U.S. patent application number 12/581155 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-21 for portable gaming and entertainment system.
Invention is credited to Dean Thomas Mercier.
Application Number | 20110092294 12/581155 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43879719 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110092294 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mercier; Dean Thomas |
April 21, 2011 |
Portable Gaming and Entertainment System
Abstract
A portable gaming and entertainment system for use with a game
console and related components that allows the user thereof to
easily, safely and conveniently transport the system. The system
comprises a case having a lid pivotally attached to a base. An
insert in both the lid and base define a plurality of compartments.
The base has a console compartment that protects the game console,
a component tray for storing controllers and game and/or movie
disks, a power unit compartment that has a power unit to supply
power to the components and a compartment for wires and cables. The
lid has a monitor compartment for a monitor and a speaker area
having one or more speakers. The lid closes against the base to
enclose the game console and other components. When pivoted open,
the angle of the lid can be adjusted to change the viewing angle of
the monitor.
Inventors: |
Mercier; Dean Thomas;
(Sammamish, WA) |
Family ID: |
43879719 |
Appl. No.: |
12/581155 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2003/0094 20130101;
A63F 13/90 20140902; A63F 13/54 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/46 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A portable gaming and entertainment system, comprising: a case
having a base and a lid with a top wall, a bottom wall and a
plurality of side walls defining an inner chamber of said case; an
insert disposed inside each of said base and said lid, said insert
of said base defining at least a console compartment, a component
tray and a power unit compartment, said insert of said lid defining
at least a monitor compartment, said console compartment configured
to receive and protect a game console on a support surface thereof,
said component tray configured to receive one or more controllers
and/or one or more game disks, said monitor compartment configured
to protect a monitor; and a power unit in said power unit
compartment, said power unit electrically connected to at least
said game console and said monitor.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said insert of said lid further
defines a speaker area having one or more speakers, said speakers
operatively connected to said game console.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said speakers are electrically
connected to said power unit.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a hinge interconnecting
said base and said lid, said hinge configured to pivot said lid
relative to said base to dispose said case in an open position.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said hinge is configured to
support said lid so as to dispose said monitor towards a front side
of said case and angle said lid for beneficial viewing of said
monitor.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said support surface is angled
upwardly towards a front side of said case so as to dispose a
console face of said game console at least partially above said
insert in said base.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said case further comprises a
fixed handle on at least one of said base and said lid.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said case further comprises a
telescoping handle and one or more wheels on at least one of said
base and said lid.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said component tray comprises one
or more controller compartments and one or more game compartments,
each of said controller compartments configured to removably
receive one or more of said controllers and each of said game
compartments configured to removably receive one or more of said
game disks.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein said case further comprises a
locking means for locking said case in a closed position.
11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a mounting means
associated with said lid of said case for mounting at least said
lid on a vertical surface.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein said mounting means comprises a
post-receiving cavity in said lid and a post mounted on said
vertical surface, said cavity configured to receive said post and
support at least said lid of said case on said post.
13. A portable gaming and entertainment system, comprising: a case
having a base and a lid with a top wall, a bottom wall and a
plurality of side walls defining an inner chamber of said case; a
hinge interconnecting said base and said lid, said hinge configured
to pivot said lid relative to said base to dispose said case in an
open position; an insert disposed inside each of said base and said
lid, said insert of said base defining at least a console
compartment, a component tray and a power unit compartment, said
insert of said lid defining at least a monitor compartment and a
speaker area, said console compartment configured to receive and
protect a game console on a support surface thereof, said component
tray having at least a controller compartment configured to receive
one or more controllers, said monitor compartment configured to
protect a monitor, said speaker area having one or more speakers;
and a power unit in said power unit compartment, said power unit
electrically connected to at least said game console and said
monitor.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said hinge is configured to
support said lid so as to dispose said monitor towards a front side
of said case and angle said lid for beneficial viewing of said
monitor.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein said support surface is angled
upwardly towards a front side of said case so as to dispose a
console face of said game console at least partially above said
insert in said base.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein said monitor is attached to a
monitor mounting bracket interconnecting said monitor and said
base, said bracket configured to pivot said monitor upward for
viewing and downward for transporting said case.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein said case further comprises a
locking means for locking said case in a closed position.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein said case further comprises a
post-receiving cavity configured to receive a post mounted on a
vertical surface and support at least said lid of said case on said
post.
19. A portable gaming and entertainment system, comprising: a case
having a base and a lid with a top wall, a bottom wall and a
plurality of side walls defining an inner chamber of said case; one
or more handles on at least one of said base and said lid of said
case; means interconnecting said base and said lid for locking said
case in a closed position; an insert disposed inside each of said
base and said lid, said insert of said base defining at least a
console compartment, a component tray and a power unit compartment,
said insert of said lid defining at least a monitor compartment and
a speaker area, said console compartment configured to receive and
protect a game console on an angled support surface thereof, said
component tray having at least a controller compartment configured
to receive one or more controllers and a game compartment to
receive one or more game disks, said monitor compartment configured
to receive and protect a monitor, said speaker area having one or
more speakers; a hinge interconnecting said base and said lid, said
hinge configured to pivot said lid relative to said base to dispose
said case in an open position and to support said lid so as to
dispose said monitor towards a front side of said case and angle
said lid for viewing said monitor; and a power unit in said power
unit compartment, said power unit electrically connected to at
least said game console and said monitor.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein said case further comprises a
post-receiving cavity configured to receive a post mounted on a
vertical surface and support at least said lid of said case on said
post.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A. Field of the Invention
[0004] The field of the present invention relates generally to
gaming and entertainment systems. In particular, the present
invention relates to gaming and entertainment systems that are
configured for and utilized with audio, visual and networking
systems to enhance the gaming or entertainment system. Even more
particularly, this invention relates to such gaming and
entertainment systems that are configured to be easily
portable.
[0005] B. Background
[0006] Many people enjoy playing games on and otherwise utilizing
gaming and entertainment consoles, such as Microsoft's Xbox.RTM.,
Sony's Play Station 3.RTM., Nintendo's WHO and the like
(hereinafter, these and all related gaming and/or entertainment
consoles are referred to as a "gaming console"). As is well known
in the art, gaming consoles are configured to receive a game or
entertainment source device, typically a CD or DVD, and allow the
user to play and/or watch the game, movie or other entertainment
material on the game console. Most game consoles are adapted to
play specially configured games that take advantage of the visual
and audio aspects of the particular game console. In addition, most
game consoles are also configured to play standard movies, music
and other entertainment materials that are available on CDs, DVDs,
Blue Ray.RTM. and the like. The most commonly utilized game
consoles are also configured to allow the user to connect to the
Internet or a local area network through a wired or wireless
connection, directly or indirectly, so he or she may transmit and
receive data, particularly gaming data, with other persons or
websites. In one use, the person playing a game on his or her game
console can communicate with others, whether located nearby or in a
different country, to play games with or against.
[0007] Game consoles are typically sold as a unit that includes the
console, one or more game playing devices (commonly referred to as
controllers) and the various wires and cables that are needed to
operate the game console. Although required to utilize the game
console and play games on and/or watch movies therewith, game
consoles are generally not sold with any video or audio playing
devices. Instead, a person wanting to utilize the game console must
connect it to a television, monitor or other video device on which
the game or movie will be displayed. This is also true for the
audio portion of the game console, the person utilizing the game
console must feed the audio signal through the video device, such
as a television or monitor having speakers attached thereto,
connect the game console to one or more external speakers (which is
usually preferred by many persons who play games or watch movies)
or utilize another audio device to hear the audio portion of the
game or movie. Although having to provide and connect the game
console to separate video and audio devices in order to utilize the
game console may be seen as a disadvantage to some, most people who
utilize game consoles prefer such an arrangement so they can
connect to video and audio devices of their own choosing, typically
selecting the best quality of video and audio devices he or she can
afford. One limitation that results from not having video and audio
devices fixedly associated with the game console is that playing
games or watching movies on the game console requires the user to
connect to available and appropriately configured video and audio
devices. This limits the portability of game consoles and sharply
contrasts their use with laptop and similar portable computing
devices, which have a fixedly attached monitor and speakers.
[0008] As well known in the art, many people who play games on game
consoles are very serious and competitive with their game play.
