Tethering device

• US 5,460,347 A
• Filed: 10/19/1993
• Issued: 10/24/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Andrew I. Schacher
• Original Assignee: Andrew I. Schacher
• Inventors: Schacher, Andrew I.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramirez, Ramon O.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHAN, KO HUNG
• Application Number:
  US08/138,763
• Time in Patent Office: 735 Days
• Field of Search: 248/309.1, 248/316.5, 248/316.1, 248/316.7, 248/918, 248/505, 248/205.2, 248/104, 24/300, 24/301, 24/172, 24/200, 211/13
• US Class Current: 248/316.5
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 97/00 Furniture or accessories for furniture, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: B25H 3/00 Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents B65D83/00; nail dispensers B25C3/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/0235 specially adapted for remote control, e.g. of audio or video apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/025 Stands or organisers to facilitate location or operation

Abstract

A tethering device for remote control units for televisions, VCR'"'"'s, stereo systems and the like. The tethering device is made of an elasticized tethering cord having a universal attachment element at one end for attachment to a fixed item of furniture and an infinitely adjustable holding element capable of retainingly holding a remote control unit, without interfering with functional use of the remote control. The cord is relatively short, such that it is not likely to become entangled with itself or other objects or allow the remote control unit to hit the ground but sufficient to permit the retainingly held remote control to be moved and held in operative position without detachment from the tethering device.

Claims

1. A tethering device in combination with a stand-alone, hand held remote control unit having controls thereon for operation of an electronic device, said tethering device comprising adjustable attachment means capable of being removably attached to a plurality of objects in operative proximity to the electronic device, the tethering device further comprising elastic adjustable holding means capable of snugly holding remote control units of varying dimensions with a non-slip grip, without impeding use of the controls thereon, wherein said elastic adjustable holding means comprises strap means which snugly fits around the remote control unit, with stretching thereof, without impeding operation of the controls thereof, and wherein the straps means are infinitely adjustable to effect the snug fit, and wherein the device further comprises removable locking means to maintain the snug fit, wherein the adjustable attachment means and adjustable holding means are connected by connection means, whereby remote control units are held by the tethering device in a position accessible to a user and wherein said connecting means is adapted to permit movement of the remote control unit, by a user'"'"'s hand, into operative association with the electronic device.

2. The tethering device of claim 1, wherein the adjustable attachment means comprises a spring loaded clip.

3. The tethering device of claim 2, wherein the spring loaded clip is comprised of engaging jaw elements and wherein the engaging portions of the jaw elements have marring protection means thereon.

4. The tethering device of claim 1, wherein the locking means comprises a tightening ring.

5. The tethering device of claim 1, wherein the locking means comprises areas on said strap means of separate engageable hooks and eyes, separated and dimensioned to provide a holding loop which provides the snug fit when engaged with each other.

6. The tethering device of claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises an elastic band.

7. The tethering device of claim 6, wherein the strap means comprises an end portion of the elastic band.

8. A tethering device in combination with a stand-alone, hand held remote control unit having controls thereon for operation of an electronic device, said tethering device comprising adjustable attachment means comprising a spring loaded clip with engaging jaw elements having marring protection means thereon, said attachment means being capable of being removably attached to a plurality of objects in operative proximity to the electronic device, the tethering device further comprising elastic adjustable holding means capable of snugly holding remote control units of varying dimensions with a non-slip grip, without impeding use of the controls thereon, wherein said elastic adjustable holding means comprises strap means which snugly fits around the remote control units, with stretching thereof, without impeding operation of the controls thereof, and wherein the straps means are infinitely adjustable to effect the snug fit, and wherein the device further comprises removable locking means to maintain the snug fit, wherein the adjustable attachment means and adjustable holding means are connected by elastic connection means, whereby remote control units are held by the tethering device in a position accessible to a user and wherein said connecting means is adapted to permit movement of the remote control unit, by a user'"'"'s hand, into operative association with the electronic device.