US20050098456A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20050098456A1
Application number: US10/712,727
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Hodges
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-11-12
Filing date: 2003-11-12
Publication date: 2005-05-12

Abstract

A cover for use with a remote control device comprising a front member which exhibits a continuous flat surface and a rear member having a curved surface. The rear member is integrally formed with the front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for forming an enclosure. An orifice is formed in the curved surface of the rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. The rounded surfaces designed into the cover facilitate the closing of the orifice for enclosing the remote control device. The front member, rear member and rounded surfaces are each comprised of a flexible, stretchable and transparent material for conforming to the shape of the remote control device and for providing a sanitation barrier.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to sanitation covers. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for a disposable sanitation cover comprised of a flexible-elastic, transparent material for enclosing any of a plurality of shared electronic remote control devices for minimizing the transfer of bacteria and viruses from one user of the remote control device to another.

2. Background Art

Remote control devices are available in many different shapes and sizes. However, each includes an outer housing typically comprised of plastic and having, for example, a shape that can be rectangular, square, oblong or the like. Further, a typical remote control device includes a front surface and a rear surface where the front surface is characterized by a keypad exhibiting a plurality push buttons and the rear surface includes a compartment for housing a plurality of batteries. The interior of the outer housing includes a combination of electronic circuitry that generates the various radio frequency (RF) signals and/or infrared signals that are transmitted to the base or host appliance such as, for example, a television receiver. Thus, operation of select push buttons on the keypad located on the front surface of the remote control device generates a particular unique signal for causing the television receiver to perform a specific function such as, for example, change channels. The enclosed batteries are employed for providing electrical energy to power the electronic circuitry contained within the outer housing.

Protective coverings for electronic devices have been known in the past. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,252 to Mitchell teaches a protective covering for a handheld device comprising a resilient, water-impermeable bag having a continuous smooth upper surface. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,713 to Huffer teaches a transparent remote control flexible envelope having a rectangular shape and at least one closing web and gripper means for attaching the envelope to an armrest of a chair. U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,056 to Tzeng teaches a portable electronic device protective cover having a loop-like plastic peripheral strip, transparent top plastic panel, and a transparent bottom plastic panel. U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,535 to Mitchell discloses a protective covering for a cell phone or pager having a latex construction while U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,141 to Jalomo teaches a remote control cover comprised of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material for protecting the remote control from spills and water. U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,407 to Trujillo teaches a remote control cover having a transparent sheath construction for enabling the operation of a keypad housed within the sheath and for protection from dirt. Further, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,273,252 and 6,082,535 to Mitchell for a protective covering for a handheld device or a cell phone discloses a shrink wrap feature so that the protective covering fits all handheld devices or cell phones. U.S. Reissue Pat. No. 24,166 to Stiller (1956) teaches an elliptical, self-closing container having a slit on the top surface which functions as a change purse for carrying coins, keys and the like. Application of force to the two ends of the elliptical container causes the slit to open providing access to the interior of the container which is comprised of liquid plastic.

Notwithstanding, the prior art covers for remote control devices fail to teach a cover for a remote control device that comprises a material composition that is flexible, stretchable and transparent. These features would enable the cover to be stretched over a remote control device and further enable the keypad typically incorporated into the remote control housing to be operated while the cover is fitted thereon. Further, it would be desirable if the cover was a pouch-type cover exhibiting an integral unitary construction and available in a plurality of shapes wherein one size of the cover fits most remote control devices. Additionally, if the cover for a remote control device included an orifice, slit, opening, aperture or the like formed in the rear surface of the cover, such a construction would facilitate fitting the cover onto and off of the remote control device. This feature would conveniently enable the remote control device to be inserted into and removed from the cover. Additionally, if the cover was constructed to incorporate rounded corners, the orifice formed in the rear surface would close for substantially covering the remote control device once fitted thereon. In addition, such a cover would protect the remote control device from spills, dirt and grime, and protect persons from bacteria and viruses if cleaned or changed regularly, the cover being easily removed and disposable.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a cover for a remote control device that comprises a material composition that is flexible, stretchable and transparent that would enable the cover to be stretched over most remote control devices and still enable operation of the keypad, exhibit a pouch-type cover having an integral unitary construction available in a plurality of shapes wherein one size fits most remote control devices, include an orifice, slit, opening, or aperture formed in the rear surface of the cover to facilitate fitting the cover onto and off of the remote control device, incorporate rounded corners so that the orifice formed in the rear surface will close for substantially covering the remote control device once fitted thereon, protect the remote control device from spills, dirt and grime, and protect persons from bacteria and viruses if cleaned or changed regularly, and prevent the door of the battery compartment from being lost.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In general, the cover for remote control device comprises a sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure that includes a front member integrally formed with a rear member at a plurality of rounded surfaces. An orifice or opening is formed in the rear member of the cover for facilitating the insertion and removal of a remote control device. The front member typically exhibits a continuously flat surface. However, the shape of the rear member can vary depending upon the shape of the remote control device and thus, the inventive cover is necessarily available in several different shapes. The plurality of rounded surfaces that integrally join the front member with the rear member enable the flexible-elastic material from which the cover is fashioned to partially relax once the cover is fitted onto the remote control device. This relaxation of the flexible-elastic material enables the orifice to close upon itself ensuring that the cover substantially encloses the remote control device.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover for the remote control device in its most fundamental form comprises a front member which exhibits a generally continuous flat surface and a rear member having a curved surface. The rear member is integrally joined with the front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for forming an enclosure. An orifice is formed in the curved surface of the rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. The rounded surfaces designed into the cover facilitate the closing of the orifice for enclosing the remote control device. The front member, rear member and rounded surfaces are each comprised of a flexible, stretchable and transparent material for conforming to the shape of the remote control device and for providing a sanitation barrier.

In a first alternative embodiment, the cover for the remote control device comprises a front member which exhibits a generally continuous flat surface and a rear member having a converging surface. The converging surface comprises a first slanted surface and a second slanted surface. The rear member is integrally joined with the front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for forming an enclosure. An orifice is formed in the converging surface of the rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. The rounded surfaces designed into the cover facilitate the closing of the orifice for enclosing the remote control device. In a second alternative embodiment, the cover for the remote control device also comprises a front member having a generally continuous flat surface and a rear member having a rectangular surface. The rear member is also integrally joined with the front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for forming an enclosure. An orifice is formed in the rectangular surface of the rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. The rounded surfaces facilitate the closing of the orifice for enclosing the remote control device.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention, by way of example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cover for remote control device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a front flat surface with an orifice, formed in a rear curved surface, shown in phantom.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 1 showing the rear curved surface including the orifice formed therein.

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 1 showing the front flat surface on the bottom and the rear curved surface on the top of the view, a left side elevation being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 1 showing both the front flat surface on the bottom and the rear curved on the top of the view.

FIG. 5 is a rear planar view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 1 showing the orifice formed within the rear curved surface.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 1 shown mounted upon an oblong remote control device, a keypad of the remote control device being visible through the front flat surface of the cover.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 1 shown mounted upon an oblong remote control device, a rear surface of the remote control device being visible through the orifice formed in the rear curved surface of the cover.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 1 showing the cover being fitted over the oblong remote control device and illustrating the flexible-elastic and transparent nature of the cover, the keypad of the remote control device being visible through the cover.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the cover for remote control device of the present invention showing a front flat surface with an orifice, formed in a rear surface, shown in phantom.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 9 showing the rear surface of the cover with the orifice formed therein.

FIG. 11 is a right side elevation of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 10 showing a common edge of the front flat surface and the rear surface, a left side elevation being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 10 showing the front flat surface at the bottom of the view and the orifice formed in the rear surface at the top of the view.

FIG. 13 is a front planar view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 9 showing the front flat surface with the orifice, formed in the rear surface, shown in phantom.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the cover for remote control device of the present invention showing a front flat surface with an orifice, formed in a rear surface, shown in phantom.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 14 showing the rear surface of the cover with the orifice formed therein.

FIG. 16 is a left side elevation of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 14 showing a side connecting the front flat surface and the rear surface, a right side elevation being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 17 is an end view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 14 showing the front flat surface at the top of the view and the rear surface at the bottom of the view.

FIG. 18 is a rear plan view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 15 showing the orifice formed vertically in the rear surface thereof.

