US20060043030A1 - Remote control storage assembly - Google Patents
Remote control storage assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060043030A1 US20060043030A1 US10/930,098 US93009804A US2006043030A1 US 20060043030 A1 US20060043030 A1 US 20060043030A1 US 93009804 A US93009804 A US 93009804A US 2006043030 A1 US2006043030 A1 US 2006043030A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- storage assembly
- holding structure
- protrusions
- shaft
- devices
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
- A47F5/02—Rotary display stands
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B9/00—Tables with tops of variable height
- A47B9/14—Tables with tops of variable height with pins coacting with holes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
- A47F5/16—Platform-type show stands with flat, inclined, or curved upper surface
Abstract
A storage assembly includes a base and a holding structure supported by the base. The holding structure has protrusions extending from an outer surface thereof, and the protrusions each include an outer surface and side surfaces. The protrusions are positioned around the outer surface of the holding structure so that areas between the side surfaces form spaces for holding a number of devices.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a storage assembly and, in particular, a storage assembly for locating and organizing remote controllers.
- 2. Brief Description of Related Developments
- Present day home entertainment systems generally include a television, DVD player, and an audio amplifier. These systems may include other components such as a cable television interface, a satellite television interface, an equalizer, compact disk player, video cassette player, etc.
- Most home entertainment components may be controlled remotely using remote controllers which operate by transmitting a beam which is received by the component. As a result, a particular home entertainment installation may include multiple remote controllers, one for each component. When using the home entertainment system, locating the proper remote controller for a particular component can be cumbersome as they tend to become dispersed around the room or place in which the home entertainment components reside.
- In addition, a person using the home entertainment system may carry a number of personal electronic devices, such as a mobile phone, pager, MP3 player, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. It may be uncomfortable to sit and view or listen to program material while carrying such devices on one's person. However, removing the devices and placing them on, for example, a table, may make the devices difficult to locate when needed.
- It would be advantageous to organize, centrally locate, and to provide convenient access to the personal electronic devices and remote controllers a person may want to use in a particular location.
- The present invention is directed to a storage assembly that includes a base and a holding structure supported by the base. The holding structure has protrusions extending from an outer surface thereof, and the protrusions each include an outer surface and side surfaces. The protrusions are positioned around the outer surface of the holding structure so that areas between the side surfaces form spaces for holding a number of devices.
- The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows an assembly according to the disclosed embodiments; -
FIG. 2 shows schematic top view of the assembly; -
FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of a shaft of the assembly; and -
FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the assembly. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , astorage assembly 100 incorporating features of the present invention is illustrated. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. - As shown in
FIG. 1 ,storage assembly 100 generally includes aholding structure 110 supported on abase 115. Theholding structure 110 includesprotrusions 120 that operate to locate and hold a number ofdevices 125, for example, the remote controllers or personalelectronic devices 125 mentioned above. Theprotrusions 120 generally include anouter surface 123 and side surfaces 135, and are positioned around an outer surface 130 of theholding structure 110 so that areas between the side surfaces 135form spaces 137 for holding thedevices 125. Theprotrusions 120 may be shaped and positioned so that thespaces 137 are rectangular. - The
holding structure 110 may also include a power interface 210 (FIG. 2 ) for one or more of thedevices 125 that provides power to thedevices 125 for operating or recharging. In one embodiment, thepower interface 210 may include a power connector that mates with a corresponding connector on a device as the device is held by the one ormore protrusions 120. - The
holding structure 110 may also include a communications interface 215 (FIG. 2 ) that provides a connection to a communications network for one or more of thedevices 125. Exemplary communications networks might include, for example, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the Internet, a wireless network, a wired network, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN), etc. Thecommunications interface 215 may include a communications connector that mates with another connector on the device, in a manner similar to the power connector. - One of the
protrusions 120 supporting adevice 125 may include one or both of thepower interface 210 and thecommunications interface 215 mentioned above. Theprotrusions 120 may be trapezoidal in shape and may be spaced equidistant from each other around the outer surface 130 of the holding structure. - In another embodiment, the
holding structure 110 may also include alip 140 or shelf that operates to provide further support for the one ormore devices 125. Thelip 140 may circumnavigate aperimeter 145 of the holding structure. - In another embodiment, the
holding structure 110 may have a domed, or semi-spherical shape. Asmaller end 150 of the dome may face upward and alarger end 160 may face downward toward thebase 115. Theprotrusions 120 may extend from a curved outer surface 130 of the dome and may be equally spaced around the dome's outer surface 130. Theouter surface 123 of the protrusions may have a trapezoidal shape. Thesmaller end 150 of the dome may include one or more recesses 220 (FIG. 2 ) or depressions for holding and providing additional accommodations for one or more of thedevices 125. The one ormore recesses 220 may be rectangular and may have a surface that includes one or both of thepower interface 210 and thecommunications interface 215. Thelip 140 may be located proximate aperimeter 145 of the larger end of the dome. - The
base 115 generally operates to provide a stable support for theholding structure 110 and to position theholding structure 110 at a predetermined height. Thebase 115 may be adjustable for supporting theholding structure 110 at a plurality of different heights. - The
base 115 may include ashaft 165 and afoot portion 170. Thefoot portion 170 generally rests on a floor and theshaft 165 interconnects theholding structure 110 to thefoot portion 170. Theholding structure 110 may include an interface to theshaft 165 in the form of a fastening point between theshaft 165 and holding structure. Theshaft 165 may be cylindrical or some other suitable shape. - The
shaft 165 may include anadjustment mechanism 175 for locating theholding structure 110 at a particular or variable distance from thefoot portion 170, generally in a vertical direction. For example, theshaft 165 may comprise two cylindrical portions, aninner portion 180 and anouter portion 185, that fit together concentrically. The inner and outer portion 185 s may slide with respect to each other such that together they extend to an adjustable length. - In one embodiment shown in
FIG. 3 , theinner portion 180 may include a spring loadedbutton 310 and theouter portion 185 may include a plurality ofholes 315 located axially along a length of theouter portion 185. The spring loadedbutton 310 may protrude through one of theholes 315, thus positioning theinner portion 180 andouter portion 185 with respect to each other to form an adjustable length. In another embodiment, theinner portion 180 may include an internal threaded area, and theouter portion 185 may include an internal threaded rod. The threaded area may be located to receive the threaded rod and the combination thereof may provide a mechanism for positioning the inner and outer portions with respect to each other. Other suitable arrangements may also be used to position the concentric portions with respect to each other to establish a desired length, and thus locate theholding structure 110 at a particular distance from thefoot portion 170. - The
foot portion 170 may generally provide a foundation for the storage assembly by providing a stable platform upon which theshaft 165 may be mounted. Thefoot portion 170 may be disc shaped. If the holdingstructure 110 is domed shaped, thefoot portion 170 may have a diameter at least as large as thediameter 145 of the lower end of the dome. Thefoot portion 170 may provide a fastening point for theshaft 165, and theshaft 165 may fasten, or connect to thefoot portion 170 at a center of the disc. - The holding
structure 110 may rotate around a vertical axis. The interface between the holdingstructure 110 and theshaft 165 may include a bearing arrangement that allows relative rotational movement between the holdingstructure 110 and theshaft 165. In another embodiment, the fastening point provided by thefoot portion 170 may include such a bearing arrangement. In yet another embodiment, the bearing arrangement may be included as part of theshaft 165. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thestorage assembly 100 may include one ormore cables 410 for providing power to thepower interface 210 and for providing a link between thecommunications interface 215 and a network. The cables may connect thepower interface 210 to apower supply 420 for providing particular voltage, current or power to the power interface as may be required by adevice 125. Thecircuitry 420 may also be connected to a mains supply (not shown) - In one embodiment, the
diameter 145 of the larger end of the dome shape and the diameter of thefoot portion 170 may both be approximately 13 inches, and the storage assembly may have an overall height of approximately 25 inches. The components of the storage assembly may be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the components of the storage assembly may be made of brushed aluminum. - As described, the storage assembly of the present invention generally operates to organize and provide a known location, as well as an interface to external connections, for
devices 125 that may be easily be misplaced. The height of the assembly may be adjustable and may rotate to provide convenient access to thedevices 125 placed in the assembly. - It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (18)
1. A storage assembly comprising:
a base; and
a holding structure supported by the base having protrusions extending from an outer surface of the holding structure,
wherein the protrusions each include an outer surface and side surfaces, and are positioned around the outer surface of the holding structure so that areas between the side surfaces form spaces for holding a plurality of first devices.
2. The storage assembly of claim 1 , wherein the protrusions are shaped and positioned so that the spaces are rectangular.
3. The storage assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a lip located proximate a perimeter of the holding structure that operates to support one or more of the plurality of first devices.
4. The storage assembly of claim 1 , wherein the holding structure comprises a dome having a small end facing upward and a large end facing downward.
5. The storage assembly of claim 4 , wherein the protrusions extend from an outer surface of the dome.
6. The storage assembly of claim 5 , wherein the outer surfaces of the protrusions are trapezoidal.
7. The storage assembly of claim 5 , wherein the protrusions are equally spaced around the outer surface of the dome.
8. The storage assembly of claim 4 , wherein the small end of the dome comprises a recess for holding a second device.
9. The storage assembly of claim 8 , wherein a surface of the recess includes a power interface for providing power to the second device.
10. The storage assembly of claim 9 , further comprising a power supply connected to the power interface.
11. The storage assembly of claim 8 , wherein a surface of the recess includes a communications interface for connecting the second device to a communications network.
12. The storage assembly of claim 1 , wherein one of the side surfaces includes a power interface for providing power to one of the first devices.
13. The storage assembly of claim 1 , wherein one of the side surfaces includes a communications interface for connecting one of the first devices to a communications network.
14. The storage assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a shaft connected to the holding structure and a foot portion connected to the shaft.
15. The storage assembly of claim 14 , wherein the shaft comprises a height adjustment mechanism.
16. The storage assembly of claim 14 , wherein the foot portion is disk shaped.
17. The storage assembly of claim 14 , further comprising a bearing arrangement attached between the shaft and the holding structure for allowing the holding structure to rotate around a vertical axis.
18. The storage assembly of claim 14 , further comprising a bearing arrangement attached between the shaft and the foot portion for allowing the holding structure to rotate around a vertical axis.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/930,098 US20060043030A1 (en) | 2004-08-31 | 2004-08-31 | Remote control storage assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/930,098 US20060043030A1 (en) | 2004-08-31 | 2004-08-31 | Remote control storage assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060043030A1 true US20060043030A1 (en) | 2006-03-02 |
Family
ID=35941549
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/930,098 Abandoned US20060043030A1 (en) | 2004-08-31 | 2004-08-31 | Remote control storage assembly |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060043030A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120170785A1 (en) * | 2011-01-03 | 2012-07-05 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Noise-vibration microphone stand |
ES2415305A1 (en) * | 2012-01-20 | 2013-07-24 | Universidad de Córdoba | Mobile display for non-stick coatings (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US20150068990A1 (en) * | 2013-09-06 | 2015-03-12 | T.M. Shea Products, Inc. | Signage systems and merchandising display assemblies |
US10524600B1 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2020-01-07 | Saundra J. Williams | Device for assisting users |
Citations (25)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US228812A (en) * | 1880-06-15 | grreenbaum | ||
US353554A (en) * | 1886-11-30 | Thomas f | ||
US2946456A (en) * | 1958-11-05 | 1960-07-26 | Liguori Michael | Multiple tray for baby food |
US3794952A (en) * | 1972-09-26 | 1974-02-26 | J Dowis | Lazy susan assembly |
US3972419A (en) * | 1974-12-09 | 1976-08-03 | Junius Short | Food server |
US4011954A (en) * | 1972-08-11 | 1977-03-15 | Giordano Galli | Display stand |
US4030608A (en) * | 1976-05-05 | 1977-06-21 | Wix Corporation | Article display stand |
US4549664A (en) * | 1983-02-23 | 1985-10-29 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Kitting parts carousel system |
US4712693A (en) * | 1986-07-14 | 1987-12-15 | Striplin James W | Remote control unit console |
US4838505A (en) * | 1988-02-02 | 1989-06-13 | Lowe Terry J | Remote control holder |
US4895261A (en) * | 1989-05-30 | 1990-01-23 | Ara Yacobian | Display rack assembly |
US4953696A (en) * | 1989-10-10 | 1990-09-04 | Tony Huang | Detachable stationery case rack |
US5031779A (en) * | 1990-05-23 | 1991-07-16 | Szenay Joseph A | Compact disk storage carousel |
US5124532A (en) * | 1990-07-09 | 1992-06-23 | Hafey Marilyn J | Organizer for cordless electrically energized hair salon utensils |
US5337904A (en) * | 1993-05-17 | 1994-08-16 | Goldberg Lewis B | Storage and display rack |
