U.S. patent application number 13/431487 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-01 for television remote control protective skin.
Invention is credited to Christopher Rice.
Application Number | 20120273375 13/431487 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47067073 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120273375 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rice; Christopher |
November 1, 2012 |
Television Remote Control Protective Skin
Abstract
Disclosed is a protective outer skin covering for a television
remote that comprises a forming-fitting Flex-Gel or silicon
material adapted to provide shock protection in the event the
remote is dropped or thrown. The covering is a unitary form that is
adapted to snugly secure a remote control device, wherein the
covering is a generally hollow structure having sidewalls, a
backing surface and an inwardly facing lip that retains the remote
within the hollow interior. The Flex-Gel material is one that can
provide shock resistance, provide a relatively rigid outer shell
while being malleable enough to insert the remote within the
hollow, wherein the lip prevents dislodgment. An open area interior
of the lip allows unobstructed access to the remote buttons and
control surface. The interior of the hollow may further include
expansion material to accommodate differing sized remote geometries
within a single cover form.
Inventors: |
Rice; Christopher;
(Cottonwood, CA) |
Family ID: |
47067073 |
Appl. No.: |
13/431487 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61480739 |
Apr 29, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 9/0242 20130101;
H04B 1/3888 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/38 20060101
B65D085/38 |
Claims
1) A television remote protective skin, comprising: an elongated
structure having a hollow interior volume defined by a backside
surface, said backside surface periphery forming into upstanding
sidewalls, and an inwardly facing lip about a peripheral upstanding
edge of said sidewalls; said interior volume adapted to fit a
television remote device therein; said elongated structure further
comprising a remote access aperture and a forward aperture, said
remote access aperture provided along said elongated structure
opposing said backside surface and forming an open area bounded by
said inwardly facing lip that provides access to said television
remote uppermost control surface buttons, said forward aperture
positioned along a sidewalls to allow said remote outgoing sensor
to relay outgoing wireless signals; said inwardly facing lip being
adapted to bear against said remote uppermost control surface to
secure said remote within said structure interior volume; said
structure being of unitary construction and of Flex-Gel
material.
2) The device of claim 1, wherein said skin interior volume adapted
to conform to said remote exterior shape to prevent relative
movement therebetween.
3) The device of claim 1, wherein said skin interior volume further
comprising an expanding material adapted to expand and form a
conformal shape about said remote exterior shape to prevent
relative movement therebetween.
4) The device of claim 3, wherein said expanding material expands
once and into a hardened, permanent shape after fitment of said
remote.
5) The device of claim 1, wherein said skin exterior surface
comprises a personalized ornamentation thereon.
6) A television remote protective skin, comprising: an elongated
structure having a hollow interior volume defined by a backside
surface, said backside surface periphery forming into upstanding
sidewalls, and an inwardly facing lip about a peripheral upstanding
edge of said sidewalls; said interior volume adapted to fit a
television remote device therein; said elongated structure further
comprising a remote access aperture and a forward aperture, said
remote access aperture provided along said elongated structure
opposing said backside surface and forming an open area bounded by
said inwardly facing lip that provides access to said television
remote uppermost control surface buttons, said forward aperture
positioned along a sidewalls to allow said remote outgoing sensor
to relay outgoing wireless signals; said inwardly facing lip being
adapted to bear against said remote uppermost control surface to
secure said remote within said structure interior volume; said
structure being of unitary construction and of high stiffness
silicone material.
7) The device of claim 6, wherein said skin interior volume adapted
to conform to said remote exterior shape to prevent relative
movement therebetween.
8) The device of claim 6, wherein said skin interior volume further
comprising an expanding material adapted to expand and form a
conformal shape about said remote exterior shape to prevent
relative movement therebetween.
9) The device of claim 8, wherein said expanding material expands
once and into a hardened, permanent shape after fitment of said
remote.
9) The device of claim 6, wherein said skin exterior surface
comprises a personalized ornamentation thereon.
10) A television remote protective skin, comprising: an elongated
structure having a hollow interior volume defined by a backside
surface, said backside surface periphery forming into upstanding
sidewalls, and an inwardly facing lip about a peripheral upstanding
edge of said sidewalls; said interior volume adapted to fit a
television remote device therein; said elongated structure further
comprising a remote access aperture and a forward aperture, said
remote access aperture provided along said elongated structure
opposing said backside surface and forming an open area bounded by
said inwardly facing lip that provides access to said television
remote uppermost control surface buttons, said forward aperture
positioned along a sidewalls to allow said remote outgoing sensor
to relay outgoing wireless signals; said inwardly facing lip being
adapted to bear against said remote uppermost control surface to
secure said remote within said structure interior volume; said
structure being of unitary construction and of high stiffness,
shell material that is capable of impact load distribution but
provide inherent malleability to allow said lip to deform upon
placement of said remote into said interior volume.
