I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a unit for organizing a plurality of remote control devices used for operating electronic entertainment systems, and more particularly to a rotatable unit for holding a plurality of remote control devices.
II. Description of the Prior Art
Remote control units have proliferated in correspondence with the popularity and affordability of home entertainment units. Each component of a home entertainment system comes with its own remote control unit, which adds to the clutter in family rooms across the country. One solution to the problem of remote control proliferation is the use of the so-called “universal remote” unit. The problem with a universal remote control unit is that they are often difficult to program and use. An additional problem is that universal remote control units are expensive.
An alternative to the universal remote is the use of remote control holders such as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,528. The '528 patent teaches a platform that is pivotally attached to a bracket coupled to a piece of furniture. The problem with the invention described in '528 patent is that the holder can only hold one remote at a time. Moreover, the device is not discrete and calls a great deal of attention to itself.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,516 teaches a portable hand-held apparatus which holds a plurality of electronic remote control devices. The apparatus disclosed in the '516 patent uses an elongated strap member and a plurality of separate, individual sheet members. Each sheet is mated with the strap and the backside of each remote control unit is adhered to one of the sheets. The principle drawback of the apparatus of the '516 patent is that it is bulky and difficult to access different remote control units.
Certainly numerous examples of remote control holders are known in the prior art. While these inventions are useful insofar as they are suitable for their specific individual purposes, these devices do not share the advantages of the present invention as hereinafter described.
It is a primary object of this invention is to provide an ergonomic way to control a plurality of remote control units.
A further object of this invention is to provide a convenient way of storing a plurality of remote control units.
An additional object of this invention is to provide quick access to one of a plurality of remote control units.
Another object of this invention is to provide a storage unit for a plurality of remote controls which ensures that the remote control units are facing the device which they are associated with.
The present invention includes a mounting base adapted to rest on the arm of an easy chair, couch or the like. A bracket extends from the mounting base. The bracket has a first end coupled to the mounting base, a second end and a mid-portion extending between the first end and the second end of the bracket. A bore is disposed in the middle portion of the bracket. A dowel pin extends from the bore at an angle from the mounting brace. A cylinder or barrel is disposed on an end of the dowel pin. A plurality of remotes are adhered around the circumference of the barrel. A wrist rest extends from the second end of the bracket. The wrist rest has a stem extending from the bracket to a curved platform for resting one's wrist while using a remote affixed to the barrel. When the barrel is rotated to align a remote with the curved platform, the user can place his wrist on the curved platform and manipulate the buttons on the remote control unit. The user can rotate the barrel to switch between different remotes.
The foregoing features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, especially when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals in the several views refer to corresponding parts.
As shown in
Organizing device 10 also has a wrist rest 54. Wrist rest 54, as shown in
Mounting base 20 is a second concave plate 66 which is designed to fit over an arm rest of a couch or an easy chair. Concave plate 66 has a top surface 68 and a bottom surface 70, wherein when bottom surface 70 closely overlays the arm rest of a chair, organizing device 10 is balanced and ready for use. As shown in
Obviously, many modifications can be made to the present invention and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/930,489 filed on May 16, 2007, the benefits of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60930489 | May 2007 | US |