WO2006043159A1 - Case for control keyboard - Google Patents

Case for control keyboard Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006043159A1
WO2006043159A1 PCT/IB2005/003138 IB2005003138W WO2006043159A1 WO 2006043159 A1 WO2006043159 A1 WO 2006043159A1 IB 2005003138 W IB2005003138 W IB 2005003138W WO 2006043159 A1 WO2006043159 A1 WO 2006043159A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
case
keyboard
lighting points
lighting
case according
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2005/003138
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pasquale Salerno
Original Assignee
Medialavoro It S.A.S.
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 Medialavoro It S.A.S. filed Critical Medialavoro It S.A.S.
Publication of WO2006043159A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006043159A1/en

Links

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
    • 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
    • H01H9/0242—Protective enclosures; Cushioning means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an essentially rectangular case for a portable control keyboard and for the relative secondary circuits, such as, although not limited to, the box-shaped cases of remote control keyboards for TV, radio, HI-FI or the like, and to the so called “remote control protective covers", that is cases made of rubber or the like provided on the outside of a remote control to protect it from impacts, falls or the like.
  • remote control protective covers that is cases made of rubber or the like provided on the outside of a remote control to protect it from impacts, falls or the like.
  • keyboards are often intended for use in conditions with very dim lighting, generally desired by the user, who prefers, for example, to watch TV in the dark. Consequently, this makes it extremely difficult to use them, for example, to modify viewing conditions, volume or selectable programmes.
  • keyboards or box-shaped cases for keyboards produced with fluorescent materials are known in the art. These keyboards or cases for keyboards have proved to be entirely inadequate to solve the aforesaid drawback.
  • the present invention relates to a case of the type defined in claim 1 and having the features defined in the dependent claims.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a case according to the invention, in the form of ⁇ remote control protective cover.
  • - Figure 3 is an example of electrical control diagram.
  • - Figure 4 is an alternative embodiment of the case according to the present invention, again in the form of a remote control protective cover.
  • FIG. 5 is a simplified axonometric view of the remote control protective cover in Figure 4.
  • Figures 1-3 show a case in the form of a "remote control protective cover", but the description could be applied perfectly to the case of the remote control or of any portable keyboard.
  • the cover 10 is formed of an essentially parallelepiped-shaped case, the upper side of which is open to allow access to the keyboard.
  • the cover 10 is formed of an essentially parallelepiped-shaped case, the upper side of which is open to allow access to the keyboard.
  • one or more lighting points capable of providing sufficient lighting for said keyboard, are provided.
  • two lighting points 13, 14 and 15, 16 respectively, are provided on each of the longitudinal sides 1 1 and 12, suitably spaced apart to make the entire keyboard visible.
  • the fact that the lighting points 13-16 are incorporated directly in the case 10 makes the invention extremely compact and easy to use.
  • the lighting points are arranged flush with the surface of the case inside which they are incorporated, in order not to form a possible obstruction to operation of the keyboard or be the cause of possible damage by and to the user.
  • the lighting points can be composed of 1.5 V, 12mA white light LEDs, but optionally also of other suitable components, such as low voltage incandescent bulbs, miniature halogen bulbs, etc.. These are supplied by a battery, for example 9V, which can be the same battery supplying the circuits of the keyboard, especially in the case of a case simultaneously forming the box of the keyboard.
  • a remote control protective cover it is instead easier to structure the case so that it houses, in a specific recess 17, a battery 18 specifically for the lighting.
  • the cover can include a single lighting point formed of one or more optical fibres which, arranged along the case, conduct the light flow generated by a suitable lighting source, not necessarily visible to the user, in order to light up the keyboard.
  • the invention can also include a hybrid lighting system wherein one or more conventional lighting points (such as LEDs) arranged to light up the keyboard are alternated or placed adjacent to one or more optical fibres.
  • the lighting points can be switched on using a switch 19 placed appropriately on one side of the case, in a position which is easy to operate even in the dark, for example while holding the case.
  • the switch can be equipped with a spring, not shown, which returns it to the open condition of the circuit when it is released, or it can be a snap-action switch.
  • the switch 19 can be of the touch type, wherein simple contact with the fingertip of a user switches on the lighting points 13-16.
  • the switch 19 integrated on the side of the case can engage the entire side of the case 10, so that the case only has to be picked up and gripped slightly for the lighting points 13-16 to light up.
  • the lighting points 13-16 can be provided with a timer, also integrated in the cover 1 1 , suitable to determine automatic switch off of said lighting points 13-16 after a predetermined period of time.
  • the case can also include a further light source 20, with greater intensity than the intensity of the lighting points 13-16, applied to one of the transverse sides of the case, in particular the front side, to illuminate the upper part of the keyboard and also act as an electric torch.
  • the light source 20 can be a 6V 1 .2A bulb, such as a miniature halogen bulb inserted in a reflecting cone (or projector). It can be switched on from the same switch 19 and therefore simultaneously to the LEDs 13-16, or have an independent switch. In the same way, the light source 20 can be supplied by the same battery 18 (9V) or have a specific battery.
  • Figures 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plurality of lighting points 1 13, 1 14, 123, 124, 1 15, 1 16, 125, 126 are integrated in the side walls 1 1 1 and 1 12 of a remote control protective cover 1 10, for example made of rubber.
  • a remote control protective cover 1 for example made of rubber.
  • further lighting points 135, 136 are incorporated in the front wall 122 of the cover 1 10, above the window 120, in correspondence of which the signal emitting device of a remote control to be placed in the same cover 1 10 is positioned.
  • the lighting points 1 13, 1 14, 123, 124, 1 15, 1 16, 125, 126, 135, 136 can be of the type indicated above with reference to Figures 1-3, for example 1.5V, 12mA white light LEDs.
  • the cover 1 10 also includes a recess 1 17 which , arranged in correspondence of the rear wall of the cover 1 10, contains a lighting point 120, such as a 6V, 1.2A halogen bulb which can be positioned so that it also lights up the keyboard of the remote control, or can be positioned, suitably inserted in a specific projector, so that the light beam generated thereby passes through an opening 121 produced in said rear wall of the cover 1 10, such a way as to act as a torch. Should this be necessary, terminals of the circuit or circuits of said lighting points 1 13, 1 14, 123, 124, 1 15, 1 16, 125, 126, 135, 136 and 120, can be placed in the recess 1 17, to which a power supply battery, for example 9V, can be connected.
  • a power supply battery for example 9V
  • the cover 1 10 in Figures 3-4 can include two separate circuits, one for the lighting points 1 13, 1 14, 123, 124, 1 15, 1 16, 125, 126, 135, 136 directed towards the keyboard and one for the lighting point 120, preferably acting as a torch.
  • the cover 1 10 can include two separate switches 1 19, 129, for example of the membrane or touch-sensitive type, for the purpose of respectively closing or opening the circuit of the lighting points 1 13, 1 14, 123, 124, 1 15, 1 16, 125, 126, 135, 136 and the circuit of the torch including the lighting point 120. Any modifications and improvements to the above description must be intended as falling within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Abstract