These people are commonly referred to as gamers. With regard to
gamers, although they can play games on the game consoles by
themselves, meaning competing against the game itself, most prefer
to compete against other players while the other person is playing
the same game. One way to compete against other players is to play
the game over the Internet or other network with each player at his
or her own game console controlling their own game (but racing or
otherwise competing against the other player(s)). Another way to
compete against other players is for the gamers to get together in
the same room and utilize the same game console and the same video
and audio devices connected to the jointly utilized game console.
The advantage of playing games over the Internet or other network
is that each player has his or her own video and audio devices,
whereas getting together to compete has the social and other
advantages of being in the same room while competing against each
other.
[0009] To facilitate getting together for competitive play,
virtually all game consoles have multiple connection ports for
multiple controllers, which ports are configured to feed multiple
input signals into the game, and the games playable on the game
consoles are configured to allow information (e.g., object movement
and other control) from each of the multiple controllers. Game
consoles facilitate joint play by multiple players in the same room
by dividing the visual display into multiple or split screens, one
screen for each person, that allows each person to see and control
his or her own game play. Most gamers, however, consider the use of
split screens to have several important limitations, namely a much
smaller visual display of their play (because the screen is split)
and the visual distraction which results from having the other
player's screens adjacent their own screen. The smaller visual
display generally makes it much more difficult for the player to
see the graphics provided by the game, which are usually quite
extensive and sophisticated (in fact, represent much of the value
of the game console and games), and substantially reduces the
player's enjoyment of the game. Another problem with split screens
is that they allow one player to see the screens of his or her
competitors, thereby allowing each player to view the movements or
other action in a manner that reduces competitive play.
[0010] The various limitations of presently available multiple
player game play with split screens could be avoided if each person
brought his or her own game console with their own video and audio
devices (e.g., a television or monitor with speakers) to the
location where the players are getting together to play. This would
require each person to transport their television, monitor or other
video device to the game location, connect their game console to
the video device and setup the game console (i.e., connect the
controller and power cords). Generally, however, such requirements
are impractical and, as a result, very rarely do players get
together in this manner. In fact, most serious gamers utilize video
devices that are rather large, somewhat heavy and/or bulky and
expensive, making their movement even more impractical. Even when
sized such that they would be relatively easy to move, generally
there is no practical manner to move the video device with the game
console in a manner that reduces the likelihood of damaging the
video device. Although there are cases available to safely move a
game console between locations, the presently configured cases are
neither sized nor configured to move the player's video and audio
devices.
[0011] What is needed, is an improved system for moving a game
console and its associated video and audio components from one
location to another to facilitate the player being able to play the
game at any location, with or without other players. Such an
improved system should allow the player to easily and safely
transport his or her game console with a video device and an audio
device, whether separate from or incorporated into the video
device, so that he or she may play games or watch movies on the
game console at virtually any desired location. An improved system
for transporting a game console and its associated video/audio
devices should be configured to allow the player to play a game or
watch a movie on the game console with minimal amount of onsite
configuration and/or setup. Preferably, an improved system for
transporting a game console and its associated video/audio devices
should include the ability to connect the game console to the
Internet or other network systems to allow the player to
communicated with and compete against other persons playing on
their own game console systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The portable gaming and entertainment system of the present
invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified
above. That is to say, the present invention discloses a system for
allowing a gamer and other game console players to easily, safely
and conveniently move a game console and its associated video and
audio devices from one location to another. The system of the
present invention provides an easily transportable case that houses
a game console and a video device in a manner that protects this
equipment while being moved and played. In the preferred
embodiment, the transportable case also houses one or more separate
audio devices, game controllers, games or movies and the various
wires and/or cables necessary to utilize the game console for
playing games or watching movies. As such, the portable gaming and
entertainment system of the present invention allows the user to
play games or watch movies on his or her game console at virtually
any desired location with a minimum amount of onsite configuration
and/or setup. In the preferred embodiment, the system of the
present invention is configured to allow the user to connect the
game console to the Internet or to a network system so he or she
may communicate with and compete against other players on their own
game console systems, whether the others are located in the same
room or in different countries.
