FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to hand-held remote control devices.

BACKGROUND

These days, with the proliferation of apparatus controlled by remote hand-held devices, such devices can easily become mislaid. THE INVENTION

The present inventor has considered and rejected the idea of a sheet with pockets into which a plurality of such devices can be placed; this sheet cannot readily be moved around, e.g. from room to room, it collapses easily, it has to be hung up, and it is easy for the devices to fall out of the pockets.

The present inventor has also considered and rejected the idea of a portable stand for a plurality of such devices hung on the stand; these tend to come off the stand easily if it is moved around or upset.

One aspect of the present invention consists in fastening the devices firmly together, preferably releasably, and preferably on a stand, to form a portable hub.

Another aspect of the invention provides a portable hub, whether partly or wholly assembled, unassembled and/or disassembled, comprising a plurality of handheld remote control devices, the hub including fastening means (preferably releasable) adapted for directly or indirectly fastening the devices firmly in position in relation to one another. This may have (e.g. vertically elongate): protective buffers between adjacent remote controls; and/or (preferably resilient and/or flexible) gripping means to grip the sides of the remote controls; and/or a maximum diameter of 8 cm; and/or means for vertically extending the height of the hub, e.g. threaded means that enable the hub to be rotated on a base in order to extend its height.

Another aspect of the invention provides a plurality of said devices and means adapted to fasten the devices firmly and releasably together to form a portable hub, e.g. a stand (i.e. the stand formed by the plurality of such devices firmly fastened together which can if elongate stand upright at a common end of the plurality), possibly with the addition of a base. Said devices may comprise complementary first and second fastening elements adapted to fasten the devices together back-to-back (if there are only two of them), or side-by-side in a ring, e.g. such elements being provided along respective parallel long edges of each said device, which is elongate, so that neighbouring said devices can thus be fastened firmly together. Said first and second elements may be elongate and may be respectively loop material and micro-hook material that fasten together or may be respectively magnets with oppositely arranged poles.

Another aspect of the invention provides a portable stand for a plurality of remote control devices, comprising releasable fastening means to fix the devices firmly in place on the stand. Such a stand is suitable to be part of some forms of such a hub.

Another aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts comprising such a stand and a plurality of fastenings attachable to said devices such that a said device can by means of such fastening attached to it be fastened firmly in place on the stand.

Another aspect of the invention provides a remote control device comprising fastening means whereby it is adapted to be releasably fastened firmly in position in a said hub.

Said devices may have any one or more of the following features: They are not captive to the apparatus they control. They have a radiation controlling connection with such apparatus which may be sonic (e.g. ultrasonic) and/or electromagnetic (e.g. radio, light and/or infrared). They comprise a keypad for controlling the apparatus. They are elongate, e.g. having a length at least two, or even at least three, times as long as their width. Their length is at least 9 cm, or at least 12 cm, or at least 15 cm. Their width is at least 4 cm, or at least 6 cm, or at least 8 cm. They are of generally rectangular shape. Their thickness is less than 1 cm, or less than 1.5 cm, or less than 2 cm, or less than 2.5 cm.

In the embodiments described herein, by way of example, the hub may have any one or more of the following features:

- said fastening means comprise clip means.

- said fastening means comprise magnetic means.

- said fastening means comprise a component of micro-hook and loop means.

- the hub comprises a stand for the devices, said fastening means being adapted to fasten the devices firmly in place on the stand.

- the stand has a plurality of faces facing in different directions, each provided with a said fastening means for a respective said device.

- the stand comprises at least three said faces.

- the stand comprises luminous means to help facilitate placing said devices on said stand.

- said luminous means comprise powered illumination means.

- said luminous means comprises luminous means for each said face.

- said luminous means comprise luminous means outlining each said face.

- the stand comprises charging means for said devices.

- the stand has edges with rubber or other cushioning material at the edges (to give a measure of protection in case the stand should be accidentally dropped or knocked over).

- the stand comprises an upright cylindrical member.

- said cylindrical member comprises said faces.

- the stand comprises a base member that supports said upright cylindrical member.

- the stand comprises a battery compartment connected to power power-consuming means of the stand.

- the stand comprises means to hold said devices captive to the stand when said fastening means are released.