FIG. 19 is a rear plan view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 15 showing the orifice formed horizontally along the bottom of the rear surface thereof.

FIG. 20 is a rear plan view of the cover for remote control device ofFIG. 15 showing the orifice formed horizontally along the top of the rear surface thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is acover100 for use with aremote control device102 which provides a convenient, disposable cover for enclosing any of a plurality of electronic remote control devices typically utilized by a plurality of persons. Theremote control device102 can be utilized, for example, to control a television, stereo system, hospital bed or other manual electronic control apparatus.

Theinventive cover100 serves to minimize the transfer of bacteria and viruses between persons who contact theremote control device102 during use, and to protect theremote control device102 from dirt, spills, soil and grime. Thus, theinventive cover100 establishes a sanitation barrier to protect the users of and the electronic circuitry housed within theremote control device102. Theinventive cover100 is comprised of a flexible-elastic, transparent material that (a) quickly conforms to or adopts the shape of theremote control device102, and (b) facilitates the capture and release of theremote control device102 as it relates to thecover100. Although thecover100 of the present invention is disclosed herein for use with theremote control device102, it should be noted that the utility of thecover100 is not limited thereto. The present invention has applications to many other electronic devices including, but not limited to, portable telephone apparatus.

A preferred embodiment of thecover100 of the present invention will now be described in detail. Thecover100 is illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 while thecover100 in association with theremote control device102 is illustrated inFIGS. 6-8. Turning our attention toFIGS. 1-5, thecover100 comprises a sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure that includes afront member104 and arear member106 as is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Thefront member104 is integrally joined as by molding with therear member106 at a plurality ofrounded surfaces108 best shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 to provide thecover100 with an integral, unitary (i.e., one piece) construction. As is clearly shown inFIG. 1, thefront member104 exhibits a continuously flat surface which is functional as will be explained herein below. However, the shape of therear member106 can vary depending upon the shape of theremote control device102 for which thecover100 is intended to be used. In the preferred embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, therear member106 has a curved surface which exhibits an oblong dimension as is best shown inFIGS. 1, 3 and5. Therear member106 having the oblong dimension along the curved surface is integrally joined with thefront member104 having the continuously flat surface at the plurality ofrounded surfaces108. This construction forms the sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure illustrated inFIG. 2.

Anorifice110 is formed in the curved surface of therear member106 as is clearly shown inFIGS. 2, 5 and7. Theorifice110 provides an opening in therear member106 for enabling theremote control device102 to be inserted into and removed from thecover100. Theorifice110 as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2,5 and7 is a long narrow opening that has been determined to be the best orientation for thecover100 of the preferred embodiment. This determination is based upon an evaluation of several factors including the preferred construction material as will be discussed herein below. Further, theorifice110 is positioned parallel to the oblong dimension of the curved surface of the rear member106 (seeFIGS. 2 and 5) which has been determined to be the most convenient entry and exit point for theremote control device102. However, it should be pointed out that the shape and position of theorifice110 can be modified and theinventive cover100 will still function as intended. For example, theorifice110 could be an oval, slit, gap, or aperture and could be repositioned on therear member106 in, for example, a diagonal fashion. Further, theorifice110 could also be located in thefront member104 or in therounded surfaces108, if necessary, but would not operate as efficiently as disclosed in the preferred embodiment. Theorifice110 includes an edge orlip112 as is shown inFIGS. 5 and 7. It is noted that thelip112 of theorifice110 could be reinforced. However, through experimentation, it has been determined that thelip112 need not be reinforced in order to retain the shape of theorifice110.

Once theinventive cover100 is fitted over the remote control device102 (i.e., theremote control device102 is inserted into thecover100 through the orifice110), it is desirable that theorifice110 close as shown inFIG. 7. Under these conditions, theremote control device102 would be substantially enclosed by thecover100 and physical contact therewith would be minimized if not eliminated. Thecover100 including the plurality ofrounded surfaces108 is comprised of the flexible-elastic material. Therounded surfaces108 are the components of theinventive cover100 which enable thefront member104 to be integrally joined to therear member106. Once thecover100 is fitted over theremote control device102, therounded surfaces108 enable the flexible-elastic material to partially relax. This relaxation of the flexible-elastic material enables theorifice110 to close upon itself ensuring that thecover100 substantially encloses theremote control device102. Thus, therounded surfaces108 designed into thecover100 facilitate the closing of theorifice110 for enclosing theremote control device102. Therefore, an individual handling theinventive cover100 once fitted in position, is not likely to contact theremote control device102.

