Patent Application
20050155942
This invention generally relates to holders of electronic equipment control units and more particularly relates to a device for holding a plurality of consumer electronic remote control units such as television, VCR, DVD and stereo equipment and other equipment of this nature.
Manufactures of electronic equipment for home entertainment devices such as televisions, VCRs, etc., provide remote control units for their devices. Typically several pieces of equipment are used in conjunction with one another. Each device having its own remote control unit can presents several problems such as misplacement of the control unit. Consumers have used “universal remote controls” to help consolidate remote functions. However, “universal remote controls” usually do not incorporate all of the functionality of the manufacturers original remote control unit. In addition “universal remote controls” can make it more difficult on the user to perform certain functions usually due to one device attempting to control too many devices. Also, some equipment such as satellite systems require a special remote control. What is needed is a way to handle a plurality of the manufacturers original remote controls easily and in a combined controllable manner.
The present invention is directed towards an apparatus that meets the foregoing needs. The apparatus holds a plurality of remote control units supplied by the manufacturers of home entertainment or consumer electronics such as television, VCR, DVD, stereo and the like in close proximity to one another so the consumer may use them as one unit or one “large remote control”. It is adaptable to multiple remote control styles sizes and shapes. The apparatus provides a convenience for the consumer of ease of handling this “large remote control” via an upswept handle extending from the flat plate structure where the manufacturers remote control units are attached. This allows the consumer to easily remove or place the now one-piece device on a flat surface such as a coffee table, floor, couch etc. or leaned against the side of couch or coffee table. This shape also allows ease of use during operation of the remotes. The consumer can hold the apparatus on the lap using the handle with one hand and actuate the remote controls with the other hand. In addition this apparatus now keeps all the devices placed on one large object making it more difficult to misplace.
Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to the drawings there is illustrated in
In connection to the curved portion 20 extends a surface 17 some distance into a plane at some angle A1 to form a handle portion 13. An opening 15 may be created through the surface 17 to allow the fingers of a users hand to pass through the handle 13. This handle 13 in conjunction with the angle A1 can aid the user in the removal or placement of the apparatus to a resting surface 25. As well as ease of control during remote control use.
The remote control units may be attached to the surface 8 by many attachment methods such as two faced adhesive tape, straps or in this preferred embodiment hook and loop adhesive strips 22. In addition the attachment of more than one remote control unit to the surface 8 in conjunction with the handle portion 13 act together as one unit to form a multi-remote control apparatus.
One skilled in the art may make the apparatus 10 of many materials that may be formed to this shape and strong enough to hold a plurality of remote control units. Some materials include plastics such as Lexan (polycarbonate), Nylon, ABS, aluminum, fiberboard, carbon fiber lamination, wood etc. In this preferred embodiment an injection moldable polycarbonate may be used. If injection molding is used the bottom side 18 may be recessed or cored out as a way of both strengthening while saving material volume and weight.
The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.