[0013] In a primary embodiment of the present invention, the
portable gaming and entertainment system generally comprises a
case, an insert disposed in the case that defines various
compartments for storing and protecting a game console and
components used with the game console, a monitor, one or more
speakers and a power unit that supplies power to the various
components. The case has a base and a lid with a top wall, bottom
wall and a plurality of side walls that define an inner chamber of
the case in which is stored the game console and various components
used with the game console. The insert of the base defines at least
a console compartment, a component tray and a power unit
compartment and the insert of the lid defines at least a monitor
compartment. The console compartment has a support surface that
receives and protects the game console. In a preferred embodiment,
the support surface is angled upward toward the front of the case
to dispose at least a portion of the console face above the insert
in the base. The component tray has one or more controller
compartments that are each configured to receive one or more game
controllers and a slotted game compartment that is configured to
receive one or more disks, which have a game or movie thereon, for
playing in the game console. The power unit is stored in the power
unit compartment and includes an on/off switch that controls the
supply of electricity to all of the powered components. The monitor
is protected by the monitor compartment. In the preferred
embodiment, the monitor is mounted to the lid inside the monitor
compartment and pivots with the lid. In an alternative embodiment,
the monitor is mounted on a mounting bracket that is pivotally
attached to the base. In either embodiment, the monitor is
controllably pivots to allow the user to select the desired viewing
angle.
[0014] In the preferred embodiment, the insert of the base also
defines a compartment for storing the wires, cables and other
periphery items, including headphones or the like, and the insert
of the lid also defines a speaker area that contains one or more
speakers. A hinge at the back side of the case can be utilized to
interconnect the base and lid and pivot the lid relative to the
base. The case can comprise one or more handles for ease in
transporting the case from one location to another. In a preferred
embodiment, the case has a fixed handle on one side and a
telescoping handle on one end with a pair of wheels on the opposite
end to roll the case across the floor or other surface. The case
also comprises a locking mechanism, such as one or more latches,
for locking the case in its closed position and a mounting
mechanism for mounting at least the lid on a vertical surface, such
as a wall or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting
mechanism comprises a cavity in the lid that is received on a post
attached to the vertical surface. The system can include a bracket
that allows the user to hang the base from the mounted lid with the
hinge disconnected so as to separate the base and the lid.
[0015] The system of the present invention provides a much safer
and easier means for a gamer to utilize a game console in a
"community" or network environment with friends and/or family who
may be competing against him or her at a game. With the system of
the present invention, the gamers will not have to share a
television or monitor by utilizing split screen technology, which
results in small screens placed side-by-side. Instead, with the
system of the present invention, the gamers will each have their
own full screen monitor. In addition to gamers, the system of the
present invention will allow businesses to provide an all inclusive
gaming and multimedia unit for entertaining customers, employees
and others in an easy to store package that can be freely moved. If
desired, the system could be modified to include a keyboard and
other computer functionality. If desired, the system could also be
utilized for non-gaming or entertainment purposes, such as
technical field service and/or marketing.
[0016] Accordingly, the primary aspect of the present invention is
to provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that has the
advantages discussed above and which overcomes the disadvantages
and limitations associated with presently available systems for
transporting and playing games and/or movies on a game console or
the like.
[0017] It is an important aspect of the present invention to
provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that allows the
user to easily, safely and conveniently transport a game console
and its associated video and audio devices from one location to
another for use to play games, watch movies and/or for other
entertainment uses.
[0018] It is also an important aspect of the present invention to
provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that allows the
user to play games or watch movies on his or her game console at
virtually any location with a minimum amount of onsite
configuration and/or setup.
[0019] It is also an important aspect of the present invention to
provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that is
configured to allow the user to connect the game console to the
Internet or to a network system so he or she may compete against
other players utilizing their game console systems no matter where
those players are located.
[0020] It is also an important aspect of the present invention to
provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that generally
comprises an easily transportable case which safely and
conveniently houses a game console, video device, one or more audio
devices, a pair of game controllers, one or more game or movie
disks and the various wires and/or cables necessary to utilize the
game console for playing games or watching movies in a manner that
protects these components while being moved and played.
[0021] It is also an important aspect of the present invention to
provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that is
adaptable for a wide variety of different types of game consoles,
video devices and audio devices.
