suitable for use in an illuminated graphic display in an instrument panel of an automobile. The backlit assembly is composed of a support member and any number of molded plastic or silicone rubber buttons or keys that, together with the support member, form a keypad or switchpad. Each button of the assembly is injection molded to include a translucent portion that enables light to be transmitted from a backside of the button to a front surface of the button accessible to a person operating the button assembly. Each button is disposed at least partially within an opening formed in the support member, and has at least one integrally-formed hinge member that is directly adhered to the support member. The hinge member flexibly interconnects the button with the support member such that the button is flexibly supported within the opening in the support member.

Abstract: A backlit component which is suitable for use in an illuminated graphic keypad in an instrument panel of an automobile The backlit component is adapted to be illuminated by a light source located beneath the keypad, but off to one side of the backlit component in order to accommodate an actuator member extending from the backlit component and an electrical switch actuated by the actuator member when the backlit component is pressed. The backlit component is formed from an optically conductive material to enable light emitted by the light source to be transmitted through the component to an insignia formed on the exposed or exterior surface of the component. The backlighting intensity of the backlit component is enhanced by forming the actuator member from an optically conductive material, and equipping the actuator member with a reflective surface such that light emitted from the light source is reflected toward the insignia.

Abstract: A backlit component is provided which is suitable for use in an illuminated graphic display in an instrument panel of an automobile. The backlit component can be formed as a molded plastic button for use in a display group forming a keypad, in which minimal variability of backlighting intensity can be readily achieved within the backlit component as well as within the display group. The backlit component is preferably molded from a translucent substrate in which at least one phosphor additive is dispersed. The phosphor additive is preferably uniformly dispersed such that the backlit component is characterized by a substantially uniform backlighting intensity upon the phosphor additive being excited by an appropriate light source in proximity to the backlit component. The light source can be received within a recess formed in the backlit component, or spaced apart from the component, in which case light emitted by the light source may be transmitted by a recess or light pipe integrally formed in the component.