11) The device of claim 10, wherein said skin interior volume
adapted to conform to said remote exterior shape to prevent
relative movement therebetween.
12) The device of claim 10, wherein said skin interior volume
further comprising an expanding material adapted to expand and form
a conformal shape about said remote exterior shape to prevent
relative movement therebetween.
13) The device of claim 12, wherein said expanding material expands
once and into a hardened, permanent shape after fitment of said
remote.
14) The device of claim 10, wherein said skin exterior surface
comprises a personalized ornamentation thereon.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/480,739 filed on Apr. 29, 2011, entitled
"Silicone Skin or Flex Gel for TV Remotes."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to electronic remote controls
and protective covers therefor. More specifically, the present
invention pertains to a protective skin that conforms to and
surrounds a television or similar electronic remote control,
wherein the remote is protected by a hard outer coating made of
silicone or Flex-Gel material that prevents damage if dropped or
chewed on by domestic pets.
[0004] Remote control units (RCUs), or simply remote controls, are
devices utilized to control an electronic device from a stand-off
distance and without physically interacting with the electronic
device to impart an operation. Devices of this type are popular for
televisions, wherein channels, volume and other operations can be
controlled without requiring the user to stand up and physically
operate the television control interface. Devices of this type are
battery operated, electrical devices that wirelessly interact with
a television, generally utilizing infrared or radio frequency
transmission of information from the remote control outgoing
interface to the receiving interface of the television. The
problems facing television remotes, specifically, is there
consistent use and tendency to be subjected to impact loads over a
prolonged period. Users carelessly drop, throw or toss remotes,
which can lead to damage to the television casing and its internal
hardware. Further, the environment for a television remote may
include food products and liquids that could stain or damage the
television remote, impairing or ceasing operation thereof.
[0005] The present invention pertains to a protective, form-fitting
skin that surrounds a television remote, providing impact
absorption and a means to prevent liquids from contacting a
majority of the remote surface. The present invention is comprised
of a Flex-Gel or silicon material, which closely hugs the profile
of the remote, while providing a means to distribute impact loads
around the exterior case and reduce loads on the remote interior
hardware. Also contemplated is an expandable interior structure for
accommodating smaller remotes in a larger cover structure. The
present invention provides a form-fitting structure that has a hard
exterior structure, yet is pliable enough to secure the remote
within its hollow interior. The use of Flex-Gel is of particular
importance, as the qualities of this material are ideally suited
for the utility of the present invention.
[0006] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0007] Devices and covers of similar nature have been disclosed in
the prior art, which relate to protective coverings for various
electronic devices. These devices have familiar design elements for
the purposes of protecting and shrouding an electronic device outer
surface. However, these devices fail to disclose a form-fitting,
Flex-Gel skin covering having an interior space and a flexible
securement lip to allow placement of the remote into the cover, and
for securement therein after placement. The devices deemed most
relevant to the present disclosure are listed herein.
[0008] Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,256 to Meliconi discloses
a shockproof, protective sheath for a television remote control.
The device comprises a hollow container adapted to fit a television
remote that substantially matches to provide of the remote, wherein
two openings are provided: the first opening providing access to
the remote control buttons, and the second opening providing access
for the passage of the control pulses. The control button window is
covered by a transparent window that is molded into a plurality of
sockets, such that the buttons are substantially cover the remote
and provide access to respective control buttons. The Meliconi
device includes a transparent window that may otherwise interfere
with the normal operation of the remote, while its structure is one
that envelopes the entire remote in the form of a protective case.
The present invention is related to a cover that is more akin to a
skin, or additional protective layer that wraps around the
underside of the remote and leaves the operating buttons uncovered.
The present invention utilizes flexible, yet durable and impact
resistant material in its construction, wherein an inwardly facing
retaining lip prevents the remote from easily becoming dislodged
upon impact, while still facilitating ease of application and
insertion of the remote into the skin.
[0009] U.S. Published Patent Application Publication No.
2003/0127345 to Zuleta describes a protective cover for a remote
control device, comprising a thin, flexible main cover forming a
folded, elongated and U-shaped configuration. Interconnected with
the U-shape is a pair of flexible, expandable side panels. The
cover further comprises a transparent top and front through which
the remote buttons and emitter are visible and operable. The
U-shaped cover is utilized to house a remote, whereafter a hook and
loop fastened flap closes the open end of the cover for complete
protection about the remote. The Zuleta disclosure is adapted to
providing a loose-fitting, zippered pouch in which a television
remote is stored. It does not provide the closely-fitted, formed
skin in which impact absorption and distribution is facilitated.
