Remote control device having a pivoting case cover

• US 4,574,285 A
• Filed: 02/17/1984
• Issued: 03/04/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Regie Nationale Des Usines Renault
• Original Assignee: Regie Nationale Des Usines Renault
• Inventors: Bascou, Jacques
• Primary Examiner(s): Yusko, Donald J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hodgkins, Sharon L.
• Application Number:
  US06/581,100
• Time in Patent Office: 746 Days
• Field of Search: 455/128, 455/95, 340/825.56, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/546, 361/422, 362/200, 362/202, 362/203, 362/204, 362/205
• US Class Current: 340/12.5
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/043 the shank being pivotably mounted on the bow, e.g. for storage
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00952 Electronic keys comprising a mechanical key within their housing, e.g. extractable or retractable emergency key
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00944 Details of construction or manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 21/24 biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/0235 specially adapted for remote control, e.g. of audio or video apparatus

Abstract

This invention has as its object an infrared emitter. The case of a remote control device has a cover (14) doubly hinged around an axis (X--X) around which it can swivel to carry out the push button function that makes possible the activation of an infrared emitter in the case. The case is also hinged around a movable second axis of articulation (Y--Y) around which it is made to rotate when it is desired to replace the direct current power source (18) which is attached to the cover (14). The locking and unlocking means for the opening of the case by swivelling of the cover (14) around the second axis of articulation (Y--Y) consists of the hinge pin (50) of the hinge (42) that defines the first axis of articulation (X--X) of the cover.

Claims

1. An emitter for a remote control device for a locking element, comprising:

a case, a portion of said case forming a cover, said cover being hinged on said case around a first axis of articulation located in the vicinity of a first end of said cover, said cover also being hinged on said case around a movable second axis of articulation parallel to said first axis of articulation and located in the vicinity of a second end of said cover;

a direct current power source mounted in said case;

means mounted in said case for generating a coded message;

electric contact means in said case, said contact means being positioned in said case so as to be actuated by means associated with said second end of said cover upon said cover pivoting about said first axis;

means operatively connected to said direct current power source, said contact means and said means for generating a coded message, for emitting said coded message in response to actuation of said contact means;

means for biasing said second axis of articulation to a position such that said contact means is not actuated by said means associated with said second end of said cover; and

locking and unlocking means for selectively fixing said first axis of articulation;

whereby when said first axis of articulation is fixed by said locking and unlocking means, said cover can pivot about said first axis and in opposition to said means for biasing for actuating said contact means, and whereby when said first axis of articulation is not fixed by said locking and unlocking means, said cover can pivot about said second axis of articulation to open said cover.

2. The emitter of claim 1, wherein said direct current power source is mounted on said cover.

3. The emitter of claim 2 in which said power source consists of at least one electric battery whose connection terminals are engageable with corresponding elastic contacts fixed to said case when said cover is in a closed position.

4. The emitter of claim 1, wherein said first axis of articulation is defined by a hinge having a hinge pin removable from outside of said case, wherein said locking and unlocking means consist of hinge pin.

5. The emitter of claim 4, wherein said hinge pin comprises a smooth extension of a screw having a threaded part screwed into said case.

6. The emitter of claim 1, wherein said second axis of articulation is defined by two pins attached to said cover and held in two housings made in said case whereby said pins rotate to make possible the swivelling of the cover around said second axis of articulation and, on the other hand, move perpendicularly to said second axis in said housings to make possible the swivelling of said cover around said first axis of articulation.

7. The emitter of claim 6, wherein said means for biasing consist of a compression spring placed in each said housing, each said spring being compressed between a first wall of said housing and one said pin.

8. The emitter of claim 7, wherein a wall of each of said housings opposite said first wall and on which said pin rests when the cover occupies a rest position comprises a stop surface of said case.