U.S. patent application number 10/758566 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for remote control holder.
Invention is credited to Viola, Jeffrey Louis.
Application Number | 20050155942 10/758566 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34749534 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050155942 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Viola, Jeffrey Louis |
July 21, 2005 |
Remote control holder
Abstract
A remote control holder comprised of a flat surface for the
placement and attachment of a plurality of remote control units
using attachment strips. This surface extends into an upswept
handle feature enabling the user to easily handle the assembly
during use. In addition the handle aids the user in removing or
placing the apparatus onto a flat surface such as but not limited
to a coffee table.
Inventors: |
Viola, Jeffrey Louis;
(Berkley, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jeffrey Louis Viola
1738 Eaton St.
Berkley
MI
48072
US
|
Family ID: |
34749534 |
Appl. No.: |
10/758566 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/26.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 9/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/026.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for holding and handling a plurality of remote
control units, comprising: a generally flat surface providing a
mounting section to which one or more remote control units are
placed perpendicular to the long axis of said surface. Said surface
is defined by two generally parallel sides a perpendicular side and
opposite to said perpendicular side is a curved portion forming the
boundaries of the generally rectangular surface. An opposite bottom
surface is also then defined. In connection to the curved portion
extends a surface some distance into a plane at some angle to form
an upswept handle portion.
2. A remote control holder according to claim 1, wherein: An
opening is created through said handle portion perpendicular to its
plan.
3. A remote control holder according to claim 1, wherein:
Connective strips straps or adhesives are used to attach said
remote control units to said mounting section.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to holders of electronic
equipment control units and more particularly relates to a device
for holding a plurality of consumer electronic remote control units
such as television, VCR, DVD and stereo equipment and other
equipment of this nature.
[0002] Manufactures of electronic equipment for home entertainment
devices such as televisions, VCRs, etc., provide remote control
units for their devices. Typically several pieces of equipment are
used in conjunction with one another. Each device having its own
remote control unit can presents several problems such as
misplacement of the control unit. Consumers have used "universal
remote controls" to help consolidate remote functions. However,
"universal remote controls" usually do not incorporate all of the
functionality of the manufacturers original remote control unit. In
addition "universal remote controls" can make it more difficult on
the user to perform certain functions usually due to one device
attempting to control too many devices. Also, some equipment such
as satellite systems require a special remote control. What is
needed is a way to handle a plurality of the manufacturers original
remote controls easily and in a combined controllable manner.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed towards an apparatus that
meets the foregoing needs. The apparatus holds a plurality of
remote control units supplied by the manufacturers of home
entertainment or consumer electronics such as television, VCR, DVD,
stereo and the like in close proximity to one another so the
consumer may use them as one unit or one "large remote control". It
is adaptable to multiple remote control styles sizes and shapes.
The apparatus provides a convenience for the consumer of ease of
handling this "large remote control" via an upswept handle
extending from the flat plate structure where the manufacturers
remote control units are attached. This allows the consumer to
easily remove or place the now one-piece device on a flat surface
such as a coffee table, floor, couch etc. or leaned against the
side of couch or coffee table. This shape also allows ease of use
during operation of the remotes. The consumer can hold the
apparatus on the lap using the handle with one hand and actuate the
remote controls with the other hand. In addition this apparatus now
keeps all the devices placed on one large object making it more
difficult to misplace.
[0004] Various objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the apparatus illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 2 resting on a coffee table or flat surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] Referring now to the drawings there is illustrated in FIGS.
1-3 an apparatus 10 according to the invention. The apparatus 10
has a flat mounting surface 8 to which one or more remote control
units 3 are placed perpendicular to the long axis of the surface 8.
The top surface 8 is defined by generally parallel sides 12 and
opposite side 14 and perpendicular side 11 and curved portion 20
forming the boundaries of the generally rectangular surface. An
opposite bottom surface 18 is also then defined.
[0009] In connection to the curved portion 20 extends a surface 17
some distance into a plane at some angle A1 to form a handle
portion 13. An opening 15 may be created through the surface 17 to
allow the fingers of a users hand to pass through the handle 13.
This handle 13 in conjunction with the angle A1 can aid the user in
the removal or placement of the apparatus to a resting surface 25.
As well as ease of control during remote control use.
[0010] The remote control units may be attached to the surface 8 by
many attachment methods such as two faced adhesive tape, straps or
in this preferred embodiment hook and loop adhesive strips 22. In
addition the attachment of more than one remote control unit to the
surface 8 in conjunction with the handle portion 13 act together as
one unit to form a multi-remote control apparatus.
[0011] One skilled in the art may make the apparatus 10 of many
materials that may be formed to this shape and strong enough to
hold a plurality of remote control units. Some materials include
plastics such as Lexan (polycarbonate), Nylon, ABS, aluminum,
fiberboard, carbon fiber lamination, wood etc. In this preferred
embodiment an injection moldable polycarbonate may be used. If
injection molding is used the bottom side 18 may be recessed or
cored out as a way of both strengthening while saving material
volume and weight.
[0012] The principle and mode of operation of this invention have
been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment.
However, it must be understood that this invention can be practiced
otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without
departing from its spirit or scope.
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