Essentially parallelepiped-shaped case (10) for a portable control keyboard and for the relative associated electronic circuits, such as a box for housing a remote control or remote control protective cover to absorb impacts against the keyboard and the circuits. The case incorporates, along one or more of the edges (11, 12) thereof, one or more lighting points (13, 14, 15, 16) directed towards the keyboard.

Description

"CASE FOR CONTROL KEYBOARD"
**********
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an essentially rectangular case for a portable control keyboard and for the relative secondary circuits, such as, although not limited to, the box-shaped cases of remote control keyboards for TV, radio, HI-FI or the like, and to the so called "remote control protective covers", that is cases made of rubber or the like provided on the outside of a remote control to protect it from impacts, falls or the like. PRIOR ART
These keyboards are often intended for use in conditions with very dim lighting, generally desired by the user, who prefers, for example, to watch TV in the dark. Consequently, this makes it extremely difficult to use them, for example, to modify viewing conditions, volume or selectable programmes.
Keyboards or box-shaped cases for keyboards produced with fluorescent materials are known in the art. These keyboards or cases for keyboards have proved to be entirely inadequate to solve the aforesaid drawback.
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
To overcome this drawback, the present invention relates to a case of the type defined in claim 1 and having the features defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will also be described in greater detail hereunder, with reference to the attached drawings, provided purely by way of example, and wherein:
- Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a case according to the invention, in the form of α remote control protective cover.
- Figure 2 is α side view of the same case.
- Figure 3 is an example of electrical control diagram. - Figure 4 is an alternative embodiment of the case according to the present invention, again in the form of a remote control protective cover.
- Figure 5 is a simplified axonometric view of the remote control protective cover in Figure 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Figures 1-3 show a case in the form of a "remote control protective cover", but the description could be applied perfectly to the case of the remote control or of any portable keyboard. In the case shown, the cover 10 is formed of an essentially parallelepiped-shaped case, the upper side of which is open to allow access to the keyboard. Along the longitudinal sides thereof, in the upper area adjacent to the keyboard, one or more lighting points, capable of providing sufficient lighting for said keyboard, are provided.
For example, as can be seen in the figures, two lighting points 13, 14 and 15, 16 respectively, are provided on each of the longitudinal sides 1 1 and 12, suitably spaced apart to make the entire keyboard visible. The fact that the lighting points 13-16 are incorporated directly in the case 10 makes the invention extremely compact and easy to use.
Preferably, although not exclusively, the lighting points are arranged flush with the surface of the case inside which they are incorporated, in order not to form a possible obstruction to operation of the keyboard or be the cause of possible damage by and to the user. The lighting points can be composed of 1.5 V, 12mA white light LEDs, but optionally also of other suitable components, such as low voltage incandescent bulbs, miniature halogen bulbs, etc.. These are supplied by a battery, for example 9V, which can be the same battery supplying the circuits of the keyboard, especially in the case of a case simultaneously forming the box of the keyboard. In the case shown of a remote control protective cover, it is instead easier to structure the case so that it houses, in a specific recess 17, a battery 18 specifically for the lighting. In an embodiment not shown of the present invention, the cover can include a single lighting point formed of one or more optical fibres which, arranged along the case, conduct the light flow generated by a suitable lighting source, not necessarily visible to the user, in order to light up the keyboard. Alternatively, the invention can also include a hybrid lighting system wherein one or more conventional lighting points (such as LEDs) arranged to light up the keyboard are alternated or placed adjacent to one or more optical fibres. The lighting points can be switched on using a switch 19 placed appropriately on one side of the case, in a position which is easy to operate even in the dark, for example while holding the case. The switch can be equipped with a spring, not shown, which returns it to the open condition of the circuit when it is released, or it can be a snap-action switch. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, mentioned herein purely by way of example, the switch 19 can be of the touch type, wherein simple contact with the fingertip of a user switches on the lighting points 13-16. The switch 19 integrated on the side of the case can engage the entire side of the case 10, so that the case only has to be picked up and gripped slightly for the lighting points 13-16 to light up. According to another aspect of the invention, the lighting points 13-16 can be provided with a timer, also integrated in the cover 1 1 , suitable to determine automatic switch off of said lighting points 13-16 after a predetermined period of time.