The present invention is adapted to provide a skin that `snaps`
onto the exterior of the remote, rather than a zippered pouch
design.
[0010] U.S. Published Patent Application Publication No.
2006/0227031 to Benbow discloses a cover adapted to protect a
remote control device from impact damage, wherein the cover
directly or indirectly engages on or more remote keys. The cover is
particularly suited for remote control key fob devices, wherein the
bridge section of the device that engages the key chain is covered.
The Benbow device is particularly suited for vehicular key fobs,
which are generally attached to a set of keys via a key ring. The
cover of Benbow is adapted to engage the key ring and maintain the
position of the protective cover about the fob. Its structure and
intent differs from the spirit of the present invention, which is
related to form-fitted television remote skins having a particular
material and construction.
[0011] The present invention provides an outer skin or protective
layer that is easily snapped against a television remote and secure
via the shape of the interior volume and the inwardly facing lip
provided at the periphery opening. The structure and form of the
present invention substantially diverge in design elements from the
prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the
art for an improvement to existing devices. In this regard the
instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of television remote skins now present in the prior art, the
present invention provides a new protective outer covering wherein
the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user
when protecting a television remote device from impact damage and
preventing liquid contact therewith about a majority of its outer
surface.
[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved television remote skin that has all of
the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
form-fitting attachment skin to a television remote device that
forms to the contour of the remote's backing and sidewall surfaces,
distributing impact loads and preventing liquids from contacting a
majority of the remote's outer surface.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
television remote skin having an inwardly facing lip to retain the
remote device within the skin interior volume, while providing the
structure of the skin in such a way as to provide protection and
inherent malleability to easily deploy the skin or release the
remote.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
television remote skin being comprised of a Flex-Gel or silicon
material that contours to the remote outer surface.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
remote skin with an interior expanding region to compensate for
differing remote geometries within a larger protective skin.
[0018] A final object of the present invention is to contemplate a
television remote skin that provides protection for a universal
remote, and is sold in proximity to universal remotes within a
given store or purchase area, such that the skin is formed to fit
the standard universal remotes commonly available in the
marketplace.
[0019] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows an overhead perspective view of the present
remote skin.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows another overhead perspective view of the
present remote skin and a television remote being placed
therein.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows an overhead perspective view of the present
remote skin and remote in a working and deployed state.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a frontal perspective view of the present
remote skin and remote, highlighting the forward aperture.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a rear perspective view of the present remote
skin, wherein a symbols or indicia may further be placed for adding
ornamental features and personalization.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like
or similar elements of the television remote skin. For the purposes
of presenting a brief and clear description of the present
invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for
providing a protective skin or outer covering that is form-fitted
to a remote outer surface. The figures are intended for
representative purposes only and should not be considered to be
limiting in any respect.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an overhead
perspective view of the present invention, wherein a formed remote
skin is provided. The skin 11 comprises an elongated structure
having an interior volume 12, a backside surface 13, upstanding
sidewalls 14 and an inwardly facing lip structure 15. The backside
surface 13 and sidewalls 14 are adapted to conform or contour
closely to the exterior geometry of a given universal television
remote. The backside surface 13 provides protection against impact
damage and liquid penetration through the backside area of the
remote, and further prevents the batteries from becoming dislodged.
The sidewall surface 14 surrounds the periphery of the remote,
while the entire assembly is secured via an inwardly facing lip 15
that retains the remote within the interior volume 12, while still
allowing easy deployment of the skin 11 in the form of `snapping`
the skin against the exterior thereof. The lip 15 is adapted to
firmly secure the remote within the skin, such that the skin does
not move relative to the remote while deployed, but also allows the
skin to be relatively easy to remove if desired by a user.
[0028] A first and second aperture are provided along the body of
the skin and along its forward face. The first aperture provides
clearance and access to the remote control buttons, which are
generally upward facing. This aperture prevents any interference
with the normal operation of the remote, while the form-fitting
nature of the skin allows the assembly to remain comfortably held
by the user with minimal operational changes. The forward aperture
16 provides an opening in the skin sidewalls 15 such that the
remote control outgoing sensor can relay information wirelessly to
the given television. This allows an infrared or radio signal to be
directly transmitted through the skin and from the remote such that
its operation is not altered or hindered.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an overhead
perspective of the present remote skin 11 being joined with a
universal remote 17 such that the skin surrounds and protects the
remote, while still allow unobtrusive and unchanged operation
thereof. Universal remotes 17 are generally elongated devices
having an uppermost control surface 19 where a plurality of input
buttons 18 are provided thereon for interacting with a linked
television. Commands such as channel selection, volume, television
input and more recently, web surfing control are provided thereon
and through the use of a plurality of different buttons 18. The
present skin 11 is adapted to conform to the sidewalls and rear
surface of the remote, snapping thereagainst to provide a shield
that distributes impact forces and provides an environmental
barrier that prevents water damage against the remote's internal
hardware. The construction of the present skin 11 is a unitary
structure that is formed having an interior volume 12 surrounded by
a backside surface and upstanding sidewalls, wherein an inward lip
15 on the peripheral edge of the upstanding sidewalls provides
securement of the remote therewithin. The first aperture of the
skin 11 allows clearance for the remote's uppermost control surface
19, while the lip 15 slightly overhangs the control surface 19 to
secure the assembly together.