Thecover100 including thefront member104,rear member106 and plurality ofrounded surfaces108 exhibits an integral, unitary construction and can be comprised of, for example, a polyurethane compound but many other suitable materials are also available. The polyurethane compound has been selected as a preferred material since it readily conforms to the shape of theremote control device102, is flexible, elastic, and transparent, and is strong notwithstanding the present of theorifice108. Besides the polyurethane compound, thecover100 can also be comprised of, for example, latex, polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber, silicon, neoprene, or styrenic elastomer. Each of these alternative materials enumerated immediately above also is flexible, elastic, i.e., stretchable, and transparent and thus quickly adopts or conforms to the shape of theremote control device102. Thus, once fitted, thecover100 snugly fits over an outer housing114 (seeFIG. 8) of theremote control device102.

Remote control devices

102 are available in a variety of shapes and sizes depending upon the number of circuits housed therein and the physical layout of acontrol keypad116 incorporated therein. A typicalremote control device102, whether used for a television, stereo system, hospital bed control or other manual electronic control device, includes thecontrol keypad116 as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8. Manipulation of a plurality ofkeys118 mounted on thecontrol keypad116 facilitates the control of the specific electronic device with which theremote control device102 is intended to be used. The appearance of any particularremote control device102 can vary, i.e., for example, someremote control devices102 are rectangular while others are oblong- in shape. However, thecontrol keypad116 is typically planar in shape to facilitate its installation. Consequently, the utility of the continuously flat surface of thefront member104 of theinventive cover100 is that it enables thefront member104 to closely hug the surface of thecontrol keypad116. The selected material from which thecover100 is fashioned, i.e., the polyurethane compound in the preferred embodiment, is transparent in addition to being flexible, elastic and stretchable. Thus, once fitted onto theremote control device102, the transparent nature of theinventive cover100 facilitates unimpeded operation of the plurality ofkeys118 mounted on thecontrol keypad116. Therefore, the flat surface of thefront member104 and the transparent nature of theinventive cover100 assists the user in operating the plurality ofkeys118 located on thecontrol keypad116 as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8. Further, the appearance of theinventive cover100 when fitted upon theremote control device102 is determined by (a) the shape of theremote control device102, i.e., for example, square versus oblong, and (b) the material selected from which thecover100 is formed.

Theinventive cover100 for theremote control device102 serves several functions. Since theremote control device102 is typically shared between, i.e., handled, by several persons, thecover100 functions to prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses between individuals. Thus, in a quasi-public setting such as in a hotel or motel environment, thecover100 would normally be changed daily along with, for example, the bed sheets. Thus, theinventive cover100 is a disposable item (seeFIG. 8) that could be purchased in bulk by members of the hospitality industry. In a domestic setting, thecover100 could be cleaned regularly with a suitable disinfecting cleaner product. Thecover100 also serves to protect the electronic circuitry of theremote control device102 from dirt, soil, spills and grime. Thus, theinventive cover100 establishes a sanitation barrier to protect both the plurality of users of theremote control device102 and the electronic circuitry housed within theremote control device102. Additionally, theinventive cover100 also serves to prevent the loss of a battery compartment cover (not shown)mounted on theremote control device102 when thecover100 is fitted thereon.

A first alternative embodiment of the cover for use with a remote control device is shown inFIGS. 9-13 and is referred to by theidentification number200. Each of the components appearing in the firstalternative embodiment200 that correspond in structure and function to those components appearing in thepreferred embodiment100 is identified by the corresponding number of the200 series.