According to another particular aspect of the present invention, the case can also include a further light source 20, with greater intensity than the intensity of the lighting points 13-16, applied to one of the transverse sides of the case, in particular the front side, to illuminate the upper part of the keyboard and also act as an electric torch. For example, the light source 20 can be a 6V 1 .2A bulb, such as a miniature halogen bulb inserted in a reflecting cone (or projector). It can be switched on from the same switch 19 and therefore simultaneously to the LEDs 13-16, or have an independent switch. In the same way, the light source 20 can be supplied by the same battery 18 (9V) or have a specific battery.
Figures 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plurality of lighting points 1 13, 1 14, 123, 124, 1 15, 1 16, 125, 126 are integrated in the side walls 1 1 1 and 1 12 of a remote control protective cover 1 10, for example made of rubber. Unlike the embodiment in Figures 1-3, further lighting points 135, 136 are incorporated in the front wall 122 of the cover 1 10, above the window 120, in correspondence of which the signal emitting device of a remote control to be placed in the same cover 1 10 is positioned. The lighting points 1 13, 1 14, 123, 124, 1 15, 1 16, 125, 126, 135, 136 can be of the type indicated above with reference to Figures 1-3, for example 1.5V, 12mA white light LEDs. The cover 1 10 also includes a recess 1 17 which , arranged in correspondence of the rear wall of the cover 1 10, contains a lighting point 120, such as a 6V, 1.2A halogen bulb which can be positioned so that it also lights up the keyboard of the remote control, or can be positioned, suitably inserted in a specific projector, so that the light beam generated thereby passes through an opening 121 produced in said rear wall of the cover 1 10, such a way as to act as a torch. Should this be necessary, terminals of the circuit or circuits of said lighting points 1 13, 1 14, 123, 124, 1 15, 1 16, 125, 126, 135, 136 and 120, can be placed in the recess 1 17, to which a power supply battery, for example 9V, can be connected.
The cover 1 10 in Figures 3-4, in particular, can include two separate circuits, one for the lighting points 1 13, 1 14, 123, 124, 1 15, 1 16, 125, 126, 135, 136 directed towards the keyboard and one for the lighting point 120, preferably acting as a torch. In this case, the cover 1 10 can include two separate switches 1 19, 129, for example of the membrane or touch-sensitive type, for the purpose of respectively closing or opening the circuit of the lighting points 1 13, 1 14, 123, 124, 1 15, 1 16, 125, 126, 135, 136 and the circuit of the torch including the lighting point 120. Any modifications and improvements to the above description must be intended as falling within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1 ) Essentially parallelepiped-shaped case for a portable control keyboard and for the relative associated electronic circuits, such as a box for housing a remote control or remote control protective cover, to absorb impacts against the keyboard and the circuits, characterized in that it incorporates, along one or more of the edges thereof, one or more lighting points directed towards the keyboard.
2) Case according to claim 1 , characterized in that the lighting points are aligned parallel to the keyboard on one or both longitudinal sides of the case.
3) Case according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lighting points are supplied by the same battery which supplies the electronic circuits associated with the keyboard. 4) Case according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lighting points are supplied by a separate battery, housed in the case. 5) Case according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one switch for the lighting points is positioned on at least one side of said case. 6) Case according to of the previous claims, characterized in that it also includes a torch installed in one of the transverse sides of the case, supplied by the same battery or by a separate battery.
7) Case according to claim 6, characterized in that the torch is controlled by the same or by a different switch to the one that controls switching on of the lighting points.
8) Case according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each of the lighting points is composed of a white light LED and/or of an optical fibre connected to a lighting source and/or of a miniature incandescent bulb and/or of a miniature halogen bulb.
PCT/IB2005/003138 2004-10-21 2005-10-21 Case for control keyboard WO2006043159A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI2004A002006 2004-10-21
IT002006A ITMI20042006A1 (en) 2004-10-21 2004-10-21 CONTAINER FOR COMMAND KEYBOARD