Since the embodiments are adapted for the device to be fixed in a fixed position, charging means can be provided for each device. Although the fastening means are releasable, it may be possible to operate the remote control devices from their positions on the stand; for example, the stand carrying the control devices may be picked up and pointed at the apparatus controlled by the control devices.

The preferred fastening means comprise anchor means, e.g. clip means on the stand (e.g. not requiring any special adaptation of said device except that it should be of sufficient size to be fastened when inserted into said clip), or an anchor on the stand to which a said device can be clipped (e.g. said device having a clip to fasten to said anchor). And/or the fastening means may comprise magnetic means and/or a component of micro-hook and loop fastening means (e.g. that known under the trade mark Velcro). In the latter case, the co-operating fastening component is provided on the device. Another possibility is for the stand and/or device to have an electrical-connector type (e.g. bayonet or prong-and-socket) fastening, but this must be latched or sufficiently stiff or otherwise adapted to prevent accidental release of the device from the stand. At the same time, this fastening may actually be an electrical connector to facilitate charging of (e.g. a battery of) the device from the stand.

Preferably, the stand has a plurality of faces facing in different directions, each provided with a said fastening means for a respective said device. There may be at least 3 said faces, possibly 4 or possibly 5 or possibly 6.

Preferably, the stand comprises luminous means, e.g. to help facilitate placing said devices on said stand and/or to help illuminate said devices to facilitate use thereof and/or for decorative purposes, the luminous means may be luminescent but preferably comprise powered illumination means, e.g. from a battery carried on the stand, possibly with recharging terminals for such battery, or again the stand can have a plug-in wander lead.

Said luminous means may comprise luminous means for each said face and/or may comprise luminous means outlining each said face.

The stand may have edges with rubber or other cushioning material at the edges to give a measure of protection in case it should be accidentally dropped or knocked over.

The stand may comprise an upright cylindrical member. Said cylindrical member may comprise said faces. The stand may comprise a base member that supports said upright cylindrical member.

The stand may comprise a battery compartment connected to power power-consuming means of the stand, e.g. charging means for said devices and/or illumination means for the stand. The battery compartment may be contained in said base member and/or in said upright cylindrical member .

The stand may comprise means to hold said devices captive to the stand when said fastening means are released, e.g. a chain or cord or extendable spiral connector.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cylinder of a hub embodying the invention;

Figure 2 shows the same together with a plan view of a base for the cylinder;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the hub comprising the cylinder with two (out of three, the third one not being shown, for clarity) handheld remote control devices, the base and a lower-end adapter to assemble the cylinder to the base;

Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are views like Figure 1 showing respective cylinders having three faces, four faces, five faces and six faces, together with an example of a rubber cushion such as are to be attached along each edge between every two adjacent faces; Figures 8, 9 and 10 are respectively a perspective view, a plan view and a side view of one form of adapter holder for attachment to a said control device to act as a fastening to fasten the device to the hub cylinder;

Figures 11 , 12 and 13 are respectively a plan view before and after rotation of a tightening member of a male attachment mechanism clip (another form of adapter holder) for attachment to a said control device to act as a fastening to fasten the device to the hub cylinder and a front view of the same; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a pulley with sprung-retraction of its cord which extends to a male attachment mechanism for attachment to a said control device, which pulley is contained within the hub cylinder and serves to hold the control device captive to the cylinder and/or (if the spring is strong enough) to fasten the control device firmly in position to the cylinder except when forcibly extended;

Figure 15 is a exploded perspective view of a female attachment plug mechanism for attachment to a said control device by means of adhesive to act as a fastening to fasten the device to the hub cylinder;

Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the hub mantle, which is an insert in the said cylinder, and contains rechargeable batteries;

Figure 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower end adapter for mounting the hub cylinder on the hub base unit;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of an inner member of the hub base unit;

Figure 19 is a corresponding view of a cover for the hub base unit which receives prongs of the said lower end adapter;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of three said control devices that that form a hub (shown not completely assembled); they fasten together by said fastening means at their vertical edges, by which they hinge to each other;

Figure 21 is a plan view of the same fully assembled together to form a hub embodying the invention (note that the keypads are on the outsides of the three devices when so assembled);

Figure 22 is a plan view, like Figure 21 , of the hub of Figures 1, 2 and 3, fully assembled;

