Cushioning device for remote control television equipment, and assembly thereof

Abstract

The cushioning device is used on remote control television equipment and includes a stretchable resilient elastomeric block of natural or synthetic rubber or plastic. The block has closed sides and bottom and a top with an open cavity therein which in one instance is a slit adapted to receive and releasably grip one or more remote control television panels inserted therein at or below the top of the block. When so inserted, the combination of the cushioning device and panel(s) forms the improved assembly. The block also has an opening in one side to allow passage of wires and/or radio signals from the remote control panel(s) in the block to the television equipment. The control panel(s) can be one or more remote channel selectors, volume and on-off selectors and video tape television controls. A pocket is also provided in another side of the block in one embodiment to releasably receive a television channel program guide. The block may also have removable top dust lid and cushioned feet. The device is simple, durable, inexpensive and effective in cushioning and protecting remote control panels against damage, providing the panels with convenient storage and immediate access, and accommodating panels of various sizes and shapes.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An improved cushioning device for remote control television equipment, said device comprising a stretchable, resilient elastomeric block having a closed bottom and sides and a top with an open cavity therein adapted to grippingly receive a remote television control panel, and having it available for immediate use while in said block, said block also having an opening in one side thereof in communication with said cavity for passage of wires and radio signals from said remote control panel to television equipment wherein said block has a pocket in another side thereof for reception of a television program guide magazine. 
     
     
       2. An improved cushioning device for remote control television equipment, said device comprising a stretchable, resilient elastomeric block having a closed bottom and sides and a top with an open cavity therein adapted to grippingly receive a remote television control panel, and having it available for immediate use while in said block, said block also having an opening in one side thereof in communication with said cavity for passage of wires and radio signals from said remote control panel to television equipment, wherein said block has a dust lid removably disposed over said top. 
     
     
       3. The improved device of claim 2 wherein said lid is hinged to the upper end of one of said sides and wherein said block has bottom cushioning feet. 
     
     
       4. An improved cushioned remote control television assembly, said assembly comprising, in combination: (a) at least one remote control television panel; and,   (b) a stretchable resilient elastomeric block having a closed bottom and sides and a top with an open cavity therein in which said television panel is releasably gripped by the portions of said top defining said cavity, said block also having an opening in one side thereof in communication with said cavity for passage of wires and radio signals from said panel to television equipment, wherein a plurality of said remote control panels are disposed in abutting relation in said cavity.   
     
     
       5. An improved cushioned remote control television assembly, said assembly comprising, in combination: (a) at least one remote control television panel; and,   (b) a stretchable resilient elastomeric block having a closed bottom and sides and a top with an open cavity therein in which said television panel is releasably gripped by the portions of said top defining said cavity, said block also having an opening in one side thereof in communication with said cavity for passage of wires and radio signals from said panel to television equipment, wherein said block has a pocket in a side thereof for insertion of a television program guide.   
     
     
       6. An improved cushioned remote control television assembly, said assembly comprising, in combination: (a) at least one remote control television panel, and,   (b) a stretchable resilient elastomeric block having a closed bottom and sides and a top with an open cavity therein in which said television panel is releasably gripped by the portions of said top defining said cavity, said block also having an opening in one side thereof in communication with said cavity for passage of wires and radio signals from said panel to television equipment, wherein said block has a dust lid releasably disposed over said top.   
     
     
       7. An improved cushioned remote control television assembly, said assembly comprising, in combination: (a) at least one remote control television panel; and,   (b) a stretchable resilient elastomeric block having a closed bottom and sides and a top with an open cavity therein in which said television panel is releasably gripped by the portions of said top defining said cavity, said block also having an opening in one side thereof in communication with said cavity for passage of wires and radio signals from said panel to television equipment, wherein said lid is hinged to said block and wherein said block bottom has depending cushioning feet.   
     
     
       8. An improved remote control television panel assembly, comprising: (a) a remote control panel having signal emission means for controlling a television set,   (b) a resilient elastomeric block of cushioning material,   (c) said block having a cavity therein which is dimensioned to grippingly receive therein said panel,   (d) said block further having an opening in one side thereof to allow signals emanating from said signal emission means to be directed upon a television set,   (e) wherein a plurality of said remote control panels are disposed in abutting relation in said cavity. .Iadd.   
     
     
       9.  An improved cushioning device for releasably retaining an electronic remote control unit with a signal emitter control means thereon, said device comprising: a) a stretchable, resilient, elastomeric container having a bottom portion and upstanding side portions connected to said bottom portion and a top portion with an opening therein connected to said side portions,   b) one of said side portions having an opening therein for allowing signals emanating from said control unit to pass therethrough,   c) wherein said container is designed to allow stretching and distortion thereof to enable insertion of a remote control unit into said container through at least one of said openings and to subsequently be releasably held within said container substantially exclusively by the distorted container, and   d) whereby said opening in said top portion is sufficiently large enough to expose the control means on said control unit. .Iaddend. .Iadd.10. The cushioning device of claim 9 wherein said opening in one of said side portions is sufficiently resilient so as to allow the passage therethrough   
     
     
        of said control unit. .Iaddend. .Iadd.11.  An improved cushioned remote control assembly comprising, in combination: a) a remote control unit having exposed control means and signal emitter means therein,   b) a stretchable, resilient, elastomeric container having a bottom portion, side portions connected to said bottom portion, and a top portion with a window opening therein connected to said side portions,   c) one of said side portions having an opening therein for allowing signals emanating from said control unit to pass therethrough,   d) said remote control unit being disposed within said container, and being releasably held within said container by the deformed container, which container has been stretched to accommodate said control unit,   e) said control unit being positioned within said container so that said emitter means lies opposite said opening in said side portion, and   f) said control unit being positioned within said container so that said control means lies opposite said opening in said top portion. .Iaddend.   
     
     
        .Iadd.12.  An improved remote control television panel assembly, comprising: (a) a remote control panel having signal emission means for controlling a television set,   (b) a resilient elastomeric block of cushioning material,   (c) said block having a cavity therein which is dimensioned to grippingly retain and cushion therein said panel,   (d) said block further having an opening in one side thereof to allow signals emanating from said signal emission means to be directed upon a television set. .Iaddend.