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006043159A1 true WO2006043159A1 (en) 2006-04-27

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ID=35735045

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2005/003138 WO2006043159A1 (en) 2004-10-21 2005-10-21 Case for control keyboard

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IT (1) ITMI20042006A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006043159A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD961572S1 (en) 2020-11-11 2022-08-23 Case-Mate, Inc. Case for mobile device

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3892959A (en) * 1973-11-02 1975-07-01 Gte Automatic Electric Lab Inc Edge-lighted panel arrangement
US4177501A (en) * 1977-11-15 1979-12-04 Harris Corporation Illuminated keyboard
US5010462A (en) * 1988-04-11 1991-04-23 M.C.R. Farmer, Inc. Illumination device for a hand-held remote control unit
US5055977A (en) * 1990-12-03 1991-10-08 Acquanetta Remote control illuminator
US5063484A (en) * 1990-07-26 1991-11-05 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Remote control unit
US5803572A (en) * 1994-03-29 1998-09-08 Brada; Carla Raye Remote control illuminated magnifier
US6329943B1 (en) * 1999-03-25 2001-12-11 Scott B. Pasawicz Illuminated remote control system
WO2002009396A2 (en) * 2000-07-21 2002-01-31 Egidio Tiveron Mobile phone with improvements

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3892959A (en) * 1973-11-02 1975-07-01 Gte Automatic Electric Lab Inc Edge-lighted panel arrangement
US4177501A (en) * 1977-11-15 1979-12-04 Harris Corporation Illuminated keyboard
US5010462A (en) * 1988-04-11 1991-04-23 M.C.R. Farmer, Inc. Illumination device for a hand-held remote control unit
US5063484A (en) * 1990-07-26 1991-11-05 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Remote control unit
US5055977A (en) * 1990-12-03 1991-10-08 Acquanetta Remote control illuminator
US5803572A (en) * 1994-03-29 1998-09-08 Brada; Carla Raye Remote control illuminated magnifier
US6329943B1 (en) * 1999-03-25 2001-12-11 Scott B. Pasawicz Illuminated remote control system
WO2002009396A2 (en) * 2000-07-21 2002-01-31 Egidio Tiveron Mobile phone with improvements

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD961572S1 (en) 2020-11-11 2022-08-23 Case-Mate, Inc. Case for mobile device

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