Figure 23 is a perspective view, as Figure 1 , of another form of hub with the remote control devices positioned, fastened firmly in place, on a common central vertical cylinder;

Figure 24 is a corresponding view of another form of hub with the remote control devices positioned, fastened firmly in place, on a common base;

Figure 25 is a perspective view of a modification of the Figure 1 embodiment;

Figures 26 to 29 are views like Figure 1, showing respectively the three-faced embodiment with devices 12 not yet fastened to cylinder 16, the same with devices 12 fastened firmly in position to cylinder 16, the four-faced embodiment with devices 12 not yet fastened to cylinder 16, and the same with devices 12 fastened firmly in position to cylinder 16; for clarity, the fastening means 14 on devices 12 are not shown; and

Figure 30 is a perspective view of a modification of the Figure 1 embodiment.

Referring to the drawings, identical references refer to the same item in the same Figure or different Figures or items that are identical or similar or have similar functions, and references with the same first two digits (or same first three digits) refer to items that are identical or similar or have similar or related functions.

Referring to the drawings, a portable hub 10 comprises a plurality of handheld remote control devices 12 (each with a keypad 121), and includes releasable fastening means 14 for fastening the devices 12 firmly in position in relation to one another, by fastening them together in the embodiment of Figures 20 and 21 or by fastening them to a common upright hub cylinder 16 in the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 3 and 22. The fastening means 14 may, for example, comprise micro-hook (141) and micro-loop (142) co-operating elements or co-operating magnets 141 , 142 or serrated prongs 143 that clip into clip means 144 in the form of clip sockets 144. The hub cylinder 16 is mounted by means of a hub adapter 18 (see also Figure 17) onto a hub base member 20, which thereby supports upright cylinder 16; these parts together constitute a stand 22 for the devices 12, said fastening means 14 being adapted to fasten the devices 12 firmly in place on the stand 22. The stand 22 has a plurality of faces facing in different directions, each provided with a said fastening means for a respective said device. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cylinder 16 of the stand 22 has three faces 24 facing in different directions, each provided with fastening means 144 for a respective said device 12. Figure 5 shows the embodiment having four such faces 24, together with an example of a rubber cushion 26 such as are to be attached along each edge 28 between every two adjacent faces 24 (the bead 261 slides down into groove 281 for the attaching). The stand 22 comprises luminous means 30 (in the form of strip lights 30 extending up the vertical edges of each face 24, thereby outlining each face 24) to help facilitate placing said devices 12 on said stand 22. These are powered by batteries 32 contained in a cylindrical mantle 34 (see Figures 3 and 16), held in place in mantle 34 by a cap 341 , and in turn charged from a charging means 36 in base 20 powered through a mains cord 361. Mantle 34 thus provides a battery compartment 34 connected to power power-consuming means 30 of stand 22.

The hub 10 may comprise a loose cord (not shown) for each device 12 connecting that device 12 to the hub 10 to hold said devices 12 captive to the stand 22 when said fastening means 14 are released (so that each device 12 is no longer held firmly in position to stand 22). Preferably, instead, for each device 12, there is a pulley means 140 (see Figure 14) located inside upright cylinder 16 with a cord 146 and an attachment head 147 that is attached to the device 12; cord 146 and head 147 project outside cylinder 16 through a hole 144 (in place of a fastening means 144 mentioned above); the pulley means 140 is located inside upright cylinder 16 and is sprung to retract cord 146 whenever device 12 is released and thereby retract the device 12 into a firmly held position against stand 22.

The hub 10 may be sold without the devices 12 as a kit of parts that comprises stand 22 and a plurality (one for each device 12) of fastening means 148 (see Figure 15) that can be attached to respective devices 12, e.g. by means of an adhesive disc 1481 (Figure 15) or by various combinations of screw piston means 1482 (on the end of prong 143, able to be screwed into male attachment plug 1486 to separate the four sections 1487 of the latter) and clip means 1483 (as seen in Figures 8 to 13), each arm 1485 of clip 1483 having a sprung hinge 1484 to help hold device 12 firmly in position in clip 1483.

In the Figure 21 embodiment, the devices 12 are held side-by-side in a ring. Clearly, if there are only two such devices 12, their fastening means 141 , 142, by being arranged alternately on corresponding sides, will allow the two devices 12 to fasten to each other back-to-back.

