U.S. patent application number 11/124573 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for key fob protector.
Invention is credited to Kevin A. Smith.
Application Number | 20060081484 11/124573 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36179584 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060081484 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Kevin A. |
April 20, 2006 |
Key fob protector
Abstract
A combination having an envelope of pliable material which
encloses a remote control for a vehicle. The remote control
apparatus has at least two activation buttons. The envelope of
pliable material has a first opening across a first side of said
envelope which allows the remote control to be inserted into the
envelope and then sealed therein. A second opening on a second side
of said envelope is provided. The keys associated with vehicle are
secured to the remote control apparatus via the second opening of
the envelope. In one embodiment of the invention, the envelope is
equipped with a coating of light emitting material which highlights
the buttons on the remote control apparatus.
Inventors: |
Smith; Kevin A.; (Tucson,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark E. Ogram
7454 E. Broadway # 203
Tucson
AZ
85710
US
|
Family ID: |
36179584 |
Appl. No.: |
11/124573 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60522614 |
Oct 20, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/38.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/323 20130101;
A45C 11/321 20130101; A45C 13/008 20130101; A45C 2011/322
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/038.1 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/32 20060101
A45C011/32 |
Claims
1. A remote control protection apparatus comprising: a) an envelope
fo pliable material having a first opening across a first side of
said envelope and a second opening on a second side of said
envelope; and, bn) a closure mechanism positioned to close and seal
said first opening.
2. The remote control protection apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said second opening is not sealable against water.
3. The remote control protection apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein said closure mechanism forms a water resistant seal.
4. The remote control protection apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein said closure mechanism is a water tight seal.
5. The remote control protection apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein a first face of said envelope is substantially clear and
wherein buttons said remote control are viewable through said first
face.
6. The remote control protection apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein a second face of said envelope is opaque.
7. The remote control protection apparatus according to claim 5,
further including a coating on said first face, said coating
emitting light in a dim environment.
8. The remote control protection apparatus according to claim 7, a)
wherein said remote control has a at least two activation buttons
thereon; and, b) wherein said coating is positioned on said first
face of said envelope such that when said remote control is
contained within said envelope, a portion of said coating is
associated with each of said at least two activation buttons.
9. The remote control protection apparatus according to claim 7, a)
wherein said remote control has at least two activation buttons
thereon; and, b) wherein said coating is position on said first
face of said envelope such that when said remote control is
contained within said envelope, said coating encircles said at
least two buttons.
10. The remote control protection apparatus according to claim 3,
further including a light emitting apparatus contained with said
envelope.
11. The remote control protection apparatus according to claim 3,
further including a light emitting apparatus secured to said
envelope.
12. A combination comprising: a) an electronic control apparatus
for a vehicle, said electronic control apparatus having at least
two activation buttons; and, b) an envelope of pliable material
containing said remote control apparatus and having, 1) a first
face and a second face, 2) A first opening across a first side of
said envelope, said first opening having a closure mechanism
associated therewith, and, 3) a second opening on a second side of
said envelope.
13. The combination according to claim 12, wherein said first face
of said envelope is substantially clear and wherein said activation
buttons on said electronic control apparatus are viewable through
said first face.
14. The combination according to claim 13, wherein said first face
includes a coating for emitting light in a dim environment.
15. The combination according to claim 14, wherein said coating for
emitting light in a dim environment is position in association with
each of said at least one of said activation buttons of said
electronic control apparatus.
16. A combination comprising: a) a remote control apparatus for a
vehicle, said remote control apparatus having at least two
activation buttons; b) an envelope of pliable material contains
said remote control apparatus and having, 1) a first face and a
second face, 2) a first opening across a first side of said
envelope, said first opening having a closure mechanism associated
therewith, and, 3) a second opening on a second side of said
envelope; and, c) at least one key associated with said vehicle,
said at least one key being secured to said remote control
apparatus via said second opening of said envelope.
17. The combination according to claim 16, wherein said closure
mechanism forms a water resistant seal.
18. The combination according to claim 17, a) wherein a first face
of said envelope is substantially clear and wherein buttons on said
remote control apparatus are viewable through said first face, and
wherein said first face of said envelope includes a coating for
identifying a location of said at least two activation buttons;
and, b) wherein a second face of said envelope is opaque.