The components appearing in the first alternative embodiment of theinventive cover200 for use with a remote control device that correspond in structure and function to those components appearing in the preferred embodiment are set forth at this time. Those components include afront member204 having a continuously flat surface, arear member206, a plurality ofrounded surfaces208 employed to integrally join thefront member204 with therear member206, anorifice210 used for the insertion and removal of a remote control device into and from thecover200, an edge orlip212 of theorifice210, and atop end222 and abottom end224, each of theinventive cover200. Certain components included in the firstalternative embodiment200 are identical to those disclosed in the preferred embodiment and continue to be identified by their assigned numbers of the100 series as illustrated inFIGS. 6, 7 and8. Those components include aremote control device102 for controlling an electronic apparatus such as, for example, a television (not shown), anouter housing114 for enclosing electronic circuitry (not shown), acontrol keypad116 including a plurality ofkeys118 each for entering command data into theremote control device102, anupper end120 and alower end126, each of theremote control device102.

Many of the characteristic features of theinventive cover200 are the same as those disclosed in the preferred embodiment. For example, thecover200 exhibits an integral, unitary construction comprised of a flexible-elastic, stretchable and transparent material. Theorifice210 continues to be located on therear member206 for facilitating the fitting of thecover200 onto theremote control device102. The plurality ofrounded surfaces208, i.e., rounded corners, continue to enable the rear member206 (once fitted onto the remote control device102) to partially relax so that theorifice210 will close. Further, the primary function of theinventive cover200 continues to be to prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses between individuals using a commonremote control device102, and to protect the electronic circuitry of theremote control device102 from dirt, soil, spills and grime. Thus, as with the preferred embodiment, theinventive cover200 establishes a sanitation barrier to protect both the plurality of users of theremote control device102 and the electronic circuitry housed within theremote control device102. Additionally, theinventive cover200 also serves to prevent the loss of a battery compartment cover (not shown) mounted on theremote control device102 when thecover200 is fitted thereon.

Turning our attention toFIGS. 9-13, thecover200 comprises a sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure that includes thefront member204 and therear member206 as is shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. Thefront member204 is integrally joined as by molding with therear member206 at a plurality ofrounded surfaces208 best shown inFIG. 13 to provide thecover200 with an integral, unitary (i.e., one piece) construction. As is clearly shown inFIG. 9, thefront member204 exhibits a continuously flat surface which, as in the preferred embodiment, is functional in providing visual communication with theremote control device102. Thefront member204 also exhibits an oblong dimension as shown inFIG. 13. In the first alternative embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 9-13, therear member206 has a converging surface as is best shown inFIGS. 9, 10 and12. The converging surface of therear member206 includes a firstslanted surface230 and a secondslanted surface232 each of which converge into the lip or edge212 of theorifice210 as is clearly shown inFIGS. 9, 10 and12. Therear member206 having the converging surface (which comprises the firstslanted member230 and the second slanted member232) is integrally joined with thefront member204 having the continuously flat surface and oblong dimension at the plurality ofrounded surfaces208. In other words, the firstslanted surface230 and the secondslanted surface232 are each integrally joined with thefront member204 at the plurality ofrounded surfaces208 as is clearly illustrated inFIG. 12. This construction forms the sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure illustrated inFIG. 10.

Theorifice210 is formed in the converging surface of therear member206 and is bounded by the firstslanted surface230 and the secondslanted surface232 as is clearly shown inFIGS. 9, 10 and13. Theorifice210 provides an opening in therear member206 for enabling theremote control device102 to be inserted into and removed from thecover200. Theorifice210 as illustrated inFIG. 10 is a long narrow opening that has been determined to be the best orientation for thecover200. This determination is based upon an evaluation of several factors including the preferred construction material of a polyurethane compound. Further, theorifice210 is positioned parallel to the oblong dimension of the front member204 (seeFIG. 13) which has been determined to be the most convenient entry and exit point for theremote control device102. However, it should be pointed out that the shape and position of theorifice210 can be modified and theinventive cover200 will still function as intended. For example, theorifice210 could be an oval, slit, gap, or aperture and could be repositioned on therear member206 in, for example, a diagonal fashion. Further, theorifice210 could also be located in thefront member204 or in therounded surfaces208, if necessary, but would not operate as efficiently as disclosed herein. Theorifice210 also includes an edge orlip212 as is shown inFIG. 10. It is noted that thelip212 of theorifice210 could be reinforced. However, through experimentation, it has been determined that thelip212 need not be reinforced in order to retain the shape of theorifice210.

