GB2423924A

GB2423924A - Storage unit for remote controls

Info

Publication number: GB2423924A
Application number: GB0504820A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Jackson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-09
Filing date: 2005-03-09
Publication date: 2006-09-13
Also published as: GB0504820D0

Abstract

A remote control storage unit that can be of singular or modular construction that will take a number of remote controls in a geometrical pattern or shape so that the remotes can be stored vertically, horizontally, or at an angle, such that they can be easily selected and replaced, from a variety of different surfaces and locations.

Description

Patent specification.

Storage unit.

This invention relates to the fact that the average home now contains many electrical entertainment items, all activated and regulated by hand held remote controls. Generally one or two rooms will contain the bulk of these items and their remote controls are often scattered around on furnishings,the floor,coffee tables and other unspecified areas, often lost beneath cushions,down the sides of sofas, or benieth magazines.

This invention overcomes this by providing storage,either in a single unit or one of modular construction, that could accept any number of these remotes.As a free-standing unit it could be positioned on any level surface, such as a coffee table,shelf or flooring or if space is tight, attached to a wall or other vertical surface.A holster- style design that may be hung from angled or uneven surfaces,such as a sofa arm rest or other furniture is also included.

These remote storage units enable the remotes to be kept in an identifiable unit at any place around the room. This would free up the surfaces that the remotes would occupy and makes their location a relatively easy task providing they are returned to the unit after use. This also provides them with some salety,as being dropped,knockecj or accidentally lost is a common hazard for remotes.This also provides a neat and tidy solution to an otherwise disorganised collection of items.

Selecting the correct remote would also be made easier if decals or transfers are also put on to the remote controls themselves or on to designated positions on the storage units.These optional letterings would help distinguish the various remotes, many of which are so similar in design and coloration that differentiation is difficult Each of these letterings would indicate the remote controllers purpose i e TV, DVD, VIDEO,CONSOLEffl..FI,CABLE,SATERLITE CJNEMA,and its common position in the unit.

This could be of use to those who wish to identi1y the remotes quickly or to people with eyesight problems.

Also single modules for only one remote control could be produced in many different colours that will inter-link, enabling people to differentiate between them and add additional modules as they accumulate more remotes, to suit personal taste and aesthetic appeal. These can be linked into many shapes,such as squares,rectangles,T- shapes,crosses as suits the individual and the number of remotes they have now or in the future.

There are a huge number of variations to the basic design and concept of the unit, dependent on the materials that are used in the construction, and the interpretation of the design,commonly relating to the nature of the surface with which the unit is to be positioned. There are some basic requirements for the design that are listed below as well as basic visual suggestions for the designs. This invention will now be described solely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a remote control storage unit of modular design.

Figure 2 shows a storage unit linked together with other units to provide a multi-storage unit from a side perspective, held together by clips.

Figure 3 shows the storage units linked together side by side to create an another alternative design configuration, linking the units together.

Figure 4 shows them in a rectangular variation of the modular remote control storage units,as seen from above.

Figure 5 shows another T-shaped design pattern from above.

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Figure 6 six shows the remote control storage units linked side-by-side and behind each other in a rectangular design.

Figure 7 shows a line of units linked together from above in a line configuration.

Figure 8 shows another design for a modular unit,this design incorporating a recess in which the remote will stand up. This recess could be vertical or angled.

Figure 9 shows another design with a combination of sides,support back and recess in combination on a modular unit to give support and security.

Figure 10 shows another design with a curved support in a modular unit, angled and with base recessed to allow the remote to recline.

Figure 11 shows how these units would look linked together from a front perspective,enabling remotes to be identified from the front facing choice.

Figure 12 shows two possible versions of clip designs that could be used to link the modular units together.

Figures 13 shows a single box- style design in which a number of remotes can be stored. This design includes a hinged lid,others could include sliding,split,sectioned,lift off and rotating tops.

Figure 14 shows a curved edged unit for storing remotes at various angles, other curves could be semi- circled, rounded,or elipsed.

Figure 15 shows a rectangular unit,in this example with angled ends for vertical storage of remotes.It can be angled slightly away from the vertical to allow the remotes to lie at an angle to the perpendicular so that they can be picked up more easily.

Figures 16 shows a tower style design for numerous remote controls,in this example with the remotes recessed downwards at an angle so they are more easily selected.

Figure 17 shows a holster style design for numerous remote controls,where they can be kept in pockets.In this example the holster could be attached to the side of a sofa arm, by way of strips of material and a counterweight below the cushion side.Alternatively the strips could have grips that simply extend under the cushions.

Figure 18 shows a unit with individual cradles attached to a collar that revolves around a central support stand with supporting base.These could be free moving or fixed depending on the designs positioning.

Figure 19 shows a unit that would take a number of remote controls for storage in an upright position This is a simple square unit,though any geometric shape could be used such as a hexagon,rectangle,zigzag,diamond,star,lozenge,circle,pyramid,wedge,triangle and parallelogram could easily be employed depending on the choice.

Figure 20 shows a unit that could be attached to a vertical surface.Again a huge variety of shapes can be used in the design to store the units at any angle,in any geometrical shape or pattern,the only difference being that they are secured to an angled,probably vertical surface such as a wall or furniture.

Figure 21 shows a pyramid style unit which allows the remotes to be stored in a stepped configuration.

Figure 22 shows a unit that is angled in design so that the remotes are supported at a constant degree through the entire unit.

Figure 23 shows a stepped unit from a side view, so that differently sized remotes could be sorted sequentially.

Figure 24 shows two examples of shapes,in this case adapted from animal forms,that could be used to hold remotes.Thjs allows them to be personalised rather than just be simple geometrical forms.

Figure 25 shows a flying saucer design, this time on an internal stand (b) that allows the unit to rotate to select a remote.The recesses could also have a single light source (a)of different colouration above each pocket,powerecj by batteries that lights up when the remote is removcd. This would help if the unit is used in low light conditons,such as when watching a film on TV.

Figure 26 shows a hexagonal type design with curved sides.Thc centre is hollow.

Figure 27 shows a hexagonal design using straight angles,in this example on a stand that allows the unit to rotate freely on a stand.

Figure 28 shows a rack style design with sides.

Figure 29 shows a curved unit suitable for attaching to a vertical surface,with collars that light up(a) when a remote is removed.The batteries are located under it in a pocket (b).

Figure 30 shows a novelty design,car shaped with rotating wheels that would allow it to move across a floor.

There arc a huge number of variations to these basic designs that can be produced from ceramics, metals, plastics,glass, wood, hide, cloth, polystyrene,clay,fabncs and many other basic materials. The choice is varied and influenced by individual tastes, the decor of the room in which the unit will be placed and the construction processes used.The interior design of the room and its furnishings would strongly influence the fashion and design of the unit,from a basicly functional to a highly stylised design,and how it is made and where it is going to be positioned within the room.They can become decrotive items if time and effort is placed into their design and construction,resembling aiumals,vehicles,or any shape that can be adapted to fit the criterior of allowing the storage the remotes in a manner that is both secure and accessable.

The most basic unit would be of a single modular design as in figure 1. With an angled back support, recess and collar this unit allows secured storage of a remote control. It has the advantage of allowing consumers to buy additional modules to link together as their number of remotes increases.These can be linked together by clips in figure 12, into many different geometrical shapes,which depend on the numbers used and the pattern the consumer would wish to store their remote controls. Figures 2 shows the units linked behind eachother in a line,figure 3 side by side. Any type of geometrical shape as in figures 4,5,6,and 7 (which show views from above) can then be made from choice.

The design of the basic unit can also be varied and used to match differing remote control sizes. However as the dimensions of the bases will fit each other, so the variety of different modular units can be used and linked to store all the remote controls. Figures 8,9 and 10 illustrate these kind of differing units. If different colours are used this will also help consumer differentiation of the remotes.Ifdecals are added to the base this will make selection even easier.Modular units should be easy and economical to produce from moulds and give a wide range of selection to consumers at low manufacturing cost.

However,as households have an average of at least four to six remote controls rising to as many as eight with extreme techno consumers. It may be that a storage unit that can hold up to this number in one single unit is the choice most people wish to make.

Figure 13 illustrates a box- style design in which the remotes can be stored. In this case it could be constructed of perspex and is therefore transparent, showing the storage partitions within the unit. A hinged lid is used in this example, but a lift-off lid, split- hinged lid,or sliding top could be used.A box has the advantage of being sealable and easy to move and would keep the remotes tidy.Again the designs can vary as hugely as the materials and colours used. Artwork can also be applied to the sides,as welLas decals.

The design in Figure 14 shows a number of recessed pockets in a single curved unit.This would allow remote controls to be stored at regular intervals but at gradually differing angles from the vertical top one through to the almost horizontal base.This makes selection particularly easy as there is a regular angled gap between the remotes.

In a more traditional approach to storage it would be simply to arrange the remotes controls in a rack as in Figure 15, similar to a very small bookcasc.Here the ends are angled,rather than left plain.

Figure 16 shows a clear perspex construction of a tower storage unit. In this case the partitions are angled downward slightly so the remotes are less likely to tip out if moved. It will also allow the remotes to be selected more easily than from a simple horizontal surface. If the front of the unit is tapered slightly from the base upward this also allows remotes that arc of different sizes to be sorted more easily for access. It might be possible to include small foam blocks, that when placed at the back of the storage partitions will not only allow the remotes to be equaliscd in length so that they all protrude Out of the unit to roughly the same lcngth,but also provide protection for the heads of the controls when replaced into the tower.

The previous units mentioned are designed basically to stand on horizontal surfaces such as coffee-tables, side-boards, shelved units, bookcases or shelves.It is advisable that a thin protective material is attached to the base,particularly if the material used in the unit is heavy, like glass,metal or ceramics or has sharp edges in the design, to prevent accidental damage to the rest surfaces top.It would also provide better grip if the rest surface is a highly polished material such as glass.

However, remote controls could also be stored in a design that is attached to furnishings such as sofa or chair arms.This would be a holster or pocket style design that is secured by strips of material that could either be tied to the arm, have a counter weight that balances the weight of the remotes or have a wedge attached to the end of the strip materials,that would be wedged into the gap between the cushion and the arm rest seat,so preventing the remotes from falling out if the cushions are removed This design allows the remote controls to be stored very close to the users reach.It may be advantageous to manufacturers to use the materials used in the construction of the furnishings,particularly three piece suites,to provide these units as an accessory in the future.

Figure 18 shows another unit design for storing remotes controls,this time on a stand The stand could vary in height from that of a small coffee-table unit,only perhaps a foot high,to a very tall lamp stand type fixture that could be placed next to a seated person. In this illustration the individual cradles that hold the remote controls are attached to a collar that rotates freely around the stand at a fixed level.This would enable the choice of a remote by rotating the cradles around until they select the correct one.Alternatively individual cradles could be attached to a stand by either a bracket,clamp,clip or screw which could be then adjusted to suit the level at which a person most commonly sits.The length of the arm could also vaiy.Individual units like the modules descibed in figure icould also be produced,with arms and clamp or clip attachments that could also be located to the side of a normal lamp stand if safety permitted it.

More fashionable and simple designs can be produced using ceramics,metals and glass. In figure 19 a simple cube design is used with recesses but no back support.These units require a greatter height to be used so to provide a deeper recess in which a remote is supported.Base protection and recess base protection with a thin foam rubber material is necessary to prevent damage to support surfaces,remote heads and to prevent excessive play in the remotes if the unit is moved.

There may be a lack of space in the particular room in which the entertainment units are used.It would make sense to therefore use the vertical surfaces available,such as walls,panels,bookcases and other units from which to hang a small-scale remote control storage unit.These could be of one,two or three cradles

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deeper as in the figure 20. The units could be secured by screws,plugs, adaesjves ties,clips,wires or any materials that would secure the unit to the surface safely when filled with the maximium number of remotes.A simple hook at the top of the unit could also be used as shown in (a).

These again allow a flexible approach to the positioning of the unit particularly in a small room,and in that there as many different designs patterns and shapes can be used as the previous ones mentioned,the only difference being that they are attached to vertical surface or angled surface by some secured means.Units can be hung in pairs,in horizontal or vertical strips of any number.

Figures 21,22 and 23 represent variations on free standing designs,the difference being that the remotes are stored in a stepped construction,so that remotes can be supported at differing heights,eithcr vertically or at angles.

