U.S. patent application number 10/712727 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for cover for remote control device.
Invention is credited to Hodges, Richard P..
Application Number | 20050098456 10/712727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34552695 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050098456 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hodges, Richard P. |
May 12, 2005 |
Cover for remote control device
Abstract
A cover for use with a remote control device comprising a front
member which exhibits a continuous flat surface and a rear member
having a curved surface. The rear member is integrally formed with
the front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for forming an
enclosure. An orifice is formed in the curved surface of the rear
member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and
removed from the enclosure. The rounded surfaces designed into the
cover facilitate the closing of the orifice for enclosing the
remote control device. The front member, rear member and rounded
surfaces are each comprised of a flexible, stretchable and
transparent material for conforming to the shape of the remote
control device and for providing a sanitation barrier.
Inventors: |
Hodges, Richard P.; (Culver
City, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John S. Christopher, Esq.
Suite #400
6033 West Century Blvd.
Los Angeles
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
34552695 |
Appl. No.: |
10/712727 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 9/0242
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cover for use with a remote control device comprising: a front
member having a continuously flat surface; a rear member integrally
formed with said front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to
form an enclosure; an orifice formed in said rear member for
enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed
from said enclosure, said rounded surfaces enabling said orifice to
close for enclosing said remote control device; and wherein said
front member, said rear member and said rounded surfaces being
comprised of a flexible, stretchable and transparent material for
conforming to the shape of said remote control device and for
providing a sanitation barrier.
2. The cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of a
polyurethane compound.
3. The cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of
latex.
4. The cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of
polyvinyl chloride.
5. The cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of nitrile
rubber.
6. The cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of
silicon.
7. The cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of
neoprene.
8. The cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of styrenic
elastomer.
9. The cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is disposable.
10. The cover of claim 1 wherein said front member, said rear
member and said rounded surfaces comprise a unitary
construction.
11. A cover for use with a remote control device comprising: a
front member having a continuously flat surface; a rear member
having a curved surface and integrally formed with said front
member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form an enclosure; an
orifice formed in said curved surface of said rear member for
enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed
from said enclosure, said rounded surfaces enabling said orifice to
close for enclosing said remote control device; and wherein said
front member, said rear member and said rounded surfaces being
comprised of a flexible, stretchable and transparent material for
conforming to the shape of said remote control device and for
providing a sanitation barrier.
12. The cover of claim 11 wherein said rear member includes an
oblong dimension and said orifice is formed parallel to said oblong
dimension in said rear member.
13. A cover for use with a remote control device comprising: a
front member having a continuously flat surface; a rear member
having a converging surface including a first slanted surface and a
second slanted surface, said rear member integrally formed with
said front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form an
enclosure; an orifice formed in said converging surface of said
rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted
into and removed from said enclosure, said rounded surfaces
enabling said orifice to close for enclosing said remote control
device; and wherein said front member, said rear member and said
rounded surfaces being comprised of a flexible, stretchable and
transparent material for conforming to the shape of said remote
control device and for providing a sanitation barrier.
14. The cover of claim 13 wherein said rear member includes an
oblong dimension and said orifice is formed parallel to said oblong
dimension in said rear member.
15. A cover for use with a remote control device comprising: a
front member having a continuously flat surface; a rear member
having a flat rectangular surface and integrally formed with said
front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form an
enclosure; an orifice formed in said rectangular surface of said
rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted
into and removed from said enclosure, said rounded surfaces
enabling said orifice to close for enclosing said remote control
device; and wherein said front member, said rear member and said
rounded surfaces being comprised of a flexible, stretchable and
transparent material for conforming to the shape of said remote
control device and for providing a sanitation barrier.
16. The cover of claim 15 wherein said flat rectangular surface of
said rear member includes a long dimension and said orifice is
formed parallel to said long dimension.
17. The cover of claim 15 wherein said flat rectangular surface of
said rear member includes a short dimension and said orifice is
formed parallel to said short dimension.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to sanitation covers. More
specifically, the present invention relates to methods and
apparatus for a disposable sanitation cover comprised of a
flexible-elastic, transparent material for enclosing any of a
plurality of shared electronic remote control devices for
minimizing the transfer of bacteria and viruses from one user of
the remote control device to another.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Electronic remote control devices are now commonly utilized
in our society including, for example, remote control devices
utilized in our respective residences for use with television,
radio and entertainment systems, garage door openers, security
alarm activation devices and the like. In addition, electronic
remote control devices are also utilized in quasi-public domains
such as hotels, motels, restaurants and social clubs generally
frequented by members of the public. Those electronic remote
control devices utilized in our residences are generally accessible
to a limited number of persons, i.e., not the public-at-large.
Thus, limiting who handles and utilizes these residential
electronic remote control devices can be generally regulated.
However, electronic remote control devices typically encountered
in, for example, a hotel/motel room are handled by most all persons
utilizing that particular hotel/motel room. Such common usage of,
for example, a television remote control device found in a
hotel/motel room provides an excellent vehicle for the transfer of
bacteria and/or viruses from a first person handling the
commonly-shared remote control device to a second or subsequent
person.
[0005] Remote control devices are available in many different
shapes and sizes. However, each includes an outer housing typically
comprised of plastic and having, for example, a shape that can be
rectangular, square, oblong or the like. Further, a typical remote
control device includes a front surface and a rear surface where
the front surface is characterized by a keypad exhibiting a
plurality push buttons and the rear surface includes a compartment
for housing a plurality of batteries. The interior of the outer
housing includes a combination of electronic circuitry that
generates the various radio frequency (RF) signals and/or infrared
signals that are transmitted to the base or host appliance such as,
for example, a television receiver. Thus, operation of select push
buttons on the keypad located on the front surface of the remote
control device generates a particular unique signal for causing the
television receiver to perform a specific function such as, for
example, change channels. The enclosed batteries are employed for
providing electrical energy to power the electronic circuitry
contained within the outer housing.
[0006] Protective coverings for electronic devices have been known
in the past. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,252 to Mitchell
teaches a protective covering for a handheld device comprising a
resilient, water-impermeable bag having a continuous smooth upper
surface. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,713 to Huffer teaches a transparent
remote control flexible envelope having a rectangular shape and at
least one closing web and gripper means for attaching the envelope
to an armrest of a chair. U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,056 to Tzeng teaches
a portable electronic device protective cover having a loop-like
plastic peripheral strip, transparent top plastic panel, and a
transparent bottom plastic panel. U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,535 to
Mitchell discloses a protective covering for a cell phone or pager
having a latex construction while U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,141 to Jalomo
teaches a remote control cover comprised of flexible polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) material for protecting the remote control from
spills and water. U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,407 to Trujillo teaches a
remote control cover having a transparent sheath construction for
enabling the operation of a keypad housed within the sheath and for
protection from dirt. Further, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,273,252 and
6,082,535 to Mitchell for a protective covering for a handheld
device or a cell phone discloses a shrink wrap feature so that the
protective covering fits all handheld devices or cell phones. U.S.
Reissue Pat. No. 24,166 to Stiller (1956) teaches an elliptical,
self-closing container having a slit on the top surface which
functions as a change purse for carrying coins, keys and the like.
Application of force to the two ends of the elliptical container
causes the slit to open providing access to the interior of the
container which is comprised of liquid plastic.
[0007] Notwithstanding, the prior art covers for remote control
devices fail to teach a cover for a remote control device that
comprises a material composition that is flexible, stretchable and
transparent. These features would enable the cover to be stretched
over a remote control device and further enable the keypad
typically incorporated into the remote control housing to be
operated while the cover is fitted thereon. Further, it would be
desirable if the cover was a pouch-type cover exhibiting an
integral unitary construction and available in a plurality of
shapes wherein one size of the cover fits most remote control
devices. Additionally, if the cover for a remote control device
included an orifice, slit, opening, aperture or the like formed in
the rear surface of the cover, such a construction would facilitate
fitting the cover onto and off of the remote control device. This
feature would conveniently enable the remote control device to be
inserted into and removed from the cover. Additionally, if the
cover was constructed to incorporate rounded corners, the orifice
formed in the rear surface would close for substantially covering
the remote control device once fitted thereon. In addition, such a
cover would protect the remote control device from spills, dirt and
grime, and protect persons from bacteria and viruses if cleaned or
changed regularly, the cover being easily removed and
disposable.
[0008] Thus, there is a need in the art for a cover for a remote
control device that comprises a material composition that is
flexible, stretchable and transparent that would enable the cover
to be stretched over most remote control devices and still enable
operation of the keypad, exhibit a pouch-type cover having an
integral unitary construction available in a plurality of shapes
wherein one size fits most remote control devices, include an
orifice, slit, opening, or aperture formed in the rear surface of
the cover to facilitate fitting the cover onto and off of the
remote control device, incorporate rounded corners so that the
orifice formed in the rear surface will close for substantially
covering the remote control device once fitted thereon, protect the
remote control device from spills, dirt and grime, and protect
persons from bacteria and viruses if cleaned or changed regularly,
and prevent the door of the battery compartment from being
lost.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention
provides a new and improved cover for a remote control device for
creating a convenient, disposable cover for enclosing any of a
plurality of electronic remote control devices typically shared
among many persons. The cover for a remote control device serves to
minimize the transfer of bacteria and viruses from one person who
uses the remote control device to another, i.e., the cover provides
a sanitation barrier. In particular, the inventive cover for a
remote control device is comprised of a flexible-elastic,
transparent material fashioned so as to easily conform to the shape
of the remote control device. Further, the flexible-elastic
transparent material facilitates the capture of the remote control
device within the fabric of the cover. Likewise, the cover can be
easily removed from the remote control device.
[0010] In general, the cover for remote control device comprises a
sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure that includes a front member
integrally formed with a rear member at a plurality of rounded
surfaces. An orifice or opening is formed in the rear member of the
cover for facilitating the insertion and removal of a remote
control device. The front member typically exhibits a continuously
flat surface. However, the shape of the rear member can vary
depending upon the shape of the remote control device and thus, the
inventive cover is necessarily available in several different
shapes. The plurality of rounded surfaces that integrally join the
front member with the rear member enable the flexible-elastic
material from which the cover is fashioned to partially relax once
the cover is fitted onto the remote control device. This relaxation
of the flexible-elastic material enables the orifice to close upon
itself ensuring that the cover substantially encloses the remote
control device.