US5341941A (en) * | 1993-06-28 | 1994-08-30 | Marlor Thomas W | Combined storage and exercise-therapy apparatus |
US5376934A (en) * | 1992-10-16 | 1994-12-27 | Fidia S.P.A | Keyboard for the remote control of machine tools and the like |
USD354862S (en) * | 1993-11-04 | 1995-01-31 | Goldberg Lewis B | Display rack |
US5772050A (en) * | 1997-03-03 | 1998-06-30 | Shih; Shiny | Ink stamp rack |
US6182839B1 (en) * | 1996-11-01 | 2001-02-06 | Robbins Industries, Inc. | Turntable storage device |
US6206493B1 (en) * | 1999-07-22 | 2001-03-27 | Collector's Museum, Llc | Display structure for collectibles |
US6457593B1 (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2002-10-01 | Ming-Tay Hsu | Disassemblable rotary pen exhibition rack |
US6483698B1 (en) * | 1998-11-27 | 2002-11-19 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Cradle for supporting a PDA and similar portable electronic devices |
US6796441B2 (en) * | 2001-08-15 | 2004-09-28 | Christian Tremblay | Cream and sugar display stand and dispenser |
US6971613B2 (en) * | 2004-01-14 | 2005-12-06 | Leonid Shendelman | Plate stand |
-
2004
- 2004-08-31 US US10/930,098 patent/US20060043030A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US228812A (en) * | 1880-06-15 | grreenbaum | ||
US353554A (en) * | 1886-11-30 | Thomas f | ||
US2946456A (en) * | 1958-11-05 | 1960-07-26 | Liguori Michael | Multiple tray for baby food |
US4011954A (en) * | 1972-08-11 | 1977-03-15 | Giordano Galli | Display stand |
US3794952A (en) * | 1972-09-26 | 1974-02-26 | J Dowis | Lazy susan assembly |
US3972419A (en) * | 1974-12-09 | 1976-08-03 | Junius Short | Food server |
US4030608A (en) * | 1976-05-05 | 1977-06-21 | Wix Corporation | Article display stand |
US4549664A (en) * | 1983-02-23 | 1985-10-29 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Kitting parts carousel system |
US4712693A (en) * | 1986-07-14 | 1987-12-15 | Striplin James W | Remote control unit console |
US4838505A (en) * | 1988-02-02 | 1989-06-13 | Lowe Terry J | Remote control holder |
US4895261A (en) * | 1989-05-30 | 1990-01-23 | Ara Yacobian | Display rack assembly |
US4953696A (en) * | 1989-10-10 | 1990-09-04 | Tony Huang | Detachable stationery case rack |
US5031779A (en) * | 1990-05-23 | 1991-07-16 | Szenay Joseph A | Compact disk storage carousel |
US5124532A (en) * | 1990-07-09 | 1992-06-23 | Hafey Marilyn J | Organizer for cordless electrically energized hair salon utensils |
US5376934A (en) * | 1992-10-16 | 1994-12-27 | Fidia S.P.A | Keyboard for the remote control of machine tools and the like |
US5337904A (en) * | 1993-05-17 | 1994-08-16 | Goldberg Lewis B | Storage and display rack |
US5341941A (en) * | 1993-06-28 | 1994-08-30 | Marlor Thomas W | Combined storage and exercise-therapy apparatus |
USD354862S (en) * | 1993-11-04 | 1995-01-31 | Goldberg Lewis B | Display rack |
US6182839B1 (en) * | 1996-11-01 | 2001-02-06 | Robbins Industries, Inc. | Turntable storage device |
US5772050A (en) * | 1997-03-03 | 1998-06-30 | Shih; Shiny | Ink stamp rack |
US6483698B1 (en) * | 1998-11-27 | 2002-11-19 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Cradle for supporting a PDA and similar portable electronic devices |
US6206493B1 (en) * | 1999-07-22 | 2001-03-27 | Collector's Museum, Llc | Display structure for collectibles |
US6457593B1 (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2002-10-01 | Ming-Tay Hsu | Disassemblable rotary pen exhibition rack |
US6796441B2 (en) * | 2001-08-15 | 2004-09-28 | Christian Tremblay | Cream and sugar display stand and dispenser |
US6971613B2 (en) * | 2004-01-14 | 2005-12-06 | Leonid Shendelman | Plate stand |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120170785A1 (en) * | 2011-01-03 | 2012-07-05 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Noise-vibration microphone stand |
US8477982B2 (en) * | 2011-01-03 | 2013-07-02 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Noise-vibration microphone stand |
ES2415305A1 (en) * | 2012-01-20 | 2013-07-24 | Universidad de Córdoba | Mobile display for non-stick coatings (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US20150068990A1 (en) * | 2013-09-06 | 2015-03-12 | T.M. Shea Products, Inc. | Signage systems and merchandising display assemblies |
US10524600B1 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2020-01-07 | Saundra J. Williams | Device for assisting users |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |