WO1992006327A1 - Illumination apparatus for remote control device - Google Patents

Illumination apparatus for remote control device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1992006327A1
WO1992006327A1 PCT/US1991/007423 US9107423W WO9206327A1 WO 1992006327 A1 WO1992006327 A1 WO 1992006327A1 US 9107423 W US9107423 W US 9107423W WO 9206327 A1 WO9206327 A1 WO 9206327A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
remote control
lamp
circuit
operating elements
leg
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1991/007423
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David T. Hurdle
Original Assignee
Hurdle David T
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hurdle David T filed Critical Hurdle David T
Publication of WO1992006327A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992006327A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
    • F21V21/0808—Adhesive means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/0004—Personal or domestic articles
    • F21V33/0052—Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H01H9/0214—Hand-held casings
    • H01H9/0235—Hand-held casings specially adapted for remote control, e.g. of audio or video apparatus
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S362/00—Illumination
    • Y10S362/802—Position or condition responsive switch

Definitions

  • TITLE ILLUMINA TION APPARATUS FOR REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE
  • This invention relates to illumination devices. More specifically, this invention relates to battery-operated illumination devices that are used to illuminate portable objects.
  • Remote control devices are commonly used with home appliances, such as televisions and stereo systems, and allow the user to control the operation of these appliances from some distance away.
  • Such home appliances are often used in a darkened atmosphere. Many people find it easier, for example, to view a television picture in a darkened room. Likewise, many find that a darkened atmosphere enhances the musical atmosphere that their stereo system produces. A darkened atmosphere, however, often inhibits a person's clear view of the operating elements of a remote control device, and
  • a portable battery-operated illumination means for use in conjunction with a remote control device is a neglected area of development.
  • a portable book light for example, has been designed that is supported frictionally to the cover of a book with a clamping means, the lamp element transversely movable and activated manually.
  • the present invention is an apparatus for illuminating the operating elements of a remote control device.
  • a support bracket easily attaches to the remote control and supports an enclosure for a light source and associated circuitry.
  • the light source for example, a low-voltage incandescent lamp
  • the lamp circuit utilizes a battery, a switch, a lamp, and electrical conductors in such a way that closing the switch completes the circuit and activates the lamp. Opening the switch breaks the circuit and deactivates the lamp.
  • a gravity actuated switch may be used so that tilting the illumination device activates the lamp.
  • FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional view of the invention taken generally along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show an illumination device 10 for illuminating operating elements 20 of a remote control device 30.
  • a rigid first leg 50 and a rigid second leg 60 composed of a strong opaque or translucent material, are joined at an approximate right angle to form an approximately L-shaped bracket
  • An attachment means 70 secures the first leg 50 to the remote control 30 such that the second leg 60 is positioned adjacent to the operating elements 20.
  • the second leg 60 is designed so as not to interfere with light producing elements of the remote control 30.
  • the first leg 50 and the second leg 60 are interchangable to better correspond to the dimensions of any remote control 30.
  • protective pads may be included on the underside of the first leg 50 to protect furniture and the like from inadvertant and potentially damaging contact between the first leg 50 and the furniture.
  • Enclosure walls 135 of an enclosure 130 formed from a strong yet aesthetically pleasing plastic or metallic material, hold by friction the second leg 60 therebetween.
  • a cavity 150 is formed within the enclosure 130 for holding a lamp circuit 80, a reflector 170, and a translucent cover 180.
  • the lamp circuit 80 is comprised of an incandescent, halogen, or other lamp 90, a switch 100, a battery 110, and electrical conductors 120, such that when the switch 100 is closed the lamp circuit 80 is completed, thereby activating the lamp 90.
  • the switch 100 is opened, the lamp circuit 80 is opened thereby deactivating the lamp 90.
  • the reflector 170 is included to reflect the light 160 produced from the lamp 90 onto the operating elements 20.
  • a translucent cover 180 protects the lamp 90 and the reflector 170 while allowing the light 160 to pass therethrough.
  • An opening 136 in the enclosure wall 135 is provided to allow access to the cavity 150 for changing the battery 110.
  • the second leg 60 is designed to cover the opening 136 when the second leg 60 is fully inserted into the enclosure 130.
  • the switch 100 is gravity actuated so that tilting the switch 100 will complete the lamp circuit 80. It will be understood that a variety of common switching means could be utilized that would not significantly alter the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a touch- activated switching means may be employed.
  • the remote control 30 is removed from a horizontal surface, such as a table, and is tilted such that the gravity actuated switch 100 completes the lamp circuit 80, thereby activating the lamp 90 to produce light 160 for illuminating the operating elements 20 of the remote control 30.
  • the remote control 30 is returned to a horizontal position, thereby deactivating the switch 100 and breaking the lamp circuit 80.
  • the user pulls the second leg 60 partially out of the enclosure 130 to expose the battery 110 through the opening 136.
  • the battery 110 is then replaced, and the second leg 60 then re-inserted into the enclosure 130 to fully cover the opening 136.
  • the preferred embodiment of the invention is not intended to limit in scope or spirit the invention.
  • the reflector 170 could be built into the leg 60, and the cover 180 could be designed to fit around the leg 60 to protect the lamp 90.
  • a plurality of lamps 90 could be utilized.

Abstract

An illumination device (10) for illumination of the controlling elements of a remote control device (30) for use in a darkened atmosphere. A bracket (40) attaches to a remote control device (30) supports a lamp circuit (80) and suitable enclosure in a position adjacent to the operating elements (20) of the remote control (30). When the remote control (30) is tilted, a gravity actuated switch (100) completes the lamp circuit (80) thereby activating a lamp (90) that illuminates the operating elements (20) of the remote control (30). When the remote control (30) is returned to a horizontal position, the circuit (80) is broken and the lamp (90) is deactivated.

Description

TITLE: ILLUMINA TION APPARATUS FOR REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to illumination devices. More specifically, this invention relates to battery-operated illumination devices that are used to illuminate portable objects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Remote control devices are commonly used with home appliances, such as televisions and stereo systems, and allow the user to control the operation of these appliances from some distance away. Such home appliances are often used in a darkened atmosphere. Many people find it easier, for example, to view a television picture in a darkened room. Likewise, many find that a darkened atmosphere enhances the musical atmosphere that their stereo system produces. A darkened atmosphere, however, often inhibits a person's clear view of the operating elements of a remote control device, and
consequently such a device becomes difficult to use. For example, if a control button is pressed inadvertently as a result of not being able to read the remote control's indicators clearly, an undesirable change in the operation of the appliance will result. Thus, using remote control devices in a darkened atmosphere may often lead to a more frustrating than enjoyable experience.
Frequently, in a darkened atmosphere, a person must activate a light source, such a.s room lamp, to more clearly see the indicators of a remote control. This procedure is inconvenient, and consequently is often bypassed. Well documented portable illumination apparati are common. However, a portable battery-operated illumination means for use in conjunction with a remote control device is a neglected area of development. A portable book light, for example, has been designed that is supported frictionally to the cover of a book with a clamping means, the lamp element transversely movable and activated manually. This book light is not suited for use with a common remote control in that it is not designed to attach to a remote control, is too complex to operate for the simple task of momentarily illuminating the operating elements of a remote control. Clearly there still exists a need for a convenient, easily operable means of momentarily illuminating the operating elements of a remote control within a darkened atmosphere.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an apparatus for illuminating the operating elements of a remote control device. A support bracket easily attaches to the remote control and supports an enclosure for a light source and associated circuitry. The light source, for example, a low-voltage incandescent lamp, is positioned such that it illuminates the operating elements of the remote control device but does not hinder the user's view of such elements. The lamp circuit utilizes a battery, a switch, a lamp, and electrical conductors in such a way that closing the switch completes the circuit and activates the lamp. Opening the switch breaks the circuit and deactivates the lamp. A gravity actuated switch may be used so that tilting the illumination device activates the lamp. This invention provides a convenient means by which to illuminate the operating elements of a remote control device for use in a darkened atmosphere. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
invention.
FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional view of the invention taken generally along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMODIMENT
FIGS. 1 and 2 show an illumination device 10 for illuminating operating elements 20 of a remote control device 30. A rigid first leg 50 and a rigid second leg 60, composed of a strong opaque or translucent material, are joined at an approximate right angle to form an approximately L-shaped bracke
Figure imgf000006_0001
Figure imgf000006_0002
An attachment means 70, such as adhesive foam tape or hook and loop fastener, secures the first leg 50 to the remote control 30 such that the second leg 60 is positioned adjacent to the operating elements 20. The second leg 60 is designed so as not to interfere with light producing elements of the remote control 30. Further, the first leg 50 and the second leg 60, differing in length therebetween, are interchangable to better correspond to the dimensions of any remote control 30. Still further, protective pads may be included on the underside of the first leg 50 to protect furniture and the like from inadvertant and potentially damaging contact between the first leg 50 and the furniture.