[0011] The cover exhibits an integral, unitary construction and can
be comprised of, for example, a polyurethane compound but many
other suitable materials are also available. The selected material
is flexible, elastic, i.e., stretchable, and thus quickly adopts or
conforms to the shape of the remote control device. Thus, once
fitted, the cover snugly fits over an outer housing of the remote
control device. A typical remote control device, whether used for a
television, stereo system, hospital bed control or other manual
electronic control device, includes a control keypad. Manipulation
of the keys mounted on the keypad facilitates the control of the
specific electronic device. The selected material from which the
cover is fashioned is also transparent. Thus, once fitted onto the
remote control device, the transparent nature of the inventive
cover facilitates unimpeded operation of the keys mounted on the
keypad. The inventive cover for the remote control device serves
several functions. Since the remote control device is typically
shared between, i.e., handled, by several persons, the cover
functions to prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses between
individuals. Thus, in a quasi-public setting as in a hotel or motel
environment, the cover would normally be changed daily along with
the bed sheets. In a domestic setting, the cover could be cleaned
regularly with a suitable disinfecting cleaner product. The cover
also serves to protect the electronic circuitry of the remote
control device from dirt, soil, spills and grime. Thus, the
inventive cover establishes a sanitation barrier to protect both
the plurality of users of the remote control device and the
electronic circuitry housed within the remote control device.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the cover for the remote control
device in its most fundamental form comprises a front member which
exhibits a generally continuous flat surface and a rear member
having a curved surface. The rear member is integrally joined with
the front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for forming an
enclosure. An orifice is formed in the curved surface of the rear
member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and
removed from the enclosure. The rounded surfaces designed into the
cover facilitate the closing of the orifice for enclosing the
remote control device. The front member, rear member and rounded
surfaces are each comprised of a flexible, stretchable and
transparent material for conforming to the shape of the remote
control device and for providing a sanitation barrier.
[0013] In a first alternative embodiment, the cover for the remote
control device comprises a front member which exhibits a generally
continuous flat surface and a rear member having a converging
surface. The converging surface comprises a first slanted surface
and a second slanted surface. The rear member is integrally joined
with the front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for
forming an enclosure. An orifice is formed in the converging
surface of the rear member for enabling a remote control device to
be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. The rounded
surfaces designed into the cover facilitate the closing of the
orifice for enclosing the remote control device. In a second
alternative embodiment, the cover for the remote control device
also comprises a front member having a generally continuous flat
surface and a rear member having a rectangular surface. The rear
member is also integrally joined with the front member at a
plurality of rounded surfaces for forming an enclosure. An orifice
is formed in the rectangular surface of the rear member for
enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed
from the enclosure. The rounded surfaces facilitate the closing of
the orifice for enclosing the remote control device.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following more detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
which illustrate the invention, by way of example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cover for remote
control device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention
showing a front flat surface with an orifice, formed in a rear
curved surface, shown in phantom.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the cover for remote
control device of FIG. 1 showing the rear curved surface including
the orifice formed therein.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a right side elevation of the cover for remote
control device of FIG. 1 showing the front flat surface on the
bottom and the rear curved surface on the top of the view, a left
side elevation being a mirror image thereof.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an end view of the cover for remote control device
of FIG. 1 showing both the front flat surface on the bottom and the
rear curved on the top of the view.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a rear planar view of the cover for remote control
device of FIG. 1 showing the orifice formed within the rear curved
surface.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the cover for remote
control device of FIG. 1 shown mounted upon an oblong remote
control device, a keypad of the remote control device being visible
through the front flat surface of the cover.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the cover for remote
control device of FIG. 1 shown mounted upon an oblong remote
control device, a rear surface of the remote control device being
visible through the orifice formed in the rear curved surface of
the cover.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cover for remote control
device of FIG. 1 showing the cover being fitted over the oblong
remote control device and illustrating the flexible-elastic and
transparent nature of the cover, the keypad of the remote control
device being visible through the cover.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a first alternative
embodiment of the cover for remote control device of the present
invention showing a front flat surface with an orifice, formed in a
rear surface, shown in phantom.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the cover for remote
control device of FIG. 9 showing the rear surface of the cover with
the orifice formed therein.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a right side elevation of the cover for remote
control device of FIG. 10 showing a common edge of the front flat
surface and the rear surface, a left side elevation being a mirror
image thereof.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an end view of the cover for remote control
device of FIG. 10 showing the front flat surface at the bottom of
the view and the orifice formed in the rear surface at the top of
the view.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a front planar view of the cover for remote
control device of FIG. 9 showing the front flat surface with the
orifice, formed in the rear surface, shown in phantom.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a second alternative
embodiment of the cover for remote control device of the present
invention showing a front flat surface with an orifice, formed in a
rear surface, shown in phantom.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the cover for remote
control device of FIG. 14 showing the rear surface of the cover
with the orifice formed therein.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a left side elevation of the cover for remote
control device of FIG. 14 showing a side connecting the front flat
surface and the rear surface, a right side elevation being a mirror
image thereof.
[0031] FIG. 17 is an end view of the cover for remote control
device of FIG. 14 showing the front flat surface at the top of the
view and the rear surface at the bottom of the view.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a rear plan view of the cover for remote control
device of FIG. 15 showing the orifice formed vertically in the rear
surface thereof.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a rear plan view of the cover for remote control
device of FIG. 15 showing the orifice formed horizontally along the
bottom of the rear surface thereof.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a rear plan view of the cover for remote control
device of FIG. 15 showing the orifice formed horizontally along the
top of the rear surface thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention is a cover 100 for use with a remote
control device 102 which provides a convenient, disposable cover
for enclosing any of a plurality of electronic remote control
devices typically utilized by a plurality of persons. The remote
control device 102 can be utilized, for example, to control a
television, stereo system, hospital bed or other manual electronic
control apparatus.
[0036] The inventive cover 100 serves to minimize the transfer of
bacteria and viruses between persons who contact the remote control
device 102 during use, and to protect the remote control device 102
from dirt, spills, soil and grime. Thus, the inventive cover 100
establishes a sanitation barrier to protect the users of and the
electronic circuitry housed within the remote control device 102.
The inventive cover 100 is comprised of a flexible-elastic,
transparent material that (a) quickly conforms to or adopts the
shape of the remote control device 102, and (b) facilitates the
capture and release of the remote control device 102 as it relates
to the cover 100. Although the cover 100 of the present invention
is disclosed herein for use with the remote control device 102, it
should be noted that the utility of the cover 100 is not limited
thereto. The present invention has applications to many other
electronic devices including, but not limited to, portable
telephone apparatus.
[0037] A preferred embodiment of the cover 100 of the present
invention will now be described in detail. The cover 100 is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 while the cover 100 in association with
the remote control device 102 is illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. Turning
our attention to FIGS. 1-5, the cover 100 comprises a sheath-like
or pouch-like enclosure that includes a front member 104 and a rear
member 106 as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The front member 104 is
integrally joined as by molding with the rear member 106 at a
plurality of rounded surfaces 108 best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to
provide the cover 100 with an integral, unitary (i.e., one piece)
construction. As is clearly shown in FIG. 1, the front member 104
exhibits a continuously flat surface which is functional as will be
explained herein below. However, the shape of the rear member 106
can vary depending upon the shape of the remote control device 102
for which the cover 100 is intended to be used. In the preferred
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the rear member 106 has a
curved surface which exhibits an oblong dimension as is best shown
in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5. The rear member 106 having the oblong
dimension along the curved surface is integrally joined with the
front member 104 having the continuously flat surface at the
plurality of rounded surfaces 108. This construction forms the
sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0038] An orifice 110 is formed in the curved surface of the rear
member 106 as is clearly shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 7. The orifice 110
provides an opening in the rear member 106 for enabling the remote
control device 102 to be inserted into and removed from the cover
100. The orifice 110 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 7 is a
long narrow opening that has been determined to be the best
orientation for the cover 100 of the preferred embodiment. This
determination is based upon an evaluation of several factors
including the preferred construction material as will be discussed
herein below. Further, the orifice 110 is positioned parallel to
the oblong dimension of the curved surface of the rear member 106
(see FIGS. 2 and 5) which has been determined to be the most
convenient entry and exit point for the remote control device 102.
However, it should be pointed out that the shape and position of
the orifice 110 can be modified and the inventive cover 100 will
still function as intended. For example, the orifice 110 could be
an oval, slit, gap, or aperture and could be repositioned on the
rear member 106 in, for example, a diagonal fashion. Further, the
orifice 110 could also be located in the front member 104 or in the
rounded surfaces 108, if necessary, but would not operate as
efficiently as disclosed in the preferred embodiment. The orifice
110 includes an edge or lip 112 as is shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. It is
noted that the lip 112 of the orifice 110 could be reinforced.
However, through experimentation, it has been determined that the
lip 112 need not be reinforced in order to retain the shape of the
orifice 110.
[0039] Once the inventive cover 100 is fitted over the remote
control device 102 (i.e., the remote control device 102 is inserted
into the cover 100 through the orifice 110), it is desirable that
the orifice 110 close as shown in FIG. 7. Under these conditions,
the remote control device 102 would be substantially enclosed by
the cover 100 and physical contact therewith would be minimized if
not eliminated. The cover 100 including the plurality of rounded
surfaces 108 is comprised of the flexible-elastic material. The
rounded surfaces 108 are the components of the inventive cover 100
which enable the front member 104 to be integrally joined to the
rear member 106. Once the cover 100 is fitted over the remote
control device 102, the rounded surfaces 108 enable the
flexible-elastic material to partially relax. This relaxation of
the flexible-elastic material enables the orifice 110 to close upon
itself ensuring that the cover 100 substantially encloses the
remote control device 102. Thus, the rounded surfaces 108 designed
into the cover 100 facilitate the closing of the orifice 110 for
enclosing the remote control device 102. Therefore, an individual
handling the inventive cover 100 once fitted in position, is not
likely to contact the remote control device 102.
[0040] The cover 100 including the front member 104, rear member
106 and plurality of rounded surfaces 108 exhibits an integral,
unitary construction and can be comprised of, for example, a
polyurethane compound but many other suitable materials are also
available. The polyurethane compound has been selected as a
preferred material since it readily conforms to the shape of the
remote control device 102, is flexible, elastic, and transparent,
and is strong notwithstanding the present of the orifice 108.
Besides the polyurethane compound, the cover 100 can also be
comprised of, for example, latex, polyvinyl chloride, nitrile
rubber, silicon, neoprene, or styrenic elastomer. Each of these
alternative materials enumerated immediately above also is
flexible, elastic, i.e., stretchable, and transparent and thus
quickly adopts or conforms to the shape of the remote control
device 102. Thus, once fitted, the cover 100 snugly fits over an
outer housing 114 (see FIG. 8) of the remote control device
102.
