U.S. patent application number 11/212459 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for cover for remote control device.
Invention is credited to Hodges, Richard P..
Application Number | 20050279661 11/212459 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36582522 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050279661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hodges, Richard P. |
December 22, 2005 |
Cover for remote control device
Abstract
A disposable cover for use with a remote control device for
providing a protective barrier to human infection comprising a
front member having a continuously flat surface and a rear member
integrally molded in a seamless unitary, one-piece construction
with the front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for
forming a single-use, disposable protective enclosure. An orifice
is formed in and parallel to an oblong dimension of the rear member
for enabling most any size remote control device to be inserted
into and removed from the enclosure. The rounded surfaces designed
into the disposable 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 disposable, protective
sanitation barrier to human infection.
Inventors: |
Hodges, Richard P.; (Culver
City, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN S. CHRISTOPHER
6033 WEST CENTURY BOULEVARD, SUITE #400
LOS ANGELES
CA
90045-6416
US
|
Family ID: |
36582522 |
Appl. No.: |
11/212459 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11212459 |
Aug 25, 2005 |
|
|
|
10712727 |
Nov 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 ;
150/154; 206/305 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 9/0242 20130101;
H01H 2300/014 20130101; H01H 2239/034 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 ;
206/305; 150/154 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/38; B65D
065/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A disposable cover for use with a remote control device for
providing a protective barrier to human infection comprising: a
front member having a continuously flat surface; a rear member
integrally molded in a seamless unitary, one-piece construction
with said front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form a
single-use, disposable protective enclosure; and an orifice formed
in and parallel to an oblong dimension of said rear member for
enabling a remote control device of a plurality of various sized
remote control devices to be inserted into and removed from said
enclosure, said rounded surfaces enabling said orifice to close for
enclosing said remote control device, 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 disposable,
protective sanitation barrier to human infection.
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. A disposable cover for use with a remote control device for
providing a protective barrier to human infection comprising: a
front member having a continuously flat surface; a rear member
having a curved surface along an oblong dimension of said rear
member and integrally molded in a seamless unitary, one-piece
construction with said front member at a plurality of rounded
surfaces to form a single-use, disposable protective enclosure; and
an orifice formed in said curved surface of said rear member for
enabling a remote control device of a plurality of various sized
remote control devices to be inserted into and removed from said
enclosure, said rounded surfaces enabling said orifice to close for
enclosing said remote control device, 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 disposable,
protective sanitation barrier to human infection.
10. The cover of claim 9 wherein said orifice is formed parallel to
said oblong dimension in said rear member.
11. A disposable cover for use with a remote control device for
providing a protective barrier to human infection comprising: a
front member having a continuously flat surface; a rear member
having a converging surface formed opposite an oblong dimension of
said front member, said converging surface including a first
slanted surface and a second slanted surface, said rear member
integrally molded in a seamless unitary, one-piece construction
with said front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form a
single-use, disposable protective enclosure; and an orifice formed
in said converging surface of said rear member for enabling a
remote control device of a plurality of various sized remote
control devices to be inserted into and removed from said
enclosure, said rounded surfaces enabling said orifice to close for
enclosing said remote control device, 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 disposable,
protective sanitation barrier to human infection.
12. The cover of claim 11 wherein said orifice is formed parallel
to said oblong dimension in said front member.
13. A disposable cover for use with a remote control device for
providing a protective barrier to human infection comprising: a
front member having a continuously flat surface; a rear member
having a flat rectangular surface including a long dimension and a
short dimension, said rear member integrally molded in a seamless
unitary, one-piece construction with said front member at a
plurality of rounded surfaces to form a single-use, disposable
protective enclosure; and an orifice formed in said rectangular
surface of said rear member for enabling a remote control device of
a plurality of various sized remote control devices to be inserted
into and removed from said enclosure, said rounded surfaces
enabling said orifice to close for enclosing said remote control
device, 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 disposable, protective sanitation barrier to
human infection.
14. The cover of claim 13 wherein said orifice is formed parallel
to said long dimension of said flat rectangular surface.
15. The cover of claim 13 wherein said orifice is formed parallel
to said short dimension of said flat rectangular surface.
Description
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part
application under 37 C.F.R. Section 1.53(b)(2) of application
having Ser. No. 10/712,727 and filed Nov. 12, 2003, now
abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to sanitation covers. More
specifically, the present invention relates to methods and
apparatus for a single-use, disposable sanitation cover comprised
of a flexible-elastic, stretchable, 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 to another user by providing a disposable, protective
sanitation barrier to human infection.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] 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 including domestic
workers. 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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. 6,082,535 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.
[0008] Additional prior art references include U.S. Pat. No.
