Patent Publication Number: US-10782013-B1

Title: Remote control case

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a remote control case. More particularly, the invention relates to a case for storing a remote control, wherein the case includes an open cavity for receiving the remote control within the cavity and the remote control case is structured to cradle and partially encase the remote control for removable storage. The invention further includes a lighting system for illuminating control buttons on the remote control device, wherein the illuminating system may serve as a visual aid while using the remote control. The lighting system may also serve to identify or locate the remote control device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Remote control devices for electronically activating various apparatus or systems are well known in the art. Remote control devices are often used in situations where lighting is dim or non existent making it very difficult to locate the buttons necessary to activate and maneuver the remote control device. One such example is a remote control device for activating drapery and curtains. Another such example is a remote control device for activating a television set. Television viewers often reach for a remote control device while watching television in the dark, only to struggle to identify the buttons required to maneuver and activate the television set. 
     Remote control cases known in the art include U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,892 (to Burrell) for a holder for audio and video remote control, which includes a plurality of elongate support members to which at least one remote control can be attached. The elongate support members are spaced apart and attached to an integral body that forms gaps wide enough for a hand to grasp an individually attached remote control device. The attached remote control is supported in an upright position and is easy to locate. 
     The prior art also teaches U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,791 (to Serio, Jr.) an electronic enclosure case comprised of first and second case sections or so-called “shells” having mating abuttable rims. A plurality of spaced apart hooks extend outwardly from the rim on one of the case sections and are adapted for insertion into openings formed in the rim of the opposite case section. The hooks and the openings are sized and shaped so that the hooks will extend into the openings to enable the rims to abut against one another. When one of the case sections is thereafter moved in a plane parallel to the surface of the rims relative to the other case section, the hooks become latched in the opening and, there is a tight fitting retention of the two case sections so that the electronic enclosure casing cannot be unauthorizedly opened. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,702 (to Kopel) teaches a remote control holder having a mounting face to which several remote control units are attached using releasable fastening strips. The mounting face terminates in a curved frontal section enabling the holder to be hung on a television or other piece of furniture when not in use. A clear acrylic window fits over a label containing information, such as a cable guide. 
     One of the primary disadvantages of remote control cases or holders known in the art is that they do not provide the user with a means of maneuvering the buttons on the remote control device in situations wherein there is limited or no lighting to view the buttons, such as for example when using a remote control to open or close drapery or to activate a television or sound system in a dimly lit or dark environment. 
     In the context of cases for remote controls it is desirable to have a remote control case that removably secures a remote control device and also provides a lighting mechanism integrated within the case for illuminating buttons on the remote control device to allow a user to activate and maneuver the device in situations where there is limited or no lighting. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a remote control case of the present invention is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention teaches a case for a remote control device having a body with an open cavity for receiving the remote control device within the cavity. The body of the case is preferably comprised of a plastic and/or rubber material and/or a combination or other suitable material, as may be readily appreciated by one reasonably skilled in the art. The case may be configured and dimensioned to receive the remote control device in a snug fit. Alternatively the case may include a means of attachment, for example a hook and loop attachment, to secure the remote control device within the cavity of the remote control case. 
     The invention further includes an electronic circuit board and one or more sensors positioned within the body of the case. The sensors may be touch capacitive sensors. In another embodiment, the sensors may be motion sensors or a combination of touch capacitive or motion sensors. A first end of the body includes an opening for receiving a first end of the remote control device. In one embodiment, the remote control device is slidably inserted into the cavity of the body by way of the opening positioned at a first end of the body. In one embodiment, there is a plurality of touch capacitive sensors positioned within the body of the case for activation by a user. 
     A second end of the body includes a compartment for receiving and housing a power source. In one embodiment, the power source is a battery. The power source may be an embedded rechargeable battery or a twelve volt battery or another suitable power source as will be appreciated by one reasonably skilled in the art. The power source is connected to the electronic circuit board and actuates the electronic circuit board, thereby activating the lighting source(s) and touch capacitive sensors. In one embodiment, the electronic circuit board is housed within the compartment with the battery. 
     Preferably, the case of the invention includes a light source positioned along a length of the body of the case. In one embodiment the light source is one or more light emitting diodes. In another embodiment a strip of light emitting diodes is the light source. The strip of light emitting diodes is positioned along a length of the body of the case. In yet another embodiments a first strip of light emitting diodes is positioned along a first length of the body of the case and a second strip of light emitting diodes is positioned along a second length of the body of the case. 
     In one embodiment, the light source is secured within a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is preferably comprised of a clear plastic or other transparent material. According to an embodiment, LED lights, or a strip of LED lights is secured within a clear plastic sleeve. 
     The light emitting diodes are positioned along one or more lengths of the case to allow light reflected from the light emitting diodes to be diverted in a direction towards buttons on a remote control device in order to illuminate the buttons to facilitate viewing buttons when the remote control is being used in a dimly lit or dark environment. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the body of the case is configured to provide a frame to shield a top of the light emitting diodes. The body of the case, thereby forming a frame or a cover further focuses light reflected from light emitting diodes towards buttons on the remote control device. Thus, the light emitting diodes are secured within a portion of the cavity of the body of the case such that the frame of the body shields light reflected from the light emitting diode and further diverts the light towards buttons on the remote control device. 
     The invention provides for the power source and electronic circuit board to activate the one or more sensors positioned within the body, thereby emitting light from the light source when the remote control contacts the case. The sensors may be touch capacitive or motion sensors, as will be readily appreciated by one reasonably skilled in the art. 
     In one embodiment the sensors are positioned beneath the illuminating source or LED lights. In another embodiment, the touch capacitors are positioned within the sleeve, beneath the illuminating source or LED lights. Thus light source or LED lights are activated when a portion of the light source contacts the touch capacitive sensors or activates the motion sensors. The light source may contact the touch capacitive sensors when the remote control is inserted into the case thereby exerting a pressure on the capacitive sensors. 
     Alternatively, the light source may contact the touch capacitive sensors when a user exerts pressure on the exterior body of the case in order to activate the light. Yet again, the light source may be activated by actuating the power source by exerting a pressure on the lid of the second end of the body of the case. The light source may also be activated, by pressing a button to actuate the power source. 
     In one embodiment, the light source may be activated with an application via a smart phone or another electronic device. Alternatively, the light source or LED&#39;s will turn on when a user&#39;s hand contacts the remote control case where the touch sensors are positioned, such as for example, a back of the remote control case. It is readily appreciated that touch sensors may be positioned along an inner portion of the case, including along a length of the case and/or a bottom of the case. Touching and/or applying pressure to the sensors or motion detection thereby activates the light source or LED lights. 
     The light source within the case may be programmed to emit light for a set period of time when activated. Thus, when a user activates the capacitive touch components, the light source within the case emits light for a set period of time. 
     An aspect of the invention is that it provides capacitive touch sensors to activate a light source to reflect light to illuminate buttons on a remote control device. 
     Another aspect of the invention is that it provides a plastic sleeve within which to secure the light source or LED lights. 
     Yet another aspect of the invention is that it includes a cover or frame to shield the light emitting from the light source in order to divert and direct the light toward buttons on the remote control and away from a user&#39;s face. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a case for a remote control device that protects the device and provides easy access to the buttons on the device in order to utilize the device. 
     An advantage of the invention is that it allows a user to recognize and maneuver buttons on a remote control device in a dimly lit or dark environment. 
     Another advantage of the invention is that the light source within the case may be activated via a software application in conjunction with a technological device, such as for example, a smart phone. 
     Yet another advantage of the invention is that the light source may be programmed to emit light for a set period of time when activated. 
     These and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like drawings represent like components. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the disclosure, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the front of the remote control case of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the rear of the remote control case of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the remote control case of the present invention receiving a remote control device within the remote control case. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a remote control device fully inserted, and secured within the remote control case of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the back of the remote control case of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4  illustrating a remote control device inserted, and secured within the remote control case of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6 , there are shown illustrations of a remote control case  10  of the invention. The case  10  of the invention includes a body  12 , the body  12  including a front cover  14  and a back cover  16 , wherein the front cover  14  is affixed to the back cover  16 . The body  12  further includes a cavity  18 , wherein the cavity  18  of the body  12  is configured for receiving a remote control device  100  within the cavity  18 . Preferably the body  12  of the case if composed of a plastic or rubber material or a combination thereof. 
     The front cover  14  includes a first arm  28  and a second arm  34  positioned on either side of an aperture  56  of the cavity  18 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the body  12  is a single unitary structure formed of a plastic or a rubber material formed by single injection molding or other suitable means as known by one reasonably skilled in the art. The body  12  includes a first end  20  and a second end  22  positioned at the base of the body  12 , wherein the second end  22  is positioned opposite the first end  20 . The body  12  further includes a first length  24  positioned within the cavity  18  of the body  12  and a second length  30  positioned within the cavity  18  along a second length  30  of the body  12  wherein the first length  24  is positioned a distance from the second length  30  and wherein each of the first length  24  and second length  30  are positioned on either side of the body  12  within the cavity  18 . 
     The case  10  includes a compartment  36  for housing a power source  40  within the compartment  36 . There is also shown a lid  38  for the compartment  36 . 
     A first light source  42  is positioned within the cavity  18  along the first length  24  of the body  12 . A second light source  42 ′ is positioned within the cavity  18  along the second length  30  of the body  12 . In one embodiment, the first  42  and second  42 ′ light sources comprise one or more light emitting diodes. In a preferred embodiment, the first light source  42  and second light source  42 ′ each comprise a strip of light emitting diodes. In yet another preferred embodiment, one or more of the first light source  42  and second light source  42 ′, is secured within a first sleeve  44  and second sleeve  44 ′. The first sleeve  44  and second sleeve  44 ′ in one embodiment are each comprised of clear plastic material or other transparent material. 
     A first channel  26  is formed along the first length  24  of the body  12  of the case  10 . The first light source  42  secured within the first sleeve  44  is positioned within the first channel  26  includes. A second channel  32  is formed along a second length  30  of the body of the case. The second light source  42 ′ secured within the second sleeve  44 ′ is positioned within the second channel  32 . 
     In an embodiment, the first arm  28  extends over the first light source  42  thereby directing light emitting from the first light source  42  when activated towards buttons  110  on the remote control device  100  for allowing a user to view the buttons  110  in a dimly lit or dark environment. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the second arm  34  extends over the second light source  42 ′ thereby directing light emitting from the second light source  42 ′ when activated towards buttons  110  on the remote control device  100  for allowing a user to view the buttons  110  in a dimly lit or dark environment. 
     The case  10  further includes a compartment  36  for housing a power source  40  for activating an electronic circuit board  48  within the case  10  and one or more sensors  50  positioned within the body  12  of the case  10 . In one embodiment, the sensors  50  comprise touch capacitive sensors. In another embodiment, the sensors  50  may comprise motion sensors. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic circuit board  48  is housed within the compartment  36 . In an embodiment, the sensors  50  are positioned within the case  10 . In another embodiment, the sensors  50  are positioned within the first and second sleeves  44 ,  44 ′ retaining the first and second light sources  42 ,  42 ′. 
     Referring now in particular to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exploded perspective view of the front of the remote control case  10  of the present invention. There is shown the front cover  14 . The front cover is generally planar  14  and includes the first arm  28  and the second arm  34  positioned on either side of the aperture  56  of the front cover  14 . There is also shown the first channel  26  and second channel  32  formed beneath the first arm  28  and second arm  34  respectively. 
     There is also shown the back cover  16 . The back cover  16  is generally concave to conform to the shape and size of the remote control device  100 . It is appreciated by one reasonably skilled in the art that the shape and size of the back cover  16  may be adapted to conform to the shape and size of the remote control device  100 . It is further appreciated by one reasonably skilled in the art that the body  12  of the case  10  may, and the cavity  18  may be adapted to conform to the shape and size of the remote control device  100 . 
     The body  12  of the case  10  includes the first end  20  of the body  12  and the second end  22  of the body  12 . There is shown the cavity  18  formed within the back cover  16 . There is shown within the back cover  16 , the housing  36  for the battery source  40  and the lid  38  for the housing  36 . There is shown the first length  24  of the body  12  and the second length  30  of the body  12 . There is shown the first channel  26  and the second channel  32 . 
       FIG. 1  further shows the power source  40  and computer board  48 . The first light source  42  and the second light source  42 ′ and the first sleeve  44  and the second sleeve  44 ′. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first sleeve  44  and second sleeve  44 ′ each include indentations  46  for locking the first sleeve  44  and the second sleeve  44 ′ to the back cover  16 . There are further shown electrical connections  58  and  58 ′ from the computer/electronic circuit board  48  to the LED strips  42  and  42 ′. 
     Referring now in particular to  FIG. 2  there is shown an exploded perspective view of the rear of the remote control case of the present invention. There is shown the front cover  14  including the first arm  28  and the second arm  34  on either side of the aperture  56 . The first channel  26  and the second channel  32  are positioned beneath the first arm  28  and the second arm  34 . 
     There is also shown the back cover  16 . The back cover  16  is generally concave to conform to the shape and size of the remote control device  100 . It is appreciated by one reasonably skilled in the art that the shape and size of the back cover  16  and cavity  18  may be adapted to conform to the shape and size of the remote control device  100 . 
     The body  12  of the case  10  includes the first end  20  of the body  12  and the second end  22  of the body  12 . There is shown the cavity  18  formed within the back cover  16 . There is shown within the back cover  16 , the housing  36  for the battery source  40  and the lid  38  for the housing  36 . There is shown the first length  24  of the body  12  and the second length  30  of the body  12 . There is shown the first channel  26  and the second channel  32 . 
       FIG. 2  further shows the power source  40  and computer board  48 . The first light source  42  and the second light source  42 ′ and the first sleeve  44  and the second sleeve  44 ′. As shown, the first sleeve  44  and second sleeve  44 ′ each include indentations  46  for locking the first sleeve  44  and the second sleeve  44 ′ to the body  12  of the case  10 . 
     There is further shown a battery disconnect safe button  52  and USB port  54  positioned on the lid  38  of the housing  36  positioned at the second end  22  of the body  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a perspective view of the remote control case  10  of the present invention receiving a remote control device  100  within the remote control case  10 . In particular, there is shown a remote control device  100 , the remote control device  100  including a plurality of buttons  110 . The remote control device  100 , further includes a first end  120  and a second end  130  of the remote control device  100 . The remote control device  100  includes a first length  140  and a second length  150 . 
     The remote control case  10  as shown in  FIG. 3  illustrates the remote control device having a unitary body  12 . The cavity  18  of the remote control case  10  is for receiving the remote control device  100 . The remote control case  10  includes the first end  20  and the second end  30 . The first length  24  of the body  12  is shown positioned at a distance from the second length  30  of the body  12 . 
     The first arm  28  and the second arm  34  of the body  12  are positioned above the first light source  42  secured within the first sleeve  44  and the second light source  42 ′ secured within the second sleeve  44 ′ respectively. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a perspective view of a remote control device  100  inserted, and secured within the remote control case  10  of the present invention. The first end  120  of the remote control case  10  is proximate to the first end  20  of the body  12 . The second end  130  of the remote control case  10  is proximate to the second end  22  of the body  12 . 
     The buttons  110  of the remote control device  100  are accessible and visible within the aperture  56  of the remote control case  10 . The front cover  14  includes the first arm  28  and the second arm  34  positioned at a distance from the first arm  28 . The first light source  42  and the second light source  42 ′ secured respectively in the first sleeve  44  and second sleeve  44 ′ are positioned within the first channel  26  and second channel  32  respectively (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), wherein the first channel  26  and second channel  32  are positioned beneath the top of the first arm  28  and the second arm  34  respectively. 
     The first light source  42  and the second light source  42 ′ secured first sleeve  44  and second sleeve  44 ′ respectively are each positioned along the first length  24  and the second length  30  of the body respectively. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a rear perspective view of the back of the remote control case  10  of the present invention. There is shown the back cover  16 , the first end  20  and the second end  22  of the body  12 . The lid  38  for the housing  36  for the power source  40 , (shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ) includes the battery disconnect safe button  52  and the USB port  54 . The first length  24  is positioned at a distance of the second length  30  of the body  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a cross sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4  illustrating a remote control device  100  inserted, and secured within the remote control case  10  of the present invention. The remote control device  100  is shown inserted within the remote control case  10 . 
     As shown, light  60  from the first light source  42  within the first sleeve  44  and the light  60  from the second light source  42 ′ within the second sleeve  44 ′ reflects on the buttons  110 . As shown, the first light source  42  within the first sleeve  44  and the light from the second light source  42 ′ within the second sleeve  44 ′ are positioned within the first channel  26  and the second channel  32  respectively. 
     The first sleeve  44  and second sleeve  44 ′ each include indentations  46  for locking the first sleeve  44  and the second sleeve  44 ′ to the body  12  of the case  10 . The front cover  14  includes the first arm  28  and the second arm  34 . 
     Thus, while there has been shown and described, fundamental novel features of the disclosure as applied to various specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the apparatus illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements which perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results, are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.