Not all designs have to be purely geometrical or curves.Figures 24 and 25 show variations on animal and mechanical forms. Simple ones like hippos, crocodJ1es,sharks,rkes or as in figure 25 a flying saucer can also have more novel designs incorporated into them.The saucer, for example, sits on a freely rotating base (b) and also includes light sources (a)above the recesses.These would light when a remote is removed and extingush when replaced.Pressure pads or buttons can be placed in the recesses to activate them if the batteiy power supply is turned on.Different colours would indicate which pocket the remote was removed from and would help relocation,particularly in a darkened room.lt would also make the unit more fun to look at Figure 26 shows a curved sided hexagonal design with a central space and figure 27 shows an angled sided design,this time rotating about a central fixed base.Another simple variation is a rack as in figure 28,this time with shallow recesses but also with attached side panels that will retain the remotes safely if the rack is moved.

Another variation is figure 29.This time, another wall unit with a curved design,the recessed pockets have light sources next to them. Stensiled letterings can be applied to designate the remote type which are illuminated by a back light source by the collar(a).A spare compartment (b) can be included to keep spare batteries for the remotes.

Finally figure 30 shows a novelty car design that has wheels that rotate, allow the unit to move across a surface.In extreme cases it could also be motorised and controled by a remote to bring the unit to you! C)

Claims

Claims 1A storage unit that can be of single or modular construction that

takes any number of remote controls that are kept either vcrtically,hothontally or at any angle, so that they can be selected and replaced into the storage unit.
2.Remotes can be secured according to claim one by either recesses, pockcts,cradles, wraparound supports, sides,back panels,collars, compartlnents,moulds,slots holes,holders or holsters or any combination of the affore mentioned so as to position the remote controls so they are held secured and accessable in the unit.
3.The unit base may require a thin sheet of protective material on the bottom to prevent the scratching of wooden,delicate or highly polished surfaces on which it rests, according to claim one, depending on the materials used in its construction and the surface upon which it is designed to rest.
4. According to claim three the base cover would be of some material that would also provide some contact friction so that the unit does not slide easily across or off the surface upon which it rests and dependent on the construction materials used,it may also require to be weighted so to keep the unit stable and balanced when filled with remote controls.
5.The unit according to claim four will require the recesses or pockets or holders to be of a sufficient depth to prevent the remotes from falling out if the unit is moved or picked up, or require there to be supports attached to prevent accidental displacement.
6.The remote retention bases according to claim five may also require a thin cushioning material to be placed in them to prevent damage to the remote control heads if they are stored head down and to provide traction for the remote controls thatcould also prevent excessive play in the remotes if the unit is subject to movement.
7.Retention recesses or addtional holders according to claim six could also be put into the unit for spare batteries to be kept to replace batteries which are used to power the remotes if required by the design.
8.Addjtjonaj decals or transfers can be used and attached to the remote controls or used on the unit in claim six to help identit' the electrical product they relate to and the position in which it is stored in the unit, as many of the remotes are of such a similar size and construction that they are difficult to differentiate between, particularly when stored in a group.
9. The unit can be designed according to claim one so that the remotes can be stored in any geometrical pattern or shape,vertically, horizontally, or at any angle as limited only by practicallity or asthetic appeal,in a singular unit or by linking modules,dependant on the location in which the unit is designed to be placed.
lO.Any design that is used according to claim one and attatched to a vertical or angled surface may require some method of attatchement by hook,screw,tie,nail,clip,wire, adhesive or material to that surface H) so as to offer a secure position in which to place the unit for access and to support the weight of the unit when filled to capacity.
11.A design according to claim one could also include holsters,pockets or cradles attached to supports in a pattern around a central support that could be either fixed or allow them to pivot or rotate around it so that the remotes can be selected and stored.
12.M stated in claim twelve this could also include single modules that could be attached to a freestanding unit by clips,clamps,bolts or similar attachments.
13.A design as stated in claim 9 could also be require to rotate freely about a fixed base or stand so that the selection of different remote controls can be made from a single position.
14.A design according to claim nine could also include light sources of similar or differing colours in its construction to help indicate the position of a recess and the type of remote control that should be kept there.
1 5.A design according to claim 1 could also be based on the representation of non- geometrical fonns such as animals or vehicles.
16.A design according to claim 15 could also include wheels or rollers that enable it to move across a surface. A motor and remote control could also be included to control the units mobility.