This invention relates to television or other electronic remote control devices which are used in hotels and hospitals. Specifically, it relates to the cover placed over the remote control device which reduces the spread of viruses and other pathogens by providing a barrier. They may be biodegradable and inexpensive to manufacture.
Historically, cleansers or spray cleaners were used to kill bacteria on handheld remote controls. They consist of sprays in a cannister (Veltman et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,969,698) or cloths with solution on them. Spraying a remote control daily, over time, may compromise its electronic function and cleaning agents on cloths may seep into controls, impairing function. While relying on the hotel or hospital housekeeping crew, the task of daily cleaning remote controls is easily overlooked. Furthermore, there is no way to prove the controls have been sanitized.
It is well known that door knobs, keyboards, pens, remote controls and any object used by the hotel guest may contain millions of germs. Pathogens thrive on smooth or moist surfaces and viruses may survive more than four days. From this exposure, travelers may become ill, often ruining their trip or cancelling their business engagements.
In hospitals, the presence of pathogens present more serious consequences and may actually result in the premature death of a patient. A patient can enter a hospital for a routine surgery, have a successful surgery and end up gravely ill due to contact with a pathogen found in the hospital room.
Surfaces having a higher population of pathogens include remote or handheld controls for television, bed adjustment, pain killer and sleep apnea. By using a disposable cover, contamination risk may be reduced or eliminated.
The present invention overcomes the damage to electronic remote devices from spray cleaners. Secondly, it affords the user confidence that the remote control they are using is sanitary as protected by this cover.
Due to this simple construct, an envelope type design is scored appropriately and able to be bound in booklets. The clear film window area allows the numbers and buttons to be easily viewed from the remote control. Small areas of adhesive facilitate adjustment for sizing depending on the dimensions of the remote control. For the hospital and medical equipment handheld controls, variations in design occur due to attachment of a cable.
Referring to
The constricted band 63 provides stability and adjustment while allowing the signal 21 to connect. The opening for a cable connection 44 is placed on the side.