AU2018203731A1

AU2018203731A1 - Remote Control Holder

Info

Publication number: AU2018203731A1
Application number: AU2018203731A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Edward Joseph Khoury; Christopher Robert Stuart
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-06-06
Filing date: 2018-05-28
Publication date: 2018-12-20
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-28
Also published as: NZ742985A; AU2018203731B2

Abstract

Abstract A remote control holder (10) comprising a body portion (12) mounted for 5 rotation relative to a frame (14). The body portion (12) includes a plurality of channels (20) to each receive a remote control (11). A plurality of securing clips (42) are provided to secure remote controls (11) within the channels (20). Each of the securing clips (42) is secured to the body portion (12) between an adjacent pair of channels (20) and includes flexible first and second arm 10 portions (48, 49) extending outwardly across the adjacent channels (20) to secure the remote controls (11) within the channels (20).

Description

“Remote Control Holder”

Field of the Invention [001] The present invention relates to a device for holding remote controls for electronic appliances.

Background to the Invention [002] Many household devices are provided with a remote control to operate the device. It is therefore quite common to have multiple remote controls in a single room in the house for controlling devices such as a television, a DVD player, an air conditioner or sound system. These remote controls are often simply left on a table, a couch or other surface within the room. A common problem arises therefore with locating a particular control when it is required for use.

[003] A variety of devices have been proposed in which a number of remote controls may be stored to ensure the controls are easy to access when required. Such devices often comprise a simple frame in which the remote controls are stored when not in use. When required for use, the remote control is removed from the frame, used and then returned when finished.

[004] The present invention relates to a holder for storing remote controls having features aimed at improving the ease of use of the remote control.

Summary of the Invention [005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a remote control holder comprising:

a body portion mounted for rotation relative to a frame such that when the frame is placed on a horizontal surface, the body portion is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis;

2018203731 28 May 2018 a plurality of channels provided in the body portion extending parallel to the rotation axis, the channels being provided to each receive a remote control;

and a plurality of securing clips provided to secure remote controls within the channels;

wherein each of the securing clips is secured to the body portion between an adjacent pair of channels and includes flexible first and second arm portions extending outwardly across the adjacent channels to secure the remote controls within the channels.

[006] Preferably each of the first and second arm portions extend outwardly from a central connector engageable with the body portion.

[007] Preferably the body portion comprises a plurality of radial walls extending outwardly from the rotation axis such that the central connector of each securing clip is engaged with an outer edge of one of the walls.

[008] Preferably the central connector comprises a central tab that is slidably received into a groove extending along the outer edge of the wall.

[009] In a preferred embodiment, resilient members are provided centrally within the channels such that the remote controls engage with and compress the resilient members when received in the channels.

[010] In a preferred embodiment, each of the resilient members comprises; a base portion connectable to the body portion within the channel; and spring members extending from the base portion;

wherein the spring members are flexible relative to the base portion such that when a remote control is received in the channel, the remote control engages with and presses the spring members towards the base portion.

[011] Preferably the base portion includes a rail extending outwardly from a first side thereof to be received in a slot provided centrally in the channel.

[012] Preferably the spring members each comprise arcuate members extending towards each other from opposed ends of the base portion.

2018203731 28 May 2018 [013] Preferably the channels are open at first ends thereof such that a remote control secured within the channel can transmit a signal outwardly from the first end of the body portion through the open end of the channel.

[014] Preferably the channels are each arcuate in transverse cross section.

[015] In a preferred embodiment, walls the body portion comprises a single extrusion including three radial arms extending outwardly from a central longitudinal axis.

[016] Preferably the body includes end caps received into openings in the first and second ends thereof.

[017] Preferably the frame comprises a base portion and uprights, the uprights being engaged into ends of the body portion such that the body portion is rotatable relative to the uprights.

[018] In one embodiment, the base portion comprises a Z-shaped elongate member provided to rest on a horizontal surface.

[019] Preferably the uprights extend upwardly from each end of the Z-shaped elongate member at an angle to a vertical axis in use.

Brief Description of the Drawings [020] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which:

[021] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a remote control holder in accordance with the present invention;

[022] Figure 2 is an end view of the remote control holder of Figure 1;

[023] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the remote control holder of Figure 1; [024] Figure 4 is an end cross sectional view of the remote control holder of Figure 1;

[025] Figure 5a is a side view of one of the securing clips of the remote control holder of Figure 1;

[026] Figure 5b is a perspective view of the securing clip of Figure 5a;

[027] Figure 6a is an end view of one of the resilient members of the remote control holder of Figure 1;

[028] Figure 6b is a side view of the resilient member of Figure 6a;

[029] Figure 6c is a side view of the resilient member of Figure 6a in a compressed state;

[030] Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of the remote control holder of Figure 1 shown holding remote controls; and [031] Figure 8 is an end view of the remote control holder of Figure 1 shown holding remote controls.

2018203731 28 May 2018

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments [032] Referring to the Figures, there is provided a remote control holder 10 comprising a body portion 12 and a frame 14. The frame 14 is provided to rest on a horizontal surface, such as a table, and the body portion 12 is rotatably mounted to the frame 14. The body portion 12 includes a plurality of receptacles 16, each being provided for receiving a remote control 11.

[033] The body portion 12 comprises an elongate member rotatably mounted to the frame 14 such that when the frame 14 is resting on a horizontal surface, the body portion 12 is rotatable about a horizontal axis. In the embodiment shown, first and second ends 18 and 19 of the body portion 12 are secured to the frame 14 such that the body portion 12 rotates about a central rotation axis of the body portion 12 extending between the first and second ends 18 and 19 thereof.

[034] The receptacles 16 comprise elongate channels 20 provided in an outer surface of the body portion 12, extending from the first end 18 to the second end 19 thereof. The channels 20 are spaced at equal distances around the periphery of the body portion 12 such that the channels 20 are each parallel to the rotation axis of the body portion 12.

[035] In the embodiment shown, the channels 20 are each arcuate in transverse cross section and of a width such that each channel 20 can receive

2018203731 28 May 2018 one remote control 11. There are provided three channels 20 in the embodiment shown for receiving three remote controls 11, however it will be appreciated that a greater number of channels 20 may be provided for receiving more remote controls 11. The three channels 20 are spaced at equal angular distances from each other around the central axis of the body portion 12.

[036] The channels 20 are open at the first and second ends 18 and 19 thereof. That is, the arcuate cross section of the channels 20 is constant from the first end 18 of the body portion 12 to the second end 19 of the body portion 12. If each of the remote controls 11 is received in one of the channels 20 such that the transmitter of the remote control 11 is located adjacent the first end 18 of the body portion 12, the open ends of the channels 20 allow the remote controls 11 to operate in a normal manner and transmit a signal outwardly from the first end 18 of the body portion 12.

[037] The body portion 12 in the embodiment shown is constructed of a single extrusion including three radial walls 22 extending outwardly from the central longitudinal axis. The surfaces joining each wall 22 with the adjacent walls 22 are arcuate in transverse cross section to define the channels 20 of the body 12.

[038] The body 12 includes end caps 24 received into openings in the first and second ends 18 and 19 thereof. The end caps 24 each include three radial arms corresponding to the position of the walls 22 of the body 12. The end caps 24 thereby seal across the ends of the extrusion.

[039] Each of the end caps 24 includes an aperture 26 located centrally therein. The apertures 26 are provided for receiving a part of the frame 14 such that the body 12 is rotatably mounted to the frame 14.

[040] The frame 14 comprises a base portion 30 and uprights 36. The base portion 30 is provided to rest on a horizontal surface such that the uprights 36 extend upwardly from the base portion 30 to support the body portion 12 of the remote control holder 10.

2018203731 28 May 2018 [041] In the embodiment shown, the base portion 30 comprises a Z-shaped elongate member 34 provided to rest on a horizontal surface. The base portion 30 therefore comprises a central elongate member 62 and first and second end members 64 and 65. The central elongate member 62 is arranged to extend from the first end 18 of the body portion 12 to the second end 19 of the body portion 12 at an angle to the central longitudinal axis of the body portion 12. The first and second end members 64 and 65 extend from opposed ends of the central elongate member 62 in a direction generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis ofthe body portion 12.

[042] The uprights 36 extend upwardly from each end of the base portion 30. There is therefore provided a first upright 36a extending upwardly from a distal end of the first end member 64 and a second upright 36b extending upwardly from a distal end of the second end member 65. Each of the uprights 36 extends upwardly at an angle to a vertical axis in use. Each of the uprights 36 includes a transverse end portion 38. The transverse end portions 38 are received in the apertures 26 such that the body portion 12 is rotatable about an axis extending between the transverse end portions 38.

[043] Each of the channels 20 is provided with a securing mechanism such that a remote control 11 can be releasably secured within the channel 20. In the embodiment shown, the securing mechanism comprises securing clips 42. Each of the securing clips 42 is provided to secure to an outer edge of one of the walls 22 of the body 12. The securing clips 42 each include a central connector connectable to one of the walls 22 between an adjacent pair of channels 20. The central connectors each comprise a tab 44 (as can be seen in Figure 5) that is slidably received into a groove 46 extending along an outer side of one of the walls 22. The groove 46 includes a narrowed outer end and the tab 44 includes a neck portion such that the tab 44 can be slid into the end of the groove 46 and will be retained within the groove 46. The position of the securing clip 42 relative to the wall 22 can therefore be adjusted by sliding and more than one securing clip 42 may be provided for each of the walls 22.

