Abstract:
Disclosed is a protective outer skin covering for a television remote that comprises a forming-fitting Flex-Gel or silicon material adapted to provide shock protection in the event the remote is dropped or thrown. The covering is a unitary form that is adapted to snugly secure a remote control device, wherein the covering is a generally hollow structure having sidewalls, a backing surface and an inwardly facing lip that retains the remote within the hollow interior. The Flex-Gel material is one that can provide shock resistance, provide a relatively rigid outer shell while being malleable enough to insert the remote within the hollow, wherein the lip prevents dislodgment. An open area interior of the lip allows unobstructed access to the remote buttons and control surface. The interior of the hollow may further include expansion material to accommodate differing sized remote geometries within a single cover form.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/480,739 filed on Apr. 29, 2011, entitled “Silicone Skin or Flex Gel for TV Remotes.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to electronic remote controls and protective covers therefor. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a protective skin that conforms to and surrounds a television or similar electronic remote control, wherein the remote is protected by a hard outer coating made of silicone or Flex-Gel material that prevents damage if dropped or chewed on by domestic pets. 
         [0004]    Remote control units (RCUs), or simply remote controls, are devices utilized to control an electronic device from a stand-off distance and without physically interacting with the electronic device to impart an operation. Devices of this type are popular for televisions, wherein channels, volume and other operations can be controlled without requiring the user to stand up and physically operate the television control interface. Devices of this type are battery operated, electrical devices that wirelessly interact with a television, generally utilizing infrared or radio frequency transmission of information from the remote control outgoing interface to the receiving interface of the television. The problems facing television remotes, specifically, is there consistent use and tendency to be subjected to impact loads over a prolonged period. Users carelessly drop, throw or toss remotes, which can lead to damage to the television casing and its internal hardware. Further, the environment for a television remote may include food products and liquids that could stain or damage the television remote, impairing or ceasing operation thereof. 
         [0005]    The present invention pertains to a protective, form-fitting skin that surrounds a television remote, providing impact absorption and a means to prevent liquids from contacting a majority of the remote surface. The present invention is comprised of a Flex-Gel or silicon material, which closely hugs the profile of the remote, while providing a means to distribute impact loads around the exterior case and reduce loads on the remote interior hardware. Also contemplated is an expandable interior structure for accommodating smaller remotes in a larger cover structure. The present invention provides a form-fitting structure that has a hard exterior structure, yet is pliable enough to secure the remote within its hollow interior. The use of Flex-Gel is of particular importance, as the qualities of this material are ideally suited for the utility of the present invention. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0007]    Devices and covers of similar nature have been disclosed in the prior art, which relate to protective coverings for various electronic devices. These devices have familiar design elements for the purposes of protecting and shrouding an electronic device outer surface. However, these devices fail to disclose a form-fitting, Flex-Gel skin covering having an interior space and a flexible securement lip to allow placement of the remote into the cover, and for securement therein after placement. The devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure are listed herein. 
         [0008]    Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,256 to Meliconi discloses a shockproof, protective sheath for a television remote control. The device comprises a hollow container adapted to fit a television remote that substantially matches to provide of the remote, wherein two openings are provided: the first opening providing access to the remote control buttons, and the second opening providing access for the passage of the control pulses. The control button window is covered by a transparent window that is molded into a plurality of sockets, such that the buttons are substantially cover the remote and provide access to respective control buttons. The Meliconi device includes a transparent window that may otherwise interfere with the normal operation of the remote, while its structure is one that envelopes the entire remote in the form of a protective case. The present invention is related to a cover that is more akin to a skin, or additional protective layer that wraps around the underside of the remote and leaves the operating buttons uncovered. The present invention utilizes flexible, yet durable and impact resistant material in its construction, wherein an inwardly facing retaining lip prevents the remote from easily becoming dislodged upon impact, while still facilitating ease of application and insertion of the remote into the skin. 
         [0009]    U.S. Published Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0127345 to Zuleta describes a protective cover for a remote control device, comprising a thin, flexible main cover forming a folded, elongated and U-shaped configuration. Interconnected with the U-shape is a pair of flexible, expandable side panels. The cover further comprises a transparent top and front through which the remote buttons and emitter are visible and operable. The U-shaped cover is utilized to house a remote, whereafter a hook and loop fastened flap closes the open end of the cover for complete protection about the remote. The Zuleta disclosure is adapted to providing a loose-fitting, zippered pouch in which a television remote is stored. It does not provide the closely-fitted, formed skin in which impact absorption and distribution is facilitated. The present invention is adapted to provide a skin that ‘snaps’ onto the exterior of the remote, rather than a zippered pouch design. 