Description
[0001] Priority for this application is claimed from Untied States
Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 60/522,614, filed on Oct.
20, 2004, and entitled, "Remote Vehicle Key Fob Protector".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] While the following discussion relates to remote controls
used for vehicles (such as automobiles, boats, and airplanes), the
discussion is not intended to be so limited but is intended to
include all remote control apparatus used to perform a variety fo
operations, such as, but not limited to: garage door openers,
lock/unlock controls for buildings, and remote controls for parking
lot access.
[0003] Modern vehicles utilize remote controls for a variety of
activities. These remote controls are often referred to as "fobs",
taken from the term which was used to identify the ornamental
attachments secured to watch chains. The remote controls are used
to perform such functions as: lock/unlock the vehicle's doors;
activate alarms; activate/deactivate the horn; and to open doors or
trunks.
[0004] The fobs are electronic in nature and are, by necessity,
exposed to a variety of harmful environmental conditions such as
rain and snow. Further, because the fobs are handled many times a
day, they are exposed to natural wear caused by the repeated
activation of the fob's buttons and are also subject to damage when
dropped.
[0005] All too often, the remote control fob must be replaced
because it has been accidentally dropped or has been compromised by
water or other liquids. Unfortunately, little has been done to
provide protection for these expensive remote controls.
[0006] It is clear there is a need to adequately protect5 this
electronic apparatus from environmental as well as physical
damage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention provides a combination having an envelope of
pliable material enclosing a remote control. In the preferred
embodiment, the envelope is made of plastic, although in other
embodiments, other types of material are also used, including, but
not limited to: leather; water-proof woven fabrics, canvas, and
others which are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0008] The envelope has a front face and an opposing back face. A
first and a second edge are also provided by the envelope. The
first edge is open to allow the remote control to be inserted into
the envelope; this first opening is then sealed. Another opening
exists on the second edge.
[0009] The remote control apparatus has at least two activation
buttons. The remote control is electronic in nature and the
activation buttons are used to emit a signal (such as radio waves
or light based) which are received by the vehicle. These signals
communicate what activity the vehicle is to perform (i.e. open the
locks on the doors or sound the horn).
[0010] The remote control apparatus is the "fob".
[0011] The envelope of pliable material has a first opening across
a first side of said envelope which allows the remote control to be
inserted into the envelope. The envelope is snug but not too tight
enclosure for the remote control. This "snug" fitting arrangement
provides protection from physical damage to the remote control.
Wear of the remote control's buttons is all but eliminated.
[0012] Further, the envelope provides a cushioning affect should
the assembly be dropped. This cushioning affect is generated by the
envelope's own shape and the "snug" fit with the remote control so
that a little "give" is experienced as the assembly impacts a
surface.
[0013] The first opening is also provided with a sealing mechanism
which ideally provides a water-tight seal when the seal is engaged.
A variety of such seals are obvious to those of ordinary skill in
the art including a variety of seals used in plastic bags and the
like.
[0014] Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize a
variety of techniques for sealing this opening, including, but not
limited to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,898, entitled
"Ease of Closure Through Tactile/Optical Means" issued on Apr. 12,
2005, to Berich, et al. and incorporated hereinto by reference.
[0015] When the envelope is sealed, optimal protection is afforded
the remote control from the elements. Water is shed by the
envelope, thereby preventing moisture from corrupting the
electronics of the remote control.
[0016] A second opening on a second side of said envelope is
provided. This second opening is not sealable which permits any
trapped moisture within the envelope to vent. The second opening is
not overly large to provide optimal protection for the fob while it
is enclosed within the envelope.
[0017] This second opening also allows the keys associated with the
vehicle to be secured to the remote control apparatus via said
second opening of said envelope. In this manner, while the envelope
encloses and protects the electronic remote control, the keys are
available for use without undue effort on the part of the user.
[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the envelope is equipped
with a coating of light emitting material which highlights the
buttons on the remote control apparatus. This permits the user to
identify the location of the keys due to the "glow" from the
coating.
