Remote control with ventilation holes

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.

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, at least one of the first and second sections having ventilation holes to promote air flow, and the first and second sections having  when assembled defining 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. 
     
     
       6. 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 including first and second sections that are separable to provide access to the electronic components, and the housing including ventilation holes that are placed at locations intended to be grasped by a user during operation of the device; and        a device positioned within the housing to produce air flow that, in cooperation with the ventilation holes, enables air circulation through the housing.     
     
     
       7. The hand- held device of    claim 6    wherein the device to produce air flow includes a fan.   
     
     
       8. The hand- held device of    claim 6    wherein the electronic components include action buttons.   
     
     
       9. The hand- held device of    claim 8    wherein the electronic components are included as part of a computer mouse.   
     
     
       10. The hand- held device of    claim 9    wherein the device to produce air flow includes a fan.   
     
     
       11. The hand- held device of    claim 8    wherein the electronic components control a video game.   
     
     
       12. The hand- held device of    claim 11    wherein the device to produce air flow includes a fan.   
     
     
       13. The hand- held device of    claim 6    wherein the housing comprises handle portions that include locations where the ventilation holes are placed.   
     
     
       14. The hand- held device of    claim 6    wherein the housing comprises removable handle portions that include locations where the ventilation holes are placed.   
     
     
       15. The hand- held device of    claim 6    wherein the electronic components are included as part of a computer mouse.   
     
     
       16. The hand- held device of    claim 6    wherein the electronic components control a video game.