Enclosure walls 135 of an enclosure 130, formed from a strong yet aesthetically pleasing plastic or metallic material, hold by friction the second leg 60 therebetween. A cavity 150 is formed within the enclosure 130 for holding a lamp circuit 80, a reflector 170, and a translucent cover 180. The lamp circuit 80 is comprised of an incandescent, halogen, or other lamp 90, a switch 100, a battery 110, and electrical conductors 120, such that when the switch 100 is closed the lamp circuit 80 is completed, thereby activating the lamp 90. When the switch 100 is opened, the lamp circuit 80 is opened thereby deactivating the lamp 90. The reflector 170 is included to reflect the light 160 produced from the lamp 90 onto the operating elements 20. A translucent cover 180 protects the lamp 90 and the reflector 170 while allowing the light 160 to pass therethrough. An opening 136 in the enclosure wall 135 is provided to allow access to the cavity 150 for changing the battery 110. The second leg 60 is designed to cover the opening 136 when the second leg 60 is fully inserted into the enclosure 130.
In the preferred embodiment, the switch 100 is gravity actuated so that tilting the switch 100 will complete the lamp circuit 80. It will be understood that a variety of common switching means could be utilized that would not significantly alter the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a touch- activated switching means may be employed.
In operation, the remote control 30 is removed from a horizontal surface, such as a table, and is tilted such that the gravity actuated switch 100 completes the lamp circuit 80, thereby activating the lamp 90 to produce light 160 for illuminating the operating elements 20 of the remote control 30. After the desired operating element 20 is selected and activated, the remote control 30 is returned to a horizontal position, thereby deactivating the switch 100 and breaking the lamp circuit 80.
To replace the battery 110 the user pulls the second leg 60 partially out of the enclosure 130 to expose the battery 110 through the opening 136. The battery 110 is then replaced, and the second leg 60 then re-inserted into the enclosure 130 to fully cover the opening 136.
It will be understood that the preferred embodiment of the invention is not intended to limit in scope or spirit the invention. For example, one may still adequately illuminate the control elements 20 of a remote control 30 with the enclosure 130 positioned along the
Figure imgf000008_0001
50, the only modification being that the lamp 90 is not contained in the enclosure 130 but is itself attached to the second leg 60. In such an embodiment, the reflector 170 could be built into the leg 60, and the cover 180 could be designed to fit around the leg 60 to protect the lamp 90. In another possible embodiment, in order to achieve a more uniform illumination of the operating elements 20 a plurality of lamps 90 could be utilized.
Thus, the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be linterpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for illuminating operating elements of a remote control device, the apparatus comprising: an "L" shaped bracket having a first and a second leg joined at an approximate right angle, the first leg having a means for attachment to the remote control device, the second leg being positioned adjacent to the operating elements; a lamp circuit including electrical components; a lamp, a switch, said switch having a first position for making the circuit and a second position for breaking the circuit, and a battery; each said component being interconnected with the other two components by electrical conductors, thereby forming a closed circuit for providing power to energize the lamp when the switch is in the first position; and an enclosure having means for attachment to the second leg for
positioning one portion of the enclosure opposite the operating elements, the enclosure walls defining a cavity for supporting the lamp circuit, the lamp, when lit, providing light for illuminating the operating elements.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the switch is gravity actuated so that said circuit is made by tilting the remote control.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a reflector for projecting the light onto the operating elements.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 further including a translucent cover for protecting the lamp while allowing the light to pass through.
PCT/US1991/007423 1990-10-09 1991-10-07 Illumination apparatus for remote control device WO1992006327A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/594,834 US5183325A (en) 1990-10-09 1990-10-09 Illumination apparatus for remote control device
US594,834 1990-10-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992006327A1 true WO1992006327A1 (en) 1992-04-16