[0019] Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize a
variety of coating arrangements which can be used in this context,
including, but not limited to U.S. Pat. No. 6,864,103, entitled
"Phthalamide-Lanthanide Complexes for use as Luminescent Markers"
issued to Raymond et al. on Mar. 8, 2005; and U.S. Pat. No.
6,867,243, entitled "Light Emitting Polymer" issued to O'Neill et
al. on Mar. 15, 2005; both of which are incorporated hereinto by
reference.
[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the coating is applied
on the envelope only over the keys; in another embodiment of the
invention, the coating is applied to encircle the keys.
[0021] The invention, together with various embodiments thereof,
will be more fully explained by the accompanying drawings and the
following description thereof.
DRAWINGS IN BRIEF
[0022] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate the preferred embodiment of
the invention and its assembly.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a variety of shapes available for the
protective envelope.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the fastener used in
the preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate alternative embodiments wherein
the keys for the remote control are highlighted by a coating of
light emitting material on the envelope.
[0026] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate alternative embodiments in which
a flashlight is incorporated into the assembly.
DRAWINGS IN DETAIL
[0027] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate the preferred embodiment of
the invention and its assembly. Referencing FIG. 1A, the three
basic components for the assembly are: the remote control 10A, the
envelope 11A and the key 12A. Assembly of the combination involves
the placement of the remote control 10A within envelope 11A through
opening 16A as shown by arrows 13A. This insertion of remote
control 10A allows extension 15A to be accessible through opening
16B of envelope 11A.
[0028] Once so placed, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, opening 16A is
sealed, as illustrated by FIG. 14, to enclose remote control 10B
within envelope 11B. Extension 15B is exposed, allowing key 12B to
be secured thereto.
[0029] This completes the assembly and is shown in FIG. 1C where
remote control 10C is fully enclosed within envelope 11C with key
12 is secured to the remote control 10C.
[0030] In this manner, the assembly provides protection for the
electronic remote control and yet leaves the keys available for
easy use.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a variety of shapes available for the
protective envelope.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the shape of the envelope is
chosen to fit the particular needs of the remote control. The
objective is to find a shape which provides a snug fit but is still
loose enough to provide easy insertion of the remote control and
provide a "shock absorption" affect should the assembly be
dropped.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the fastener used in
the preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0034] In this embodiment, envelope 30 has an open end around which
seal 32A and 32B is placed. Seal 32A and 32B are configured to
engage one-another as illustrated by arrow 33 when operator 31
provides as squeezing force.
[0035] In this manner, the opening is made water resistant and
preferably is made water tight to protect the remote control (not
shown) which is contained within envelope 30.
[0036] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate alternative embodiments wherein
the keys for the remote control are highlighted by a coating of
light emitting material on the envelope.
[0037] Referencing FIG. 4A, envelope 40A has placed upon it
coatings 41A, 41B, and 41C. The locations are chosen for coatings
41A, 41B, and 41C to over-lay the buttons on the remote control
when the remote control is enclosed within envelope 40A.
[0038] Coatings 41A, 41B, and 41C are light emitting materials
which assist the user in locating the proper button on the remote
control when the user is in a dim environment.
[0039] FIG. 4B also shows an arrangement in which coating 42 is
placed on envelope 40B and is used to highlight all of the buttons
on the remote control when the remote control is placed within
envelope 40B.
[0040] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate alternative embodiments in which
a flashlight is incorporated into the assembly.
[0041] Referencing FIG. 5A, envelope 50A is configured to hold
remote control 54 as outlined above. In this embodiment, flashlight
51A is also contained within envelope 50A. While a flashlight is
illustrated in this embodiment, the invention is intended to
include any light emitting mechanism such as light emitting diodes
and the such.
[0042] Activation of flashlight 51A is via switch 52A. This
arrangement permits the user to activate flashlight 51A to provide
illumination of an area of interest.
[0043] Envelope 50B of FIG. 5B shows the remote control being
contained there in together with flashlight 51B secured to an
exterior portion of envelope 50B via attachment 53. Button 52B is
used to activate flashlight 51B.
[0044] It is clear the present invention provides for an efficient
apparatus which protects the remote control fob and that this
protection extends to both environmental as well as physical
damage.
* * * * *