The embodiments provide a portable hub for non-wired (herein also called "wireless") remote control devices. It can be static in an ornamental setting and mobile for use around the room/building. This can be provided at relatively low cost.

The portable remote control hub provides an affordable solution that ensures that you can keep your existing equipment without having to make programming modifications to combine the functions of a plurality of remote control devices. As a single lit unit, this can be moved around the room or house. The rubber edges around it offer a cushioning effect if it should be accidentally dropped.

It is designed for the mass domestic market, and for small and large businesses with audio-visual needs, where there may be a requirement for different remote controls for devices in a room. It can be given suitable ornamental design to allow it to have a prominent position in the room, thereby enabling easy access.

The present embodiments provide a hollow upright tubular hub where different-sized remote controls for devices can be attached/replaced as and when needed. The hub consists of: - A triangular (three-faceted - Figures 1 , 2 and 3), quadrilateral (four-faceted - Figure 5), pentagonal (five-faceted - Figure 6) and hexagonal (six-faceted - Figure 7) extendable tubular structure, which may be called a HUB SHELL, held together by a mantle (Figure 16) and base adapter (Figure 17).

- These facets on the hub shell provide stations where wireless remote controls can be parked by means of a click-release mechanism (Figures 11 , 12 and 13), magnet or other attachment mechanisms. Adapter holders keep the remote controls in place on the hub (Figures 8 to 13).

- And the hub base (Figures 2, 3, 18 and 19). The hub base has integrated spaces for storing rechargeable batteries. The hub base carries an electric cable needed to recharge these batteries. It has a wander lead to connect between the hub and the wall.

The adapter holders are adjustable to provide grip to differently shaped remote controls. The hub shell 16 is vertically extendable and can be adjusted to suit different standardised lengths of remote controls (e.g. so that aesthetically they do not extend above the top of the hub shell). It is designed in an upright position with a close-ended top and an adapted lower end. The top end has a press-on/off button switch to turn-on energy-saving spot-lights (or they could be strip lights) on the edges of each facet and batteries are inside cylinder. This keeps the remote control area facet reasonably lit whilst the hub is in operation. For vertically extending the hub shell (cylinder) 16, this is divided into upper and lower parts 161 and 162 respectively, interconnected (1) by screw means so that they can be adjusted to be moved together or apart, or (2) by sliding means, e.g. telescopic so that one part slides in and out of the other to an extent controlled by a central axial screw in the lower part working in a nut fixed in the upper part, or (3) by a sprung button on one of the parts 161 or 162 that can be engaged in any one of a vertical series of notches in the other part 162 or 161 , but in each of these three cases with only limited travel so that the two parts 161 and 162 do not come apart completely. The illumination can be for decorative purposes, to aid location of the remote control devices onto the hub cylinder and/or to provide illumination to a use of the remote control devices.

Advantages: Embodiments of this invention should provide ease in managing dispersed wireless remote controls for units of controllable apparatus in a room and/or building by:

- Bringing multiple audio-visual related wireless remote controls together unto one unit

- Offering some protection to wireless remote controls from accidental drop

- Enabling mobility of all remote controls in one unit around the room/building.

- Adding/removing remote controls onto or from the hub with ease

- Managing battery life of individual remote controls with ease.

The remote control hub is light and portable, its ornamental looks means it can be kept at a prominent location in a room ready for use if need be. Once in your hands you can be assured you have control of relevant equipment in that room/building.

There can be a plurality of remotes that fasten together, mutually parallel, in place of a separate hub, e.g. Velcro (trade mark) on their edges, loop on the left hand edge and hook on the right-hand edge of each remote. These can thus provide a 'fastenable unit' (see Figures 20 to 22) instead of needing a separate 'stand'.

You can use a remote control device while it is fastened in position in the hub.

Figures 1 to 3 depict the upright cylinder of a three-faceted remote control hub.