         [0010]    U.S. Published Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0227031 to Benbow discloses a cover adapted to protect a remote control device from impact damage, wherein the cover directly or indirectly engages on or more remote keys. The cover is particularly suited for remote control key fob devices, wherein the bridge section of the device that engages the key chain is covered. The Benbow device is particularly suited for vehicular key fobs, which are generally attached to a set of keys via a key ring. The cover of Benbow is adapted to engage the key ring and maintain the position of the protective cover about the fob. Its structure and intent differs from the spirit of the present invention, which is related to form-fitted television remote skins having a particular material and construction. 
         [0011]    The present invention provides an outer skin or protective layer that is easily snapped against a television remote and secure via the shape of the interior volume and the inwardly facing lip provided at the periphery opening. The structure and form of the present invention substantially diverge in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of television remote skins now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new protective outer covering wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when protecting a television remote device from impact damage and preventing liquid contact therewith about a majority of its outer surface. 
         [0013]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved television remote skin that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0014]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a form-fitting attachment skin to a television remote device that forms to the contour of the remote&#39;s backing and sidewall surfaces, distributing impact loads and preventing liquids from contacting a majority of the remote&#39;s outer surface. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a television remote skin having an inwardly facing lip to retain the remote device within the skin interior volume, while providing the structure of the skin in such a way as to provide protection and inherent malleability to easily deploy the skin or release the remote. 
         [0016]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a television remote skin being comprised of a Flex-Gel or silicon material that contours to the remote outer surface. 
         [0017]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote skin with an interior expanding region to compensate for differing remote geometries within a larger protective skin. 
         [0018]    A final object of the present invention is to contemplate a television remote skin that provides protection for a universal remote, and is sold in proximity to universal remotes within a given store or purchase area, such that the skin is formed to fit the standard universal remotes commonly available in the marketplace. 
         [0019]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  shows an overhead perspective view of the present remote skin. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  shows another overhead perspective view of the present remote skin and a television remote being placed therein. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows an overhead perspective view of the present remote skin and remote in a working and deployed state. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  shows a frontal perspective view of the present remote skin and remote, highlighting the forward aperture. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a rear perspective view of the present remote skin, wherein a symbols or indicia may further be placed for adding ornamental features and personalization. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the television remote skin. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a protective skin or outer covering that is form-fitted to a remote outer surface. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an overhead perspective view of the present invention, wherein a formed remote skin is provided. The skin  11  comprises an elongated structure having an interior volume  12 , a backside surface  13 , upstanding sidewalls  14  and an inwardly facing lip structure  15 . The backside surface  13  and sidewalls  14  are adapted to conform or contour closely to the exterior geometry of a given universal television remote. The backside surface  13  provides protection against impact damage and liquid penetration through the backside area of the remote, and further prevents the batteries from becoming dislodged. The sidewall surface  14  surrounds the periphery of the remote, while the entire assembly is secured via an inwardly facing lip  15  that retains the remote within the interior volume  12 , while still allowing easy deployment of the skin  11  in the form of ‘snapping’ the skin against the exterior thereof. The lip  15  is adapted to firmly secure the remote within the skin, such that the skin does not move relative to the remote while deployed, but also allows the skin to be relatively easy to remove if desired by a user. 
         [0028]    A first and second aperture are provided along the body of the skin and along its forward face. The first aperture provides clearance and access to the remote control buttons, which are generally upward facing. This aperture prevents any interference with the normal operation of the remote, while the form-fitting nature of the skin allows the assembly to remain comfortably held by the user with minimal operational changes. The forward aperture  16  provides an opening in the skin sidewalls  15  such that the remote control outgoing sensor can relay information wirelessly to the given television. This allows an infrared or radio signal to be directly transmitted through the skin and from the remote such that its operation is not altered or hindered. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown an overhead perspective of the present remote skin  11  being joined with a universal remote  17  such that the skin surrounds and protects the remote, while still allow unobtrusive and unchanged operation thereof. Universal remotes  17  are generally elongated devices having an uppermost control surface  19  where a plurality of input buttons  18  are provided thereon for interacting with a linked television. Commands such as channel selection, volume, television input and more recently, web surfing control are provided thereon and through the use of a plurality of different buttons  18 . The present skin  11  is adapted to conform to the sidewalls and rear surface of the remote, snapping thereagainst to provide a shield that distributes impact forces and provides an environmental barrier that prevents water damage against the remote&#39;s internal hardware. The construction of the present skin  11  is a unitary structure that is formed having an interior volume  12  surrounded by a backside surface and upstanding sidewalls, wherein an inward lip  15  on the peripheral edge of the upstanding sidewalls provides securement of the remote therewithin. The first aperture of the skin  11  allows clearance for the remote&#39;s uppermost control surface  19 , while the lip  15  slightly overhangs the control surface  19  to secure the assembly together. 
         [0030]    The unitary construction and material of the present skin provides improved shock resistance and distribution of impact loads if the assembly is dropped, thrown or otherwise collided with another object. The skin is formed of a singular shape such that loads are transmitted through the skin, which acts as a shell around the remote to protect its interior hardware. The desired material is one of Flex-Gel or high stiffness silicone, wherein the material acts as a shell while having inherent flexibility to be easily deployed or removed from the remote as desired. These materials also exhibit some elasticity under load, which further reduces impact loads, wherein the energy of the impact is transformed into the skin deformation rather than loads on the remote internal hardware, including batteries and circuit board. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there are shown two views of the present television remote skin in a working state and attached to a standard, universal television remote. The skin is a conformal shape that provides a snug shell about the periphery and backside surface of the remote while deployed. The first aperture allows the remote control buttons  18  to be readily displayed and operated as in normal operation of the remote without the attached skin  11 . Two embodiments are contemplated for the present invention. The first embodiment includes a form-fitted skin in which that shape of a television remote is snugly surrounded, wherein the shape of the skin is particular to a specific style and shape remote. This requires an interior volume that hugs the sidewalls and backside surface of the remote, while the lip  15  retains the remote within the skin interior. The second, alternate embodiment contemplates the use of an expanding material interior to the skin that conforms to the shape of the remote once attached. This allows the skin  11  to be enlarged to fit a number of different remote geometries and be more universal across remote brands. The inward lip  15  is fitted over the uppermost control surface of the remote to retain the remote as in the first embodiment; however the sidewalls and interior surfaces of the skin can be less form-fitting. In place of the form-fitted sidewall is an expanding material, such as foam or chemically setting material that can be utilized to bridge any gaps between the remote and the inner walls of the skin interior volume. This embodiment is slightly larger than the first embodiment, wherein gaps or changes in contour of the remote are accounted for within the interior of the skin, rather than the skin itself being of conformal exterior shape. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a rear-side perspective view of the present remote skin device of the present invention, wherein the backside surface  13  is provided with an ornamental design  20  or indicia for personalization purposes. The backside surface  13  is one that is flat or devoid of apertures, such that decoration or personalization in the way of sports team logos, brand names or messages may be placed thereon to meet particular user&#39;s preferences. This enhances the appeal of the skin, beyond its functional utility, wherein a sports team logo skin may be purchased and gifted to an avid sports fan, or any similar situation in which personalization may further the decorative appeal of the present remote skin. It is not desired to limit the present invention to a defined set of logos or ornamentations, but rather it is desired to disclose a location along the present device that is well adapted for such a purpose. 
         [0033]    In use, the present skin is purchased alongside or for a universal remote as a matching pair, wherein the skin is formed to fit that specific style and sized remote controller device. Batteries are placed within the remote, and the remote is then fitted within the interior volume of the skin such that the inward lip snaps into place, locking the two devices together. The skin protects against impact damage, food particle interaction and prevents liquids from entering the battery compartment or entering a seam along a majority of the exterior surface of the remote. For the alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that the skin is purchased after the remote has been purchased, wherein the particular skin for that remote is unknown or unavailable. The skin interior sidewalls provide an expanding material that either hardens or is sufficiently stiff such that the remote can be snapped into the interior of the skin, whereafter the expanding material conforms to the shape or exterior geometry of the remote for secure fitment. The expanding material may be a stiff foam or expanding foam that forms a hardened, contoured shape after fitment of the remote. This ensures the skin is securely fastened to the remote, preventing the remote from moving relative to the skin while secured therein. This prevents unwanted secondary impacts if the assembly is dropped, which would otherwise reduce the impact protection effectiveness of the present skin shell. 
         [0034]    In light of the given prior art and the present disclosure, it is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0035]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.