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1991/007423 WO1992006327A1 (en) 1990-10-09 1991-10-07 Illumination apparatus for remote control device

Country Status (3)

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US (1) US5183325A (en)
AU (1) AU8924191A (en)
WO (1) WO1992006327A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2296314B (en) * 1994-12-21 1998-08-26 Roger Winston Cox Using data-rerecording devices
US6186636B1 (en) 1999-06-11 2001-02-13 Design Rite, Llc. Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device
US6260984B1 (en) 1999-06-11 2001-07-17 Technology Creations, Inc. Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device through a plug-in connection to a utility power jack
US6921284B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2005-07-26 Belkin Corporation Electrical connector

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US5388692A (en) * 1994-01-03 1995-02-14 Withrow; Joseph E. Lighting cover for a remote control unit
US5379201A (en) * 1994-01-10 1995-01-03 Friedman; Arthur S. Portable light for laptop computer
US5485359A (en) * 1994-04-07 1996-01-16 Galvin; William J. Remote control holder and illuminator
US5564814A (en) * 1994-09-29 1996-10-15 Anderson; Derek N. Remote control illumination system
US5590950A (en) * 1995-07-14 1997-01-07 Hildebrand; Eduard Portable object illumination device
US5868487A (en) * 1996-06-03 1999-02-09 Catalina Lighting, Inc. Computer keyboard light system
WO1998048394A1 (en) * 1997-04-22 1998-10-29 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Remote control apparatus
US6491406B2 (en) 1999-06-11 2002-12-10 Technology Creations, Inc. Pass-thru apparatus for use with a portable electronic or computing device
US6422715B2 (en) 1999-06-11 2002-07-23 Technology Creations, Inc. Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device
JP4230632B2 (en) * 2000-01-05 2009-02-25 インターナショナル・ビジネス・マシーンズ・コーポレーション Computer with keyboard luminaire and portable computer with keyboard luminaire
USD435679S (en) * 2000-03-29 2000-12-26 Nyko Technologies, Inc. Light attachment for portable electronic or computing device
US6680844B2 (en) * 2000-05-30 2004-01-20 Nexform, Inc. Lightweight, energy-efficient, detachable computer light
US6799861B2 (en) 2001-03-15 2004-10-05 Technology Creations, Inc. Portable lighting apparatus and method of use
US6523967B2 (en) 2001-05-01 2003-02-25 Technology Creations, Inc. Electroluminescent apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device
US7153212B1 (en) 2002-02-01 2006-12-26 Mad Catz, Inc. Light attachment for portable electronic device
US20040190298A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Belkin Corporation Portable light device
WO2006100777A1 (en) * 2005-03-24 2006-09-28 Fujitsu Limited Electronic device
US20070279246A1 (en) * 2006-05-30 2007-12-06 Hudspeth Mildred A Remote control with easy to detect buttons
US7794131B2 (en) * 2006-09-08 2010-09-14 Teel John C Light structure for attachment to input/output device
US9671096B2 (en) * 2015-07-31 2017-06-06 Doug Odom TV remote control lighting

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Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2296314B (en) * 1994-12-21 1998-08-26 Roger Winston Cox Using data-rerecording devices
US6186636B1 (en) 1999-06-11 2001-02-13 Design Rite, Llc. Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device
US6260984B1 (en) 1999-06-11 2001-07-17 Technology Creations, Inc. Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device through a plug-in connection to a utility power jack
US6435692B1 (en) 1999-06-11 2002-08-20 Technology Creations, Inc. Apparatus and method for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device
US6527409B1 (en) 1999-06-11 2003-03-04 Technology Creations, Inc. Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic device and method for using the same
US6561669B2 (en) 1999-06-11 2003-05-13 Technology Creations, Inc. Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device
US6749314B2 (en) 1999-06-11 2004-06-15 Technology Creations, Inc. Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic device and method for using the same
US6851819B2 (en) 1999-06-11 2005-02-08 Technology Creations, Inc. Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device
US6921284B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2005-07-26 Belkin Corporation Electrical connector

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Publication number Publication date
US5183325A (en) 1993-02-02
AU8924191A (en) 1992-04-28

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