Remote control with ventilation holes

• US 6,241,247 B1
• Filed: 05/27/1999
• Issued: 06/05/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/1998
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: Aaron Sternberg, Noah T. Ullman
• Original Assignee: Aaron Sternberg, Noah T. Ullman
• Inventors: Sternberg, Aaron, Ullman, Noah T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chiu, Raleigh W.
• Application Number:
  US09/322,802
• Time in Patent Office: 740 Days
• Field of Search: 273/148.B, 473/550, 463/46, 463/47, 463/36, 463/37, 463/38, D14/454
• US Class Current: 273/148.00B
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/033 Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user , e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor digitisers characterised by the transducing means G06F3/041
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/039 Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/062 Maintenance or repair facilities
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/034 Environmental protection
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/0242 Protective enclosures; Cushioning means

Abstract

A controller for manipulating icons on a video display is provided to reduce or substantially eliminate perspiration on the user'"'"'s hands during extended use. The controller includes a housing with finger operated buttons that control the video game. The housing includes ventilation holes to allow air to circulate through the controller and between the housing and the user'"'"'s hands. The housing encloses electronic components that are contained in a protective package that can be removed from the housing so that it can be easily and thoroughly cleaned. The ventilation holes may be located over the entire housing or may be located only at locations on the housing that are intended to be grasped by the user.

Claims

1. A hand-held remote control device for controlling images on a video screen, comprising:

a housing containing electronic components for controlling the images on the video screen, the housing having first and second sections that are separable to provide access to the electronic components, the first and second sections having an outer surface for gripping and an inner surface adjacent the electronic components and ventilation holes to promote air flow, and a membrane material located on the inner surface of the first and second sections between the inner surface of the first and second sections and the electronic components to prevent dirt and other build-up due to use from passing through the ventilation holes to the electronic components.

2. The hand-held device of claim 1 wherein the membrane material allows air to flow through the housing and ventilation holes.

3. The hand-held device of claim 1 wherein the membrane material is removable for cleaning.

4. A hand-held remote control device for controlling images on a video screen, comprising:

a housing containing electronic components and control elements for controlling the images on the video screen, a detachable handle having ventilation holes to permit air flow, and

a device within the housing to promote air flow through the handle.

5. The hand-held device of claim 4 wherein the device to promote air flow through the handle is a fan located within the housing.