Once theinventive cover200 is fitted over the remote control device102 (i.e., theremote control device102 is inserted into thecover200 through the orifice210), it is desirable that theorifice210 close as shown inFIG. 10. Under these conditions, theremote control device102 would be substantially enclosed by thecover200 and physical contact therewith would be minimized if not eliminated. Thecover200 including the plurality ofrounded surfaces208 is comprised of the flexible-elastic material. Therounded surfaces208 are the components of theinventive cover200 which enable thefront member204 to be integrally joined to therear member206. Once thecover200 is fitted over theremote control device102, therounded surfaces208 enable the flexible-elastic material to partially relax. This relaxation of the flexible-elastic material enables theorifice210 to close upon itself ensuring that thecover200 substantially encloses theremote control device102. Thus, therounded surfaces208 designed into thecover200 facilitate the closing of theorifice210 for enclosing theremote control device102. Therefore, an individual handling theinventive cover200 once fitted in position, is not likely to contact theremote control device102.

As with the preferred embodiment, thecover200 including thefront member204,rear member206 and plurality ofrounded surfaces208 exhibits an integral, unitary construction and can be comprised of, for example, a polyurethane compound but many other suitable materials are also available. Besides the polyurethane compound, thecover100 can also be comprised of, for example, latex, polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber, silicon, neoprene, or styrenic elastomer. The selected material which can include any of those materials enumerated herein is flexible, elastic, i.e., stretchable, and transparent and thus quickly adopts or conforms to the shape of theremote control device102. Thus, once fitted, thecover200 snugly fits over the outer housing114 (seeFIG. 8) of theremote control device102.

The construction and operation of theremote control device102 is identical to that described with regard to the preferred embodiment. Consequently, the utility of the continuously flat surface of thefront member204 of theinventive cover200 is that it enables thefront member204 to closely hug the surface of thecontrol keypad116. The selected material from which thecover200 is fashioned, i.e., the polyurethane compound, is transparent in addition to being flexible, elastic and stretchable. Thus, once fitted onto theremote control device102, the transparent nature of theinventive cover200 facilitates unimpeded operation of the plurality ofkeys118 mounted on thecontrol keypad116. Therefore, the flat surface of thefront member204 and the transparent nature of theinventive cover200 assists the user in operating the plurality ofkeys118 located on thecontrol keypad116 as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8. Further, the appearance of theinventive cover200 when fitted upon theremote control device102 is determined by (a) the shape of theremote control device102, i.e., for example, square versus oblong, and (b) the material selected from which thecover200 is formed. Finally, the procedure for inserting theremote control device102 into and withdrawing it from thecover200 is duplicate to that described with regard to the preferred embodiment.

A second alternative embodiment of the cover for use with a remote control device is shown inFIGS. 14-20 and is referred to by theidentification number300. Each of the components appearing in the secondalternative embodiment300 that correspond in structure and function to those components appearing in thepreferred embodiment100 is identified by the corresponding number of the300 series.

The components appearing in the second alternative embodiment of theinventive cover300 for use with a remote control device that correspond in structure and function to those components appearing in thepreferred embodiment100 and the firstalternative embodiment200 are set forth at this time. Those components include afront member304 having a continuously flat surface, arear member306, a plurality ofrounded surfaces308, i.e., radiused round edges, employed to integrally join thefront member304 with therear member306, anorifice310 used for the insertion and removal of a remote control device into and from thecover300, an edge orlip312 of theorifice310, and atop end322 and abottom end324, each of theinventive cover300. Certain components included in the secondalternative embodiment300 are identical to those disclosed in the preferred embodiment and continue to be identified by their assigned numbers of the100 series as illustrated inFIGS. 6, 7 and8. Those components include aremote control device102, anouter housing114, acontrol keypad116 including a plurality ofkeys118, anupper end120 and alower end126, each of theremote control device102.