[0030] The unitary construction and material of the present skin
provides improved shock resistance and distribution of impact loads
if the assembly is dropped, thrown or otherwise collided with
another object. The skin is formed of a singular shape such that
loads are transmitted through the skin, which acts as a shell
around the remote to protect its interior hardware. The desired
material is one of Flex-Gel or high stiffness silicone, wherein the
material acts as a shell while having inherent flexibility to be
easily deployed or removed from the remote as desired. These
materials also exhibit some elasticity under load, which further
reduces impact loads, wherein the energy of the impact is
transformed into the skin deformation rather than loads on the
remote internal hardware, including batteries and circuit
board.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown two views of
the present television remote skin in a working state and attached
to a standard, universal television remote. The skin is a conformal
shape that provides a snug shell about the periphery and backside
surface of the remote while deployed. The first aperture allows the
remote control buttons 18 to be readily displayed and operated as
in normal operation of the remote without the attached skin 11. Two
embodiments are contemplated for the present invention. The first
embodiment includes a form-fitted skin in which that shape of a
television remote is snugly surrounded, wherein the shape of the
skin is particular to a specific style and shape remote. This
requires an interior volume that hugs the sidewalls and backside
surface of the remote, while the lip 15 retains the remote within
the skin interior. The second, alternate embodiment contemplates
the use of an expanding material interior to the skin that conforms
to the shape of the remote once attached. This allows the skin 11
to be enlarged to fit a number of different remote geometries and
be more universal across remote brands. The inward lip 15 is fitted
over the uppermost control surface of the remote to retain the
remote as in the first embodiment; however the sidewalls and
interior surfaces of the skin can be less form-fitting. In place of
the form-fitted sidewall is an expanding material, such as foam or
chemically setting material that can be utilized to bridge any gaps
between the remote and the inner walls of the skin interior volume.
This embodiment is slightly larger than the first embodiment,
wherein gaps or changes in contour of the remote are accounted for
within the interior of the skin, rather than the skin itself being
of conformal exterior shape.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a rear-side
perspective view of the present remote skin device of the present
invention, wherein the backside surface 13 is provided with an
ornamental design 20 or indicia for personalization purposes. The
backside surface 13 is one that is flat or devoid of apertures,
such that decoration or personalization in the way of sports team
logos, brand names or messages may be placed thereon to meet
particular user's preferences. This enhances the appeal of the
skin, beyond its functional utility, wherein a sports team logo
skin may be purchased and gifted to an avid sports fan, or any
similar situation in which personalization may further the
decorative appeal of the present remote skin. It is not desired to
limit the present invention to a defined set of logos or
ornamentations, but rather it is desired to disclose a location
along the present device that is well adapted for such a
purpose.
[0033] In use, the present skin is purchased alongside or for a
universal remote as a matching pair, wherein the skin is formed to
fit that specific style and sized remote controller device.
Batteries are placed within the remote, and the remote is then
fitted within the interior volume of the skin such that the inward
lip snaps into place, locking the two devices together. The skin
protects against impact damage, food particle interaction and
prevents liquids from entering the battery compartment or entering
a seam along a majority of the exterior surface of the remote. For
the alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that the skin is
purchased after the remote has been purchased, wherein the
particular skin for that remote is unknown or unavailable. The skin
interior sidewalls provide an expanding material that either
hardens or is sufficiently stiff such that the remote can be
snapped into the interior of the skin, whereafter the expanding
material conforms to the shape or exterior geometry of the remote
for secure fitment. The expanding material may be a stiff foam or
expanding foam that forms a hardened, contoured shape after fitment
of the remote. This ensures the skin is securely fastened to the
remote, preventing the remote from moving relative to the skin
while secured therein. This prevents unwanted secondary impacts if
the assembly is dropped, which would otherwise reduce the impact
protection effectiveness of the present skin shell.
[0034] In light of the given prior art and the present disclosure,
it is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and
described in what is considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures
may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious
modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With
respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that
the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the present invention.
[0035] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *