Cylindrical Remote Control

• US 20090121905A1
• Filed: 11/08/2007
• Published: 05/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Vinci Brands LLC
• Original Assignee: Vinci Brands LLC
• Inventors: Rowan, Mark David, Griffin, Paul P. JR.
• Application Number:
  US11/936,798
• Publication Number:
  US 20090121905A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 341/35
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/32 Remote control based on movements, attitude of remote control device

Abstract

A remote control for an electronic device has a cylindrical body that can be rotated to control a function of the device. An outer circumference of the cylindrical body can rotate or an orientation sensor can be used to detect rotation of the remote body itself. A mounting portion allows the remote to be securely mounted on a mounting surface. Transport controls for the device are positioned on an upper face of the cylindrical body. A radio frequency transmitter in the cylindrical body communicates control signals to the device or an accessory coupled to the device. The remote is powered by a rechargeable power supply that can be recharged by coupling the remote to a charger or docking the remote with a base station.

Claims

1. A remote control for wirelessly controlling an electronic device, said remote control comprising:

a cylindrical body having a wireless transmitter and an outer circumferential portion wherein said outer circumferential portion rotates around said cylindrical body to control a device function.

2. The remote control of claim 1 wherein said wireless transmitter further comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

3. The remote control of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical body communicates with a base station that is transmitting audio to a remote receiver.

4. The remote control of claim 3 wherein said base station further comprising a 12 volt car outlet adapter.

5. The remote control of claim 1 further comprising user inputs on an upper face of said cylindrical body.

6. The remote control of claim 1 further comprising a magnetic or friction mounting portion positioned on a lower face of said cylindrical body.

7. The remote control of claim 1 wherein said outer circumferential portion controls a control variable of said electronic device by sending relative increase/decrease value commands in response to rotation.

8. The remote control of claim 1 wherein said outer circumferential portion controls a device variable of said electronic device by sending a signal that indicates an absolute value for said variable to said device.

10. The accessory of claim 8 further comprising a base portion for coupling to said electronic device wherein said base portion receives said control signals from said wireless transmitter and couples said control signals to said electronic device.

11. The accessory of claim 10 wherein said base includes a charger for charging a power supply for said wireless transmitter when said base is electrically coupled to said power supply.

14. The accessory of claim 10 wherein said base station further comprises an FM transmitter for transmitting music from said device to a remote receiver.

9. An accessory for an electronic device, said accessory comprising:

a substantially cylindrical rotating control wherein an upper face of said rotating control has user inputs positioned thereon for controlling a function of said device; and

a wireless transmitter for communicating control signals to said electronic device wherein said wireless transmitter is positioned within said substantially cylindrical remote control.

12. The accessory of claim 9 further comprising a non-slip mounting portion positioned on a lower face of said cylindrical rotating control.

13. The accessory of claim 9 wherein said wireless transmitter further comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

15. The accessory of claim 9 wherein an outer body of said accessory consist essentially of a cylindrical form.

16. A remote control for an electronic device;

said remote control comprising;

a transmitter for transmitting control signals to said electronic device;

an outer body consisting of a cylinder wherein rotation of the remote controls a function of said device.

17. The remote control of claim 16 further comprising a user input positioned on an upper face of said outer body.

18. The remote control of claim 16 wherein said rotation is sensed by means of a magnetic orientation sensor.

19. The remote control of claim 16 further comprising a mounting portion on a lower face of said cylinder.

20. The remote control of claim 16 further comprising a rechargeable power supply.