6,471,056 to Tzeng which recites a portable electronic device
protective cover having a loop-like plastic peripheral strip
fitting the periphery of the electronic device to be protected, the
loop-like periphery strip having an insertion slot through which
the electronic device to be protected is inserted into the inside
of the portable electronic device protective cover, a transparent
plastic top panel peripherally sealed to the top side of the
loop-like peripheral strip by a high frequency heat sealing
apparatus, and a transparent plastic bottom panel peripherally
sealed to the bottom side of the loop-like peripheral strip by a
high frequency heat sealing apparatus. The '056 reference
specifically recites that the protective cover " . . . fits
perfectly the shape of the portable electronic device to be
protected" and that " . . . protective cover 3 is made subject to a
mold 4, which is an open frame fitting the height and width of the
remote-controller 2 to be protected." Thus, the Tzeng '056
protective cover appears to be custom manufactured for each
remote-controller 2 and not designed to conform to the shape of
most any size remote-controller 2. Further, the Tzeng '056
protective cover is intended to protect the remote-controller 2 and
not the user of the remote-controller 2 since there is no mention
in Tzeng '056 of providing a disposable, protective sanitation
barrier to human infection. Tzeng '056 teaches assembling the
components of the protective cover 3 with a high frequency heat
sealing machine and cutting away excess material outside the seal
area. The processes of high frequency heat sealing and cutting away
excess material typically results in the formation of seams and
thus would not appear to provide an integrally molded, seamless,
unitary one-piece construction.
[0009] Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,852 to King for a
Protective Cover For A Pager, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,494 to Derr
et al. for Watertight Protective Device For Holding A Measuring Or
Display Device are mentioned herein. King '852, Derr et al. '494
and Tzeng '056 each disclose devices that are intended to protect
an electronic or measuring device, do not provide a sanitation
barrier to human infection, and are not directed to single-use,
seamless, disposable protective covers.
[0010] Thus, there is a need in the art for a cover for a remote
control device that provides a protective barrier to human
infection having front and rear members that are integrally molded
in a seamless, unitary one-piece construction to form a single-use,
disposable, protective enclosure, an orifice formed in and parallel
to an oblong dimension of the rear member for enabling most any
size remote control device which is one of a plurality of various
sized remote control devices to be inserted into and removed from
the single-use protective enclosure, the disposable cover being
comprised of a flexible, stretchable and transparent material for
conforming to the shape of the remote control device and for
providing a disposable, protective sanitation barrier to human
infection, the disposable cover being refitted regularly to
minimize the transfer of bacteria and viruses from a previous user
to a subsequent user of the remote control device.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0011] 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 primarily for providing a
protective barrier to human infection and for enclosing any of a
plurality of electronic remote control devices typically shared
among many persons. The single-use, disposable 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 protective sanitation barrier
to human infection. In particular, the inventive disposable cover
for a remote control device is comprised of a flexible-elastic,
transparent material fashioned so as to easily conform to the shape
of most any size 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.
[0012] In general, the disposable 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 which is one of a plurality of various sized
remote control devices. 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 disposable 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.
[0013] The cover exhibits an integrally molded, seamless, unitary
one-piece 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
most any size remote control device of a plurality of various sized
remote control devices. 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 provide a disposable,
protective sanitation barrier to human infection by preventing the
transfer of bacteria and viruses between individuals. Thus, in a
quasi-public setting as in a hotel or motel environment, the
disposable 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
primarily establishes a disposable, protective sanitation barrier
to human infection by protecting primarily the plurality of users
of the remote control device but also the electronic circuitry
housed within the remote control device.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the disposable cover for use with
the remote control device for providing a protective barrier to
human infection 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
molded in a seamless unitary, one-piece construction with the front
member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for forming a single-use,
disposable protective enclosure. An orifice is formed in and
parallel to an oblong dimension of the the curved surface of the
rear member for enabling a remote control device of a plurality of
various sized remote control devices 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 most any size
remote control device of a plurality of various sized remote
control devices, and for providing a disposable, protective
sanitation barrier to human infection.
[0015] In a first alternative embodiment, the disposable cover for
use with the remote control device for providing a protective
barrier to human infection comprises a front member which exhibits
a generally continuous flat surface and a rear member having a
converging surface. The converging surface is formed opposite an
oblong dimension of the front member and comprises a first slanted
surface and a second slanted surface. The rear member is integrally
molded in a seamless unitary, one-piece construction with the front
member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for forming a single-use,
disposable protective enclosure. An orifice is formed in the
converging surface of the rear member for enabling a remote control
device of a plurality of various sized remote control devices to be
inserted into and removed from the disposable enclosure. The
rounded surfaces designed into the cover facilitate the closing of
the orifice for enclosing the remote control device.
[0016] In a second alternative embodiment, the disposable cover for
use with the remote control device for providing a protective
barrier to human infection 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 molded in a
seamless unitary, one-piece construction with the front member at a
plurality of rounded surfaces for forming a single-use, disposable
protective enclosure. An orifice is formed in the rectangular
surface of the rear member for enabling most any size 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. Each of the alternative
embodiments are comprised of a flexible, stretchable and
transparent material for conforming to the shape of the remote
control device and for providing a disposable, protective
sanitation barrier to human infection.
[0017] 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
[0018] 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, the cover for providing a
disposable, protective sanitation barrier to human infection.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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, the cover for providing a
disposable, protective sanitation barrier to human infection.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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, the cover providing a disposable,
protective sanitation barrier to human infection.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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
[0038] The present invention is a cover 100 for use with a remote
control device 102 for providing a protective sanitation barrier to
human infection and 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.
[0039] The inventive cover 100 serves primarily to provide a
disposable, protective sanitation barrier to human infection by
minimizing the transfer of bacteria and viruses between persons who
contact the remote control device 102 during usage. In addition to
providing a sanitation barrier, the disposable cover 100 also
serves to protect the remote control device 102 from dirt, spills,
soil and grime. Thus, the inventive cover 100 establishes the
disposable, protective sanitation barrier primarily to protect the
multiple users of the remote control device 102 from diseases that
can be transferred by contact. The electronic circuitry housed
within the remote control device 102 is also protected. The
inventive disposable cover 100 is comprised of a flexible-elastic,
stretchable, transparent material that (a) quickly conforms to or
adopts the shape of most any size remote control device 102 of a
plurality of various sized remote control devices, and (b)
facilitates the capture and release of the remote control device
102 as it relates to the cover 100. Although the disposable 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 disposable cover 100 is not limited thereto. The present
invention has applications to many other electronic devices
including, but not limited to, portable telephone apparatus.
[0040] A preferred embodiment of the disposable cover 100 of the
present invention will now be described in detail. The disposable
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 disposable 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 disposable cover 100 with an
integral, seamless, unitary, 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 disposable
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 formed 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 which provides a single-use,
disposable protective enclosure.
[0041] 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 most any
size remote control device 102 (which is one of a plurality of
various sized remote control devices) to be inserted into and
removed from the disposable 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 disposable
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.
[0042] Once the inventive disposable 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 disposable
cover 100 including the plurality of rounded surfaces 108 is
comprised of the flexible-elastic, stretchable 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 disposable cover 100 is fitted over the
remote control device 102, the rounded surfaces 108 enable the
flexible-elastic, stretchable material to partially relax. This
relaxation of the flexible-elastic material enables the orifice 110
to close upon itself ensuring that the disposable 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.
[0043] The disposable cover 100 including the front member 104,
rear member 106 and plurality of rounded surfaces 108 exhibits an
integrally molded, seamless, unitary one-piece 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, stretchable 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 disposable cover 100 snugly fits over an outer housing
114 (see FIG. 8) of the remote control device 102. Thus, the
disposable cover 100 is not custom sized to any specific remote
control device 102.
[0044] 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
disposable 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 disposable 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 disposable 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 disposable cover 100 is
formed.
[0045] The inventive disposable 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 disposable 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 disposable 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.
[0046] The inventive disposable 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 single-use, disposable 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. Consequently, the cover 100 is intended to be
primarily a single-use, disposable protective enclosure which
conforms to the shape of the remote control device 102 and to
provide a conveniently replaceable sanitation barrier to human
infection. In a domestic setting, the cover 100 could be cleaned
regularly with a suitable disinfecting cleaner product. The
disposable cover 100 also serves a secondary function of protecting
the electronic circuitry within the remote control device 102 from
dirt, soil, spills and grime. Thus, the inventive disposable cover
100 not only establishes a conveniently replaceable sanitation
barrier to human infection, but also protects 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] The components appearing in the first alternative embodiment
of the inventive cover 200 for use with a remote control device for
providing a protective barrier to human infection that correspond
in structure and function to those components appearing in the
preferred embodiment 100 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 in a seamless unitary, one-piece construction to form a
single-use, disposable protective enclosure, an orifice 210 used
for the insertion and removal of most any size remote control
device (of a plurality of various sized remote control devices)
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.
[0049] Many of the characteristic features of the inventive
disposable cover 200 are the same as those disclosed in the
preferred embodiment. For example, the disposable cover 200
exhibits an integrally molded, seamless, unitary one-piece
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
inventive cover 200 continues primarily to provide a disposable,
protective sanitation barrier to human infection for preventing the
transfer of bacteria and viruses between individuals using a common
remote control device 102. A secondary feature continues to be to
protect the electronic circuitry within the remote control device
102 from dirt, soil, spills and grime. Thus, as with the preferred
embodiment 100, the inventive cover 200 establishes a disposable,
protective 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.
[0050] Turning our attention to FIGS. 9-13, the disposable 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 disposable cover 200 with an
integral, seamless, unitary one piece construction to form a
single-use, disposable protective enclosure. As is clearly shown in
FIG. 9, the front member 204 exhibits a continuously flat surface
which, as in the preferred embodiment 100, 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 200 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 for
providing the integrally molded, seamless, unitary one-piece
construction to form a single-use, disposable protective
enclosure.
[0051] 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 most any size remote control device 102 to be inserted
into and removed from the disposable 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.
[0052] Once the inventive disposable cover 200 is fitted over and
adopts the shape of 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, stretchable 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 disposable cover 200 is fitted over the remote control
device 102, the rounded surfaces 208 enable the flexible-elastic
and stretchable 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 disposable 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.
[0053] As with the preferred embodiment 100, the disposable cover
200 including the front member 204, rear member 206 and plurality
of rounded surfaces 208 exhibits an integrally molded, seamless,
unitary one-piece 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
200 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 to form the single-use, disposable protective enclosure
for providing a disposable, protective sanitation barrier to human
infection.
[0054] 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 disposable 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 disposable 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 disposable 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 disposable 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 disposable cover 200 is duplicate
to that described with regard to the preferred embodiment 100.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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 as by
molding the front member 304 with the rear member 306 to provide a
seamless, unitary, one-piece construction to form a single-use
disposable protective enclosure, an orifice 310 used for the
insertion and removal of most any size remote control device (of a
plurality of various sized remote control devices) 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.
[0057] Many of the characteristic features of the inventive cover
300 are the same as those disclosed in the preferred embodiment
100. For example, the cover 300 exhibits an integrally molded,
seamless, unitary one-piece 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 most any size disposable 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 inventive cover 300
continues primarily to provide a single-use, disposable protective
enclosure to prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses between
individuals using a common remote control device 102 for providing
a disposable, protective sanitation barrier to human infection. A
secondary feature is to protect the electronic circuitry of the
remote control device 102 from dirt, soil, spills and grime. Thus,
as with the preferred embodiment 100, the inventive disposable
cover 300 establishes the protective sanitation barrier to
primarily protect the plurality of users of the remote control
device 102, and secondarily 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.
[0058] Turning our attention to FIGS. 14-20, the disposable 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 integrally molded, seamless, unitary
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 100, is functional in providing visual
communication with the remote control device 102. In the second
alternative embodiment 300 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, to
provide a single-use, disposable protective enclosure. This
construction forms the sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure
illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 for providing a disposable,
protective sanitation barrier to human infection.
[0059] 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
most any size remote control device 102 (of a plurality of various
sized remote control devices) 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.
[0060] Once the inventive disposable 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 disposable cover 300 and physical
contact therewith would be minimized if not eliminated. The
disposable cover 300 including the plurality of rounded surfaces
308, i.e., radiused round edges, is comprised of the
flexible-elastic and stretchable material. The rounded surfaces 308
are the components of the inventive disposable cover 300 which
enable the front member 304 to be integrally joined to the rear
member 306 in an integrally molded, seamless, unitary one-piece
construction. Once the cover 300 is fitted over the remote control
device 102, the rounded surfaces 308 enable the flexible-elastic
and stretchable material to partially relax. This relaxation of the
flexible-elastic material enables the orifice 310 to close upon
itself ensuring that the disposable cover 300 substantially
encloses the remote control device 102. Thus, the rounded surfaces
308 designed into the disposable cover 300 facilitate the closing
of the orifice 310 for enclosing most any size 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.
[0061] As with the preferred embodiment 100, the disposable cover
300 including the front member 304, rear member 306 and plurality
of rounded surfaces 308 exhibits an integrally molded, seamless,
unitary one-piece 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
300 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
most any 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 for providing a disposable, protective
sanitation barrier to human infection.
[0062] The construction and operation of the remote control device
102 is identical to that described with regard to the preferred
embodiment 100. 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
disposable 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 disposable 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 100.
[0063] The present invention provides novel advantages over other
covering devices known in the prior art. A main advantage of the
inventive disposable cover 100 is that (1) it creates an integrally
molded, seamless, unitary, one-piece cover construction to form a
disposable, protective, sanitation barrier to human infection 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 disposable cover 100 for use with the
remote control device 102 include (3) the orifice 110 formed within
and parallel to the oblong dimension of the rear member 106 to
facilitate the insertion and removal of most any size remote
control device 102 into and from the disposable 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 onto 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 disposable cover 100 onto the remote control device 102 which
is one of a plurality of various sized remote control devices, and
(7) preventing the loss of the battery compartment cover (not
shown) mounted on the remote control device 102.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] Accordingly,
* * * * *