Many of the characteristic features of theinventive cover300 are the same as those disclosed in the preferred embodiment. For example, thecover300 exhibits an integral, unitary construction comprised of a flexible-elastic, stretchable and transparent material. Theorifice310 continues to be located on therear member306 for facilitating the fitting of thecover300 onto theremote control device102. The plurality ofrounded surfaces308, i.e., radiused round edges, continue to enable the rear member306 (once fitted onto the remote control device102) to partially relax so that theorifice310 will close. Further, the primary function of theinventive cover300 continues to be to prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses between individuals using a commonremote control device102, and to protect the electronic circuitry of theremote control device102 from dirt, soil, spills and grime. Thus, as with the preferred embodiment, theinventive cover300 establishes a sanitation barrier to protect both the plurality of users of theremote control device102 and the electronic circuitry housed within theremote control device102. Additionally, theinventive cover300 also serves to prevent the loss of a battery compartment cover (not shown) mounted on theremote control device102 when thecover300 is fitted thereon.

Turning our attention toFIGS. 14-20, thecover300 comprises a sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure that includes thefront member304 and therear member306 as is shown inFIGS. 14 and 15. Thefront member304 is integrally joined as by molding with therear member306 at the plurality ofrounded surfaces308, i.e., radiused round edges, best shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 to provide thecover300 with an integral, unitary (i.e., one piece) construction. As is clearly shown inFIG. 14, thefront member304 exhibits a continuously flat surface which, as in the preferred embodiment, is functional in providing visual communication with theremote control device102. In the second alternative embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 14-20, therear member306 has a rectangular surface which is also substantially flat as is best shown inFIGS. 15 and 18. Therear member306 having the rectangular surface which is substantially flat, i.e., a substantially flat rectangular surface, is integrally joined with thefront member304 having the continuously flat surface at the plurality ofrounded surfaces308, i.e., radiused round edges. This construction forms the sheath-like or pouch-like enclosure illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15.

Theorifice310 is formed in the flat rectangular surface of therear member306 as is clearly shown inFIGS. 14, 15 and18. Theorifice310 provides an opening in therear member306 for enabling theremote control device102 to be inserted into and removed from thecover300. Theorifice310 as illustrated best inFIGS. 15 and 18 is a long narrow opening or oval that has been determined to be the best orientation for thecover300. This determination is based upon an evaluation of several factors including the preferred construction material of a polyurethane compound. It is noted that the rectangular surface of therear member306 includes along dimension334 and ashort dimension336 as is shown inFIGS. 18, 19 and20. In the illustration ofFIG. 18, theorifice310 is positioned parallel to thelong dimension334 of therear member306 which has been determined to be the most convenient entry and exit point for theremote control device102. However, it should be pointed out that the shape and position of theorifice310 can be modified and theinventive cover300 will still function as intended. For example, theorifice310 could be a slit, gap, or aperture and could be repositioned on therear member306. For example, theorifice310 can be a narrow opening or oval positioned parallel to theshort dimension336 in either thebottom end324 of the rear member306 (seeFIG. 19) or thetop end322 of the rear member306 (seeFIG. 20). Further, theorifice310 could also be located in thefront member304 or in therounded surfaces308, if necessary, but would not operate as efficiently as disclosed herein. Theorifice310 also includes an edge orlip312 as is shown inFIGS. 15 and 18. It is noted that thelip312 of theorifice310 could be reinforced. However, through experimentation, it has been determined that thelip312 need not be reinforced in order to retain the shape of theorifice310.

Once theinventive cover300 is fitted over the remote control device102 (i.e., theremote control device102 is inserted into thecover300 through the orifice310), it is desirable that theorifice310 close as shown inFIG. 15. Under these conditions, theremote control device102 would be substantially enclosed by thecover300 and physical contact therewith would be minimized if not eliminated. Thecover300 including the plurality ofrounded surfaces308, i.e., radiused round edges, is comprised of the flexible-elastic material. Therounded surfaces308 are the components of theinventive cover300 which enable thefront member304 to be integrally joined to therear member306. Once thecover300 is fitted over theremote control device102, therounded surfaces308 enable the flexible-elastic material to partially relax. This relaxation of the flexible-elastic material enables theorifice310 to close upon itself ensuring that thecover300 substantially encloses theremote control device102. Thus, therounded surfaces308 designed into thecover300 facilitate the closing of theorifice310 for enclosing theremote control device102. Therefore, an individual handling theinventive cover300, once fitted in position, is not likely to contact theremote control device102.

As with the preferred embodiment, thecover300 including thefront member304,rear member306 and plurality ofrounded surfaces308 exhibits an integral, unitary construction and can be comprised of, for example, a polyurethane compound but many other suitable materials are also available. Besides the polyurethane compound, thecover100 can also be comprised of, for example, latex, polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber, silicon, neoprene, or styrenic elastomer. The selected material which can include any of those materials enumerated herein is flexible, elastic, i.e., stretchable, and transparent and thus quickly adopts or conforms to the shape of theremote control device102. Thus, once fitted, thecover300 snugly fits over the outer housing114 (seeFIG. 8) of theremote control device102.

The construction and operation of theremote control device102 is identical to that described with regard to the preferred embodiment. Consequently, the utility of the continuously flat surface of thefront member304 of theinventive cover300 is that it enables thefront member304 to closely hug the surface of thecontrol keypad116 of theremote control device102. The selected material from which thecover300 is fashioned, i.e., the polyurethane compound, is transparent in addition to being flexible, elastic and stretchable. Thus, once fitted onto theremote control device102, the transparent nature of theinventive cover300 facilitates unimpeded operation of the plurality ofkeys118 mounted on thecontrol keypad116. Therefore, the flat surface of thefront member304 and the transparent nature of theinventive cover300 assists the user in operating the plurality ofkeys118 located on thecontrol keypad116 as shown inFIGS. 6 and 8. Further, the appearance of theinventive cover300 when fitted upon the remote control device102 (as with thepreferred embodiment100 and the first alternative embodiment200) is determined by (a) the shape of theremote control device102, i.e., for example, square versus oblong, and (b) the material selected from which thecover300 is formed. Finally, the procedure for inserting theremote control device102 into and withdrawing it from thecover300 is duplicate to that described with regard to the preferred embodiment.

While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.

It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly,

Claims

1. A cover for use with a remote control device comprising:

a front member having a continuously flat surface;

a rear member integrally formed with said front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form an enclosure;

an orifice formed in said rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed from said enclosure, said rounded surfaces enabling said orifice to close for enclosing said remote control device; and

wherein said front member, said rear member and said rounded surfaces being comprised of a flexible, stretchable and transparent material for conforming to the shape of said remote control device and for providing a sanitation barrier.

2. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of a polyurethane compound.

3. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of latex.

4. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of polyvinyl chloride.

5. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of nitrile rubber.

6. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of silicon.

7. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of neoprene.

8. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of styrenic elastomer.

9. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein said cover is disposable.

10. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein said front member, said rear member and said rounded surfaces comprise a unitary construction.

11. A cover for use with a remote control device comprising:

a front member having a continuously flat surface;

a rear member having a curved surface and integrally formed with said front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form an enclosure;

an orifice formed in said curved surface of said rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed from said enclosure, said rounded surfaces enabling said orifice to close for enclosing said remote control device; and

12. The cover ofclaim 11 wherein said rear member includes an oblong dimension and said orifice is formed parallel to said oblong dimension in said rear member.

13. A cover for use with a remote control device comprising:

a front member having a continuously flat surface;

a rear member having a converging surface including a first slanted surface and a second slanted surface, said rear member integrally formed with said front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form an enclosure;

an orifice formed in said converging surface of said rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed from said enclosure, said rounded surfaces enabling said orifice to close for enclosing said remote control device; and

14. The cover ofclaim 13 wherein said rear member includes an oblong dimension and said orifice is formed parallel to said oblong dimension in said rear member.

15. A cover for use with a remote control device comprising:

a front member having a continuously flat surface;

a rear member having a flat rectangular surface and integrally formed with said front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form an enclosure;

an orifice formed in said rectangular surface of said rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed from said enclosure, said rounded surfaces enabling said orifice to close for enclosing said remote control device; and

16. The cover ofclaim 15 wherein said flat rectangular surface of said rear member includes a long dimension and said orifice is formed parallel to said long dimension.

17. The cover ofclaim 15 wherein said flat rectangular surface of said rear member includes a short dimension and said orifice is formed parallel to said short dimension.