Figures 4 to 7 depict the hub shell for embodiments having respectively different numbers of facets. The hub shell with extendable base 162 has three fastening elements, possibly screw holes for team, per facet. It has rubber edges 26 shaped to provide side grip to the remote control device 12 (which may be additional or alternative to some other grip, e.g. screw or Velcro back grip 14) as well as providing a cushioning effect upon dropping the hub. (An improved form of the side grip 26 is shown as flexible, resilient side flaps 26 in Figure 30.)The hub shell has edge lighting all around it wired-up to an internal power supply leading to a connecting cable 361 that is plugged into the hub mantle 16. Wireless remote controls 12 are attached to the hub shell with their (e.g. IR or infrared) transmitter facing upward and/or outward.

Figure 16 depicts a hub mantle 34. This is a hollow tube that that runs vertically inside the hub shell . It contains a battery compartment (topped by a spring 342 to hold the batteries 32 in position) that runs the lighting within the hub shell by means of a connection plug. It can provide the upright holding strength for the entire hub shell. It (correspondingly to the hub shell) has three screw holes at each facet depending on the hub shell type, e.g. a total of 9 holes for a three-faceted hub shell, etc. An adapter base 18, Figure 17, is screwed at the base of the mantle 34, with its screw 181 inside the shell 16. This has adapter teeth 182 to engage in inner or outer slots 201 (see Figure 19) in the hub base 20.

Figures 11 to 13 depict a male attachment plug mechanism. There should be at least one male attachment plug on each facet. This consists of a screw that goes through to the hub mantle (preferably the middle screw hole), an attachment plug that grips remote control units, a piston, and holding arms with folding hinges. The hinges provide for adjustment on differently shaped remote controls.

The arms can be rotated up to 180 degrees on both sides and opposite directions of the remote control and may be sprung. This mechanism should provide movement on the piston upward to provide grip hold and inward to release. Other click tight and release mechanisms can be used here. The male attachment plug mechanism could be replaced by a magnet or other attach- release mechanisms not listed here depending on the 'hub range' (i.e. the particular design of hub wanted).

Figure 15 depicts a female attachment plug mechanism. The female attachment plug mechanism is attached to the remote control by means of an adhesive. The adjustment screw allows for adjustments between the plug and attached remote control. The female attachment plug mechanism could be replaced by a magnet or other attach-release mechanisms not listed here depending on the hub range.

Figures 8 to 10 depict an adapter holder. The adapter holder consists of a mantle screw that goes through to the mantle, an adapter screw that goes into the mantle screw, a flexible holder with a folding hinge for grip on differently shaped remote controls. There should be at least one adapter holder on each facet of the hub shell. The hold and attachment mechanism for the holder may vary depending on the hub range.

Figures 3 (at the bottom), 18 and 19 depict the hub base unit. This consists of re-chargeable battery compartments charged by mains electricity with an adapted receptive top end to the hub adapter shown in Figure 17. Each battery compartment should have an indicator light. Spring technology can be used here with a press-down, turn-release and lock/release mechanism. Other attach-release techniques could be used in place of the spring technology based on the hub range.

My embodiments provide an opportunity to use any or all of the remote controls in the hub simultaneously.

The invention is intended to extend to any case in which the remote controls are by any means attached firmly or held firm on any surface and two or more of them together with the surface can be moved about, e.g. whilst the controls are in use, e.g. see Figure 23. If, as for example in Figure 24, there is effectively a parking stand 20 for the remote, and this is static, movable or mobile, and fastening means are provided such that the remote control units 12 can be attached and held firm on the stand with any form of support to hold them in place, e.g. enabling two or more remote control units to be used whilst attached to the stand, this is considered to be an embodiment of the invention.

In the Figure 25 embodiment, at least one of the remote control devices 12 is fastened firmly in place by means of a hinge 124 at its top to the central cylinder 16, and is provided with a support 163 to hold the device at an angle to the vertical, e.g. for ease of keying its keypad. (Such supports 163 may be provided on the central cylinder 16 or on the individual devices 12, or jointly on both. Likewise the hinge 124, e.g. the hinge comprising one component of a Velcro (trade mark) fastening provided on cylinder 16 and the other, cooperating component on device 12.)

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, that features of the different embodiments disclosed herein may be omitted, selected, combined or exchanged and the invention is considered to extend to any new and inventive combination thus formed. Where a preference or particulansation is stated, there is implied the possibility of its negative, i.e. a case in which that preference or particularisation is absent.

Many variations of the invention and embodiments hereinbefore described will be apparent to people skilled in the art and all such variations are to be considered as falling within the scope of the invention.