[044] The securing clips 42 also include first and second arm portions 48 and 49 extending away from the tab 44. The first arm portion 48 is provided to

2018203731 28 May 2018 extend outwardly across the channel 20 on a first side of the wall 22 and the second arm portion 49 is provided to extend outwardly across the channel 20 on a second opposite side of the wall 22. The first and second arm portions 48 and 49 extend outwardly from the central connector such that the first and second arm portions 48 are colinear. The securing clip 42 is flexible and may be constructed of a suitable plastic material. The first and second arm portions 48 and 49 of the securing clip 42 also include angled end portions 50 which are turned toward the channels 20.

[045] Resilient members 52 are also provided centrally within the channels 20 such that the remote controls 11 engage with and compress the resilient members 52 when received in the channels 20. The resilient members 52 act to push the remote control 11 away from the channel 20 to hold the remote control 11 in engagement with the securing clips 42.

[046] Each of the resilient members 52 comprises a base portion 54 and a pair of flexible spring members 56. The base portion 54 comprises an elongate member having a rail 58 extending outwardly from a first side thereof. The rail 58 is provided to be received in a slot 60 provided centrally in the channel 20. The spring members 56 comprise arcuate arms extending from ends of the base portion 54 back towards each other. The spring members 56 are flexible relative to the base portion 54 such that when a remote control 11 is received in the channel 20, the remote control 11 engages with and presses the spring members 56 towards the base portion 54. The compressed spring members 56 will apply a force against the remote control 11 pushing it away from the channel 20.

[047] In use, remote controls 11 are inserted into the channels 20 to be received under the first and second arm portions 48 and 49 of the securing clips 42. The first and second arm portions 48 and 49 flex away from the channel 20 to receive the remote control 11 and then flex back towards the channel 20 to hold the remote control 11 in the channel 20 against the resilient member 52.

2018203731 28 May 2018 [048] The remote control holder 10 can be placed on a horizontal surface in a position in sight of the devices to be controlled by the remote controls 11. When it is desired to use one of the remote controls 11, the body 12 may be rotated until that remote control 11 is uppermost. The remote control 11 may then be used by pressing buttons as normal. The open end of the channel 20 adjacent the transmitter of the remote control 11 allows the remote control 11 to send signals to the device to be controlled. The remote controls 11 may therefore be both conveniently stored and available for use while still in the remote control holder 10.

[049] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

5 1. A remote control holder comprising:

a body portion mounted for rotation relative to a frame such that when the frame is placed on a horizontal surface, the body portion is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis;

a plurality of channels provided in the body portion extending parallel to the 10 rotation axis, the channels being provided to each receive a remote control;

and a plurality of securing clips provided to secure remote controls within the channels;

wherein each of the securing clips is secured to the body portion between an 15 adjacent pair of channels and includes flexible first and second arm portions extending outwardly across the adjacent channels to secure the remote controls within the channels.
2. A remote control holder in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the first and second arm portions extend outwardly from a central connector

20 engageable with the body portion.
3. A remote control holder in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the body portion comprises a plurality of radial walls extending outwardly from the rotation axis such that the central connector of each securing clip is engaged with an outer edge of one of the walls.

25
4. A remote control holder in accordance with claim 3, wherein the central connector comprises a central tab that is slidably received into a groove extending along the outer edge of the wall.
5. A remote control holder in accordance with claim 3 or 4, wherein resilient members are provided centrally within the channels such that the

30 remote controls engage with and compress the resilient members when received in the channels.

2018203731 28 May 2018
6. A remote control holder in accordance with claim 5, wherein each of the resilient members comprises;

a base portion connectable to the body portion within the channel; and spring members extending from the base portion;

5 wherein the spring members are flexible relative to the base portion such that when a remote control is received in the channel, the remote control engages with and presses the spring members towards the base portion.
7. A remote control holder in accordance with claim 6, wherein the base portion includes a rail extending outwardly from a first side thereof to be

10 received in a slot provided centrally in the channel.
8. A remote control holder in accordance with claim 6 or 7, wherein the spring members each comprise arcuate members extending towards each other from opposed ends of the base portion.
9. A remote control holder in accordance with any one of the preceding 15 claims, wherein the channels are open at first ends thereof such that a remote control secured within the channel can transmit a signal outwardly from the first end of the body portion through the open end of the channel.
10. A remote control holder in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels are each arcuate in transverse cross section.

20
11. A remote control holder in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, walls the body portion comprises a single extrusion including three radial arms extending outwardly from a central longitudinal axis.
12. A remote control holder in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes end caps received into openings in the first

25 and second ends thereof.
13. A remote control holder in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises a base portion and uprights, the uprights being engaged into ends of the body portion such that the body portion is rotatable relative to the uprights.

2018203731 28 May 2018
14. A remote control holder in accordance with claim 13, wherein the base portion comprises a Z-shaped elongate member provided to rest on a horizontal surface.
15. A remote control holder in accordance with claim 14, wherein the 5 uprights extend upwardly from each end of the Z-shaped elongate member at an angle to a vertical axis in use.