[0041] Remote control devices 102 are available in a variety of
shapes and sizes depending upon the number of circuits housed
therein and the physical layout of a control keypad 116
incorporated therein. A typical remote control device 102, whether
used for a television, stereo system, hospital bed control or other
manual electronic control device, includes the control keypad 116
as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. Manipulation of a plurality of keys 118
mounted on the control keypad 116 facilitates the control of the
specific electronic device with which the remote control device 102
is intended to be used. The appearance of any particular remote
control device 102 can vary, i.e., for example, some remote control
devices 102 are rectangular while others are oblong- in shape.
However, the control keypad 116 is typically planar in shape to
facilitate its installation. Consequently, the utility of the
continuously flat surface of the front member 104 of the inventive
cover 100 is that it enables the front member 104 to closely hug
the surface of the control keypad 116. The selected material from
which the cover 100 is fashioned, i.e., the polyurethane compound
in the preferred embodiment, is transparent in addition to being
flexible, elastic and stretchable. Thus, once fitted onto the
remote control device 102, the transparent nature of the inventive
cover 100 facilitates unimpeded operation of the plurality of keys
118 mounted on the control keypad 116. Therefore, the flat surface
of the front member 104 and the transparent nature of the inventive
cover 100 assists the user in operating the plurality of keys 118
located on the control keypad 116 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.
Further, the appearance of the inventive cover 100 when fitted upon
the remote control device 102 is determined by (a) the shape of the
remote control device 102, i.e., for example, square versus oblong,
and (b) the material selected from which the cover 100 is
formed.
[0042] The inventive cover 100 is shown being fitted onto the
remote control device 102 in FIG. 8. The remote control device 102
is securely held in, for example, the left hand while the inventive
cover 100 (as shown in FIG. 1) is aligned therewith with the right
hand (see FIG. 8). The remote control device 102 is extended
through the orifice 110 shown underneath in FIG. 1. The cover 100
is then wrapped about an upper end 120 of the outer housing 114 of
the remote control device 102 as is shown in FIG. 8. With a top end
122 of the cover 100 anchored upon the upper end 120 of the outer
housing 114, a bottom end 124 of the flexible-elastic cover 100 is
stretched downward to a lower end 126 of the remote control device
102. This action stretches the flexible-elastic cover 100 and opens
the orifice 110 in the rear member 106 enabling the remote control
device 102 to be surrounded by the cover 100. Once the cover 100
surrounds the remote control device 102, the bottom end 124 of the
cover 100 is anchored around the lower end 126 of the outer housing
114 of the remote control device 102. The bottom end 124 of the
cover 100 is then released. Thereafter, the flexible-elastic cover
100 contracts and the plurality of rounded surfaces 108 enable the
rear member 106 of the cover 100 to partially relax. This action
causes the lip 112 of the orifice 110 on the rear member 106 to
close so that the remote control device 102 is substantially
covered as is shown in FIG. 7. The continuously flat surface of the
front member 104 is shown closely hugging the surface of the
control keypad 116 of the remote control device 102 in FIG. 6. This
close fitting feature in combination with the transparency of the
cover 100 facilitates the operation of the plurality of keys 118 on
the control keyboard 116. Removal of the disposable cover 100 is
accomplished by reversing the order of the steps set forth in the
this paragraph.
[0043] The inventive cover 100 for the remote control device 102
serves several functions. Since the remote control device 102 is
typically shared between, i.e., handled, by several persons, the
cover 100 functions to prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses
between individuals. Thus, in a quasi-public setting such as in a
hotel or motel environment, the cover 100 would normally be changed
daily along with, for example, the bed sheets. Thus, the inventive
cover 100 is a disposable item (see FIG. 8) that could be purchased
in bulk by members of the hospitality industry. In a domestic
setting, the cover 100 could be cleaned regularly with a suitable
disinfecting cleaner product. The cover 100 also serves to protect
the electronic circuitry of the remote control device 102 from
dirt, soil, spills and grime. Thus, the inventive cover 100
establishes a sanitation barrier to protect both the plurality of
users of the remote control device 102 and the electronic circuitry
housed within the remote control device 102. Additionally, the
inventive cover 100 also serves to prevent the loss of a battery
compartment cover (not shown)mounted on the remote control device
102 when the cover 100 is fitted thereon.
[0044] A first alternative embodiment of the cover for use with a
remote control device is shown in FIGS. 9-13 and is referred to by
the identification number 200. Each of the components appearing in
the first alternative embodiment 200 that correspond in structure
and function to those components appearing in the preferred
embodiment 100 is identified by the corresponding number of the 200
series.
[0045] The components appearing in the first alternative embodiment
of the inventive cover 200 for use with a remote control device
that correspond in structure and function to those components
appearing in the preferred embodiment are set forth at this time.
Those components include a front member 204 having a continuously
flat surface, a rear member 206, a plurality of rounded surfaces
208 employed to integrally join the front member 204 with the rear
member 206, an orifice 210 used for the insertion and removal of a
remote control device into and from the cover 200, an edge or lip
212 of the orifice 210, and a top end 222 and a bottom end 224,
each of the inventive cover 200. Certain components included in the
first alternative embodiment 200 are identical to those disclosed
in the preferred embodiment and continue to be identified by their
assigned numbers of the 100 series as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and
8. Those components include a remote control device 102 for
controlling an electronic apparatus such as, for example, a
television (not shown), an outer housing 114 for enclosing
electronic circuitry (not shown), a control keypad 116 including a
plurality of keys 118 each for entering command data into the
remote control device 102, an upper end 120 and a lower end 126,
each of the remote control device 102.
[0046] Many of the characteristic features of the inventive cover
200 are the same as those disclosed in the preferred embodiment.
For example, the cover 200 exhibits an integral, unitary
construction comprised of a flexible-elastic, stretchable and
transparent material. The orifice 210 continues to be located on
the rear member 206 for facilitating the fitting of the cover 200
onto the remote control device 102. The plurality of rounded
surfaces 208, i.e., rounded corners, continue to enable the rear
member 206 (once fitted onto the remote control device 102) to
partially relax so that the orifice 210 will close. Further, the
primary function of the inventive cover 200 continues to be to
prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses between individuals
using a common remote control device 102, and to protect the
electronic circuitry of the remote control device 102 from dirt,
soil, spills and grime. Thus, as with the preferred embodiment, the
inventive cover 200 establishes a sanitation barrier to protect
both the plurality of users of the remote control device 102 and
the electronic circuitry housed within the remote control device
102. Additionally, the inventive cover 200 also serves to prevent
the loss of a battery compartment cover (not shown) mounted on the
remote control device 102 when the cover 200 is fitted thereon.
[0047] Turning our attention to FIGS. 9-13, the cover 200 comprises
a sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure that includes the front
member 204 and the rear member 206 as is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
The front member 204 is integrally joined as by molding with the
rear member 206 at a plurality of rounded surfaces 208 best shown
in FIG. 13 to provide the cover 200 with an integral, unitary
(i.e., one piece) construction. As is clearly shown in FIG. 9, the
front member 204 exhibits a continuously flat surface which, as in
the preferred embodiment, is functional in providing visual
communication with the remote control device 102. The front member
204 also exhibits an oblong dimension as shown in FIG. 13. In the
first alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-13, the rear
member 206 has a converging surface as is best shown in FIGS. 9, 10
and 12. The converging surface of the rear member 206 includes a
first slanted surface 230 and a second slanted surface 232 each of
which converge into the lip or edge 212 of the orifice 210 as is
clearly shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 12. The rear member 206 having the
converging surface (which comprises the first slanted member 230
and the second slanted member 232) is integrally joined with the
front member 204 having the continuously flat surface and oblong
dimension at the plurality of rounded surfaces 208. In other words,
the first slanted surface 230 and the second slanted surface 232
are each integrally joined with the front member 204 at the
plurality of rounded surfaces 208 as is clearly illustrated in FIG.
12. This construction forms the sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure
illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0048] The orifice 210 is formed in the converging surface of the
rear member 206 and is bounded by the first slanted surface 230 and
the second slanted surface 232 as is clearly shown in FIGS. 9, 10
and 13. The orifice 210 provides an opening in the rear member 206
for enabling the remote control device 102 to be inserted into and
removed from the cover 200. The orifice 210 as illustrated in FIG.
10 is a long narrow opening that has been determined to be the best
orientation for the cover 200. This determination is based upon an
evaluation of several factors including the preferred construction
material of a polyurethane compound. Further, the orifice 210 is
positioned parallel to the oblong dimension of the front member 204
(see FIG. 13) which has been determined to be the most convenient
entry and exit point for the remote control device 102. However, it
should be pointed out that the shape and position of the orifice
210 can be modified and the inventive cover 200 will still function
as intended. For example, the orifice 210 could be an oval, slit,
gap, or aperture and could be repositioned on the rear member 206
in, for example, a diagonal fashion. Further, the orifice 210 could
also be located in the front member 204 or in the rounded surfaces
208, if necessary, but would not operate as efficiently as
disclosed herein. The orifice 210 also includes an edge or lip 212
as is shown in FIG. 10. It is noted that the lip 212 of the orifice
210 could be reinforced. However, through experimentation, it has
been determined that the lip 212 need not be reinforced in order to
retain the shape of the orifice 210.
[0049] Once the inventive cover 200 is fitted over the remote
control device 102 (i.e., the remote control device 102 is inserted
into the cover 200 through the orifice 210), it is desirable that
the orifice 210 close as shown in FIG. 10. Under these conditions,
the remote control device 102 would be substantially enclosed by
the cover 200 and physical contact therewith would be minimized if
not eliminated. The cover 200 including the plurality of rounded
surfaces 208 is comprised of the flexible-elastic material. The
rounded surfaces 208 are the components of the inventive cover 200
which enable the front member 204 to be integrally joined to the
rear member 206. Once the cover 200 is fitted over the remote
control device 102, the rounded surfaces 208 enable the
flexible-elastic material to partially relax. This relaxation of
the flexible-elastic material enables the orifice 210 to close upon
itself ensuring that the cover 200 substantially encloses the
remote control device 102. Thus, the rounded surfaces 208 designed
into the cover 200 facilitate the closing of the orifice 210 for
enclosing the remote control device 102. Therefore, an individual
handling the inventive cover 200 once fitted in position, is not
likely to contact the remote control device 102.
[0050] As with the preferred embodiment, the cover 200 including
the front member 204, rear member 206 and plurality of rounded
surfaces 208 exhibits an integral, unitary construction and can be
comprised of, for example, a polyurethane compound but many other
suitable materials are also available. Besides the polyurethane
compound, the cover 100 can also be comprised of, for example,
latex, polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber, silicon, neoprene, or
styrenic elastomer. The selected material which can include any of
those materials enumerated herein is flexible, elastic, i.e.,
stretchable, and transparent and thus quickly adopts or conforms to
the shape of the remote control device 102. Thus, once fitted, the
cover 200 snugly fits over the outer housing 114 (see FIG. 8) of
the remote control device 102.
[0051] The construction and operation of the remote control device
102 is identical to that described with regard to the preferred
embodiment. Consequently, the utility of the continuously flat
surface of the front member 204 of the inventive cover 200 is that
it enables the front member 204 to closely hug the surface of the
control keypad 116. The selected material from which the cover 200
is fashioned, i.e., the polyurethane compound, is transparent in
addition to being flexible, elastic and stretchable. Thus, once
fitted onto the remote control device 102, the transparent nature
of the inventive cover 200 facilitates unimpeded operation of the
plurality of keys 118 mounted on the control keypad 116. Therefore,
the flat surface of the front member 204 and the transparent nature
of the inventive cover 200 assists the user in operating the
plurality of keys 118 located on the control keypad 116 as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 8. Further, the appearance of the inventive cover 200
when fitted upon the remote control device 102 is determined by (a)
the shape of the remote control device 102, i.e., for example,
square versus oblong, and (b) the material selected from which the
cover 200 is formed. Finally, the procedure for inserting the
remote control device 102 into and withdrawing it from the cover
200 is duplicate to that described with regard to the preferred
embodiment.
[0052] A second alternative embodiment of the cover for use with a
remote control device is shown in FIGS. 14-20 and is referred to by
the identification number 300. Each of the components appearing in
the second alternative embodiment 300 that correspond in structure
and function to those components appearing in the preferred
embodiment 100 is identified by the corresponding number of the 300
series.
[0053] The components appearing in the second alternative
embodiment of the inventive cover 300 for use with a remote control
device that correspond in structure and function to those
components appearing in the preferred embodiment 100 and the first
alternative embodiment 200 are set forth at this time. Those
components include a front member 304 having a continuously flat
surface, a rear member 306, a plurality of rounded surfaces 308,
i.e., radiused round edges, employed to integrally join the front
member 304 with the rear member 306, an orifice 310 used for the
insertion and removal of a remote control device into and from the
cover 300, an edge or lip 312 of the orifice 310, and a top end 322
and a bottom end 324, each of the inventive cover 300. Certain
components included in the second alternative embodiment 300 are
identical to those disclosed in the preferred embodiment and
continue to be identified by their assigned numbers of the 100
series as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. Those components include
a remote control device 102, an outer housing 114, a control keypad
116 including a plurality of keys 118, an upper end 120 and a lower
end 126, each of the remote control device 102.
[0054] Many of the characteristic features of the inventive cover
300 are the same as those disclosed in the preferred embodiment.
For example, the cover 300 exhibits an integral, unitary
construction comprised of a flexible-elastic, stretchable and
transparent material. The orifice 310 continues to be located on
the rear member 306 for facilitating the fitting of the cover 300
onto the remote control device 102. The plurality of rounded
surfaces 308, i.e., radiused round edges, continue to enable the
rear member 306 (once fitted onto the remote control device 102) to
partially relax so that the orifice 310 will close. Further, the
primary function of the inventive cover 300 continues to be to
prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses between individuals
using a common remote control device 102, and to protect the
electronic circuitry of the remote control device 102 from dirt,
soil, spills and grime. Thus, as with the preferred embodiment, the
inventive cover 300 establishes a sanitation barrier to protect
both the plurality of users of the remote control device 102 and
the electronic circuitry housed within the remote control device
102. Additionally, the inventive cover 300 also serves to prevent
the loss of a battery compartment cover (not shown) mounted on the
remote control device 102 when the cover 300 is fitted thereon.
[0055] Turning our attention to FIGS. 14-20, the cover 300
comprises a sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure that includes the
front member 304 and the rear member 306 as is shown in FIGS. 14
and 15. The front member 304 is integrally joined as by molding
with the rear member 306 at the plurality of rounded surfaces 308,
i.e., radiused round edges, best shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 to
provide the cover 300 with an integral, unitary (i.e., one piece)
construction. As is clearly shown in FIG. 14, the front member 304
exhibits a continuously flat surface which, as in the preferred
embodiment, is functional in providing visual communication with
the remote control device 102. In the second alternative embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 14-20, the rear member 306 has a rectangular
surface which is also substantially flat as is best shown in FIGS.
15 and 18. The rear member 306 having the rectangular surface which
is substantially flat, i.e., a substantially flat rectangular
surface, is integrally joined with the front member 304 having the
continuously flat surface at the plurality of rounded surfaces 308,
i.e., radiused round edges. This construction forms the sheath-like
or pouch-like enclosure illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0056] The orifice 310 is formed in the flat rectangular surface of
the rear member 306 as is clearly shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 18. The
orifice 310 provides an opening in the rear member 306 for enabling
the remote control device 102 to be inserted into and removed from
the cover 300. The orifice 310 as illustrated best in FIGS. 15 and
18 is a long narrow opening or oval that has been determined to be
the best orientation for the cover 300. This determination is based
upon an evaluation of several factors including the preferred
construction material of a polyurethane compound. It is noted that
the rectangular surface of the rear member 306 includes a long
dimension 334 and a short dimension 336 as is shown in FIGS. 18, 19
and 20. In the illustration of FIG. 18, the orifice 310 is
positioned parallel to the long dimension 334 of the rear member
306 which has been determined to be the most convenient entry and
exit point for the remote control device 102. However, it should be
pointed out that the shape and position of the orifice 310 can be
modified and the inventive cover 300 will still function as
intended. For example, the orifice 310 could be a slit, gap, or
aperture and could be repositioned on the rear member 306. For
example, the orifice 310 can be a narrow opening or oval positioned
parallel to the short dimension 336 in either the bottom end 324 of
the rear member 306 (see FIG. 19) or the top end 322 of the rear
member 306 (see FIG. 20). Further, the orifice 310 could also be
located in the front member 304 or in the rounded surfaces 308, if
necessary, but would not operate as efficiently as disclosed
herein. The orifice 310 also includes an edge or lip 312 as is
shown in FIGS. 15 and 18. It is noted that the lip 312 of the
orifice 310 could be reinforced. However, through experimentation,
it has been determined that the lip 312 need not be reinforced in
order to retain the shape of the orifice 310.
[0057] Once the inventive cover 300 is fitted over the remote
control device 102 (i.e., the remote control device 102 is inserted
into the cover 300 through the orifice 310), it is desirable that
the orifice 310 close as shown in FIG. 15. Under these conditions,
the remote control device 102 would be substantially enclosed by
the cover 300 and physical contact therewith would be minimized if
not eliminated. The cover 300 including the plurality of rounded
surfaces 308, i.e., radiused round edges, is comprised of the
flexible-elastic material. The rounded surfaces 308 are the
components of the inventive cover 300 which enable the front member
304 to be integrally joined to the rear member 306. Once the cover
300 is fitted over the remote control device 102, the rounded
surfaces 308 enable the flexible-elastic material to partially
relax. This relaxation of the flexible-elastic material enables the
orifice 310 to close upon itself ensuring that the cover 300
substantially encloses the remote control device 102. Thus, the
rounded surfaces 308 designed into the cover 300 facilitate the
closing of the orifice 310 for enclosing the remote control device
102. Therefore, an individual handling the inventive cover 300,
once fitted in position, is not likely to contact the remote
control device 102.
[0058] As with the preferred embodiment, the cover 300 including
the front member 304, rear member 306 and plurality of rounded
surfaces 308 exhibits an integral, unitary construction and can be
comprised of, for example, a polyurethane compound but many other
suitable materials are also available. Besides the polyurethane
compound, the cover 100 can also be comprised of, for example,
latex, polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber, silicon, neoprene, or
styrenic elastomer. The selected material which can include any of
those materials enumerated herein is flexible, elastic, i.e.,
stretchable, and transparent and thus quickly adopts or conforms to
the shape of the remote control device 102. Thus, once fitted, the
cover 300 snugly fits over the outer housing 114 (see FIG. 8) of
the remote control device 102.
[0059] The construction and operation of the remote control device
102 is identical to that described with regard to the preferred
embodiment. Consequently, the utility of the continuously flat
surface of the front member 304 of the inventive cover 300 is that
it enables the front member 304 to closely hug the surface of the
control keypad 116 of the remote control device 102. The selected
material from which the cover 300 is fashioned, i.e., the
polyurethane compound, is transparent in addition to being
flexible, elastic and stretchable. Thus, once fitted onto the
remote control device 102, the transparent nature of the inventive
cover 300 facilitates unimpeded operation of the plurality of keys
118 mounted on the control keypad 116. Therefore, the flat surface
of the front member 304 and the transparent nature of the inventive
cover 300 assists the user in operating the plurality of keys 118
located on the control keypad 116 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.
Further, the appearance of the inventive cover 300 when fitted upon
the remote control device 102 (as with the preferred embodiment 100
and the first alternative embodiment 200) is determined by (a) the
shape of the remote control device 102, i.e., for example, square
versus oblong, and (b) the material selected from which the cover
300 is formed. Finally, the procedure for inserting the remote
control device 102 into and withdrawing it from the cover 300 is
duplicate to that described with regard to the preferred
embodiment.
[0060] The present invention provides novel advantages over other
covering devices known in the prior art. A main advantage of the
inventive cover 100 is that (1) it creates a sanitation barrier to
protect individual users of the remote control device 102 by
effectively preventing the transfer of bacteria and viruses between
users when regularly refitted, and (2) by protecting the remote
control device 102 from dirt, soil, spills and grime. Other
advantages of the inventive cover 100 for use with the remote
control device 102 include (3) the orifice 110 formed within the
rear member 106 to facilitate the insertion and removal of the
remote control device into and from the cover 100, (4) the front
member 104 having a transparent and continuously flat surface that
assists in the visual operation of the control keypad 116, (5) the
plurality of rounded surfaces 108 that enable the rear member 106
to relax when fitted on the remote control device 102 thus enabling
the orifice 110 to close substantially covering the remote control
device 102, (6) being fabricated from a flexible-elastic and
stretchable material that facilitates insertion and removal of the
cover 100 onto the remote control device 102, and (7) preventing
the loss of the battery compartment cover (not shown) mounted on
the remote control device 102.
[0061] While the present invention is described herein with
reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications,
it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto.
Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings
provided herein will recognize additional modifications,
applications and embodiments within the scope thereof and
additional fields in which the present invention would be of
significant utility.
[0062] It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any
and all such modifications, applications and embodiments within the
scope of the present invention.
[0063] Accordingly,
* * * * *