Special receptacle or package – For an instrument
Reexamination Certificate
2002-02-12
2004-09-07
Bui, Luan K. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
For an instrument
C206S037100, C220S326000, C220S830000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06786332
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a protective holder for a remote control for use in connection with a keyless entry remote control. The protective holder for a remote control has particular utility in connection with preventing the inadvertent depression of buttons on such remotes when the remote is stored in a pocket or purse. This, in turn, prevents the device the remote acts upon from being accidentally unlocked. Also, the protective holder will prevent the remote control from being damaged if it is dropped or other objects come into contact with it.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Protective holders for a remote control are desirable for preventing the inadvertent activation of buttons on the remote control contained within. For example, a vehicle with a keyless entry remote control could not be accidentally unlocked, thereby enhancing security. Also, the protective holder will protect the remote control from damage in the event it is dropped or other objects come into contact with it.
The use of protective devices and controller holders are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,416 to Martin Jaime discloses a remote car alarm protective device. However, the Martin Jaime U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,416 patent does not fully enclose the remote control, thereby leaving the lower portion of the remote vulnerable to damage, and has further drawbacks of not providing a means for attaching a key ring or securely latching the lid to ensure that it does not open unintentionally.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,754 to Kirk G. Dobbins discloses a car alarm controller holder system that prevents a car alarm controller from becoming dirty. However, the Kirk G. Dobbins U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,754 patent does not prevent the inadvertent activation of buttons on the controller, and additionally does not provide a means for protecting the controller's keypad from damage from sharp, pointed objects since a flexible controller access cover made of vinyl is employed as a substantial portion of the controller enclosure.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,212 to La Vella Collins discloses an automotive alarm system remote control keypad pouch that allows for association of a key ring with an automotive alarm system remote control keypad in the event the keypad cannot accept a key ring as a result of a design limitation or structural failure. However, the La Vella Collins U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,212 patent does not provide a means for simultaneously viewing and activating the keypad without removing the keypad from the pouch, and can not prevent the inadvertent activation of the keypad.
Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,820 to Thomas G. Kearney et al discloses a portable receptacle that is useful for carrying prophylactic packages. However, the Thomas G. Kearney et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,820 patent does not provide a means to enclose a remote control.
In addition, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 427,926 to Cozart Lowery discloses the ornamental design for a remote keyless entry and cover. The Cozart Lowery U.S. Pat. No. Des. 427,926 patent does not have a latching mechanism to secure the lid to prevent inadvertent opening, and it also lacks a means for attaching a key ring.
Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,691 to Nona J. White discloses a protective case for remote control transmitter that encloses a remote control transmitter and provides a means for attaching a key ring. However, the Nona J. White U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,691 patent has an unattached lid, which renders the lid vulnerable to loss.
Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,227 to Robert C. Patterson discloses a resilient housing for remote controllers that encloses a remote controller. However, the Robert C. Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,227 patent does not prevent the inadvertent activation of the controller's buttons, and has the additional deficiency of not providing a means for attaching a key ring.
While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a protective holder for a remote control that prevents the inadvertent depression of buttons on such remotes when the remote is stored in a pocket or purse. The Martin Jaime U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,416 patent does not protect the lower portion of the remote from damage, has no provision for attaching a key ring, and does not provide a lid latching mechanism. The Kirk G. Dobbins U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,754 patent does not prevent inadvertent depression of buttons on the enclosed controller and does not provide protection from sharp, pointed objects for the enclosed controller's keypad. The La Vella Collins U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,212 patent does not allow the keypad to be viewed during activation unless the keypad is removed from the pouch and does not prevent inadvertent activation of the keypad. The Thomas G. Kearney U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,820 patent does not provide a means for enclosing a remote control. The Cozart Lowery U.S. Pat. No. Des. 427,926 patent lacks a lid latching mechanism and a means for attaching a key ring. The Nona J. White U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,691 patent does not have an attached lid. The Robert C. Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,227 patent does not prevent inadvertent activation of the enclosed controller's buttons, and furthermore, lacks means for attaching a key ring.
Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved protective holder for a remote control that can be used for preventing the inadvertent depression of buttons on such remotes when the remote is stored in a pocket or purse. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the protective holder for a remote control according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of preventing the inadvertent depression of buttons on such remotes when the remote is stored in a pocket or purse.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of protective devices and controller holders now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved protective holder for a remote control, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved protective holder for a remote control to prevent inadvertent activation of buttons on the remote control contained within which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a protective holder for a remote control which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a protective holder for a remote control having a controller holder to enclose the remote control, and a hinged lid to cover the remote control and prevent activation of the remote control's buttons when it is not desired.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
The invention may also include a latching mechanism to ensure that the lid remains closed when the controller is not in use. There may also be a means for attaching a key ring to the invention. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.
Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently current, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the
Patrick Marva E.
Patrick Ralph J.
LandOfFree
Protective holder for a remote control does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Protective holder for a remote control, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Protective holder for a remote control will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3200939