[0022] The above and other aspects and advantages of the present
invention are explained in greater detail by reference to the
attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment
which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides
in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and
combination of the above presently described and understood by the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments
and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the
present invention:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable gaming and
entertainment system that is configured according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention shown with the case thereof in
its open position;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the system of FIG. 1
showing the game console removed from the case;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the system of FIG. 1 with the
game consoles and a disk stored in the case;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the system of FIG. 1 shown
with the case in its closed position;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a front view of the system of FIG. 4;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1 shown with the
upper section hanging on a wall mount and the lower section
supported by a counter or other horizontal surface;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1 shown with the
upper section supported a wall mount located on a wall or other
vertical surface and the lower section hanging from the upper
section; and
[0031] FIG. 8 is a left side view of an alternative embodiment of
the system of the present invention showing the monitor pivotally
attached to the lower section of the case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] With reference to the figures where like elements have been
given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's
understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments
of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed text and
drawings are merely illustrative of one or more preferred
embodiments and, as such, disclose one or more different ways of
configuring the present invention. Although specific components,
materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be
understood that a number of variations to the components and to the
configuration of those components described herein and in the
accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and
function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although
the figures and description provided herein show a certain game
console and configurations for the components of utilized with the
game console, those skilled in the art will readily understand that
this is merely for purposes of simplifying the present disclosure
and that the present invention is not so limited.
[0033] A portable gaming and entertainment system that is
configured pursuant to one embodiment of the present invention is
shown generally as 10 in the figure. The system 10 of the present
invention generally comprises a game console 12 disposed in a case
14 which also houses a video device, such as the monitor 16 and one
or more audio devices, such as the pair of speakers 18. In a
preferred embodiment, the case 14 comprises a lower section or base
20 which houses the game console 12 and an upper section or lid 22
that houses the video device 16 and audio devices 18. As set forth
above, the game console 12 can be any one of various commercially
available game consoles, including Microsoft's Xbox.RTM., Sony's
Play Station 3.RTM., Nintendo's WHO and others. Although game
consoles 12 typically allow multiple players with split screens,
most gamers and other players do not particularly like playing with
split screens due to the small view available on the screens,
visual/audio interference from the play of other players, cheating
that results from seeing other player's screens and other issues.
Presently, the gamers are usually unable to get together in a
single room or like environment to play against each other with
their own video 16 and audio 18 devices due to the difficulty and
impracticability of transporting all of the required components to
the meeting place and concerns with damaging one or more of the
components, particularly the video 16 device (i.e., a monitor or
the like). In addition, it is also well known that it is generally
impractical to have sufficient game playing resources (i.e.,
monitors, speakers, etc.) available at the meeting place so the
gamers do not have to transport their components. As set forth in
more detail below, the system 10 of the present invention allows
gamers and others to easily, safely and conveniently transport
their game console 12, monitor 16, speakers 18 and other components
to any location, including a meeting place where they can play
against other gamers by using the online or network gaming
capabilities of the game console 12. In addition, the system 10 of
the present invention allows a user to transport the game console
12 and related components to any location for where he or she may
want to play games and/or watch movies, with or without joining
others.
[0034] As shown in the figures, in a preferred embodiment the lid
22 of case 14 is hingedly connected to the base 20 with one or more
hinges 24 so the user may move the case 14 between its closed
position 26, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and its open position 28,
shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 and 6 through 7. The case 14 has a front
side 30, a back side 32, a first or left end 34 and a second or
right end 36, as best shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. The side walls
38, top wall 40 and bottom wall 42 of the base 20 and lid 22 of
case 14 define an inner chamber 44 in which are disposed the game
console 12, monitor 16, speakers 18 and other components necessary
to play games on or watch movies with game console 12 so that these
components may be easily, safely and conveniently moved from one
location to another. When case 14 is in its closed position 26, the
walls 38, 40 and 42 enclose the game console 12, monitor 16,
speakers 18 and other components. As will be readily appreciated by
those skilled in the art, case 14 can be made out of a wide variety
of materials, including aluminum or other metals, various plastic
or composite materials, leather and other "soft" materials, which
are commonly used for cases. In the preferred embodiment of the
system 10 of the present invention, the case 14 is made out of a
relatively hard material that is selected for its durability,
toughness and being of reasonable weight so case 14 can protect the
game console 12, monitor 16, speakers 18 and other components
inside the case 14 and, preferably, result in a system 10 that does
not weigh so much that it is difficult for a person to move.
[0035] The inner chamber 44 of case 14 has a plurality of
compartments and mounting apparatuses that receive and secure the
game console 12, monitor 16, speakers 18 and other components that
are utilized with the game console 12. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, the inner chamber 44 of case 14 has an insert 46 that defines a
console compartment 48, a monitor compartment 50, a pair of speaker
areas 52, a power unit compartment 54, a component tray 56 and a
wire/cable compartment 58. The purpose and configuration of the
various compartments and areas are set forth below. In a preferred
embodiment, the insert 46, which is also utilized in the speaker
area 52, is a vacuuform material that is selected to be able to
safely hold and protect the components of system 10 and to
dissipate heat from those components which generate heat.
Preferably, the side walls 38 of lid 22 of the case 14 are sized
larger than the side walls 38 of the base 20 such that the insert
46 in lower section/base 20 of case 14 protrudes above the side
walls 38 of base 20 in a manner that provides a sufficient amount
of air circulation to satisfy the "breathing" requirements of the
game console 12 in order to avoid overheating game console 12. In
addition, preferably the console compartment 48 has a support
surface 60 that slopes upwardly toward the front side 30 of case
14, as shown in FIG. 2. The upward sloping support surface 60
disposes game console 12 in an upward angled position such that the
console face 62 thereof is sufficiently above the level of insert
46, as shown in FIG. 1, to provide the user of system 10 easy
access to the controls, plugs and other devices on the console face
62 of game console 12.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment of system 10, the game console
12 is removably received inside of console compartment 48 so the
user thereof can take it out of case 14 and attach it to a standard
(e.g., generally non-movable) television, monitor or other video
device at his or her home or other location for playing games or
watching movies on game console 12. Preferably, one or more console
securing means, such as the two straps 64 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
are utilized to secure the game console 12 to support surface 60
inside console compartment 48 to better protect it during movement
of case 14. The straps 64 or other securing means should be
configured to aid, in conjunction with the insert 46 and any other
cushioning material, in buffering shock to game console 12 in the
event the case 14 is dropped.
[0037] In the preferred embodiment, monitor 16 is secured to lid 22
inside the monitor compartment 50 with a monitor mounting means,
not shown, that comprises a shock proof bracket or the like that
will reduce the likelihood of damage to monitor 16 from movement of
case 14. In a preferred embodiment, the monitor mounting means is
configured to securely and safely mount a 19'' or 21'' HDTC or HD
LCD monitor 16. Various other sizes and types of monitors 16 can be
utilized with the system 10 of the present invention. Preferably,
monitor 16 is selected to provide HDTV or like video for the games
and/or movies signals from game console 12. The monitor mounting
means can be configured to allow the user to remove monitor 16 from
lid 22 so that he or she may replace, repair or upgrade the monitor
16 as desired or necessary. The hinge 24 should be of the type that
allows the user to selectively adjust the viewing angle of monitor
16 by fixedly adjusting the angle of the lid 22. In a preferred
embodiment, the hinge 24 is a spring-loaded hinge that has
sufficient resistence to hold the weight of lid 22, which includes
monitor 16, speakers 18 and insert 46, at the desired angle (e.g.,
similar to laptop computers and the like).
[0038] As best shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the
system 10 of the present invention includes a power unit 66 that is
configured as a central power source having a power cord 68 that
attaches to a source of power, such as an electrical outlet or the
like. Preferably, the various components that require electrical
power, such as the game module 12, monitor 16 and speakers 18, plug
directly into the power unit 66 and the power unit 66 is plugged
into the outlet, thereby eliminating the need for the user to
separately plug each of these components into wall outlets or other
power sources. Preferably, power unit 66 also comprises an on/off
switch 70 that allows the user to power on or turn off the game
module 12, monitor 16 and speakers 18 with the on/off switch 70. In
a preferred embodiment, power unit 66 also has an extra outlet,
shown as 72, in which the user can plug other peripheral devices as
desired or needed. A flexible ribbon cable 74 is utilized to
deliver power from the power unit 66 to the monitor 16 and speakers
18. In the preferred embodiment of system 10, the power unit 66
also comprises an AV/audio patch panel, not shown but well known in
the art, that connects the game module 12 to the monitor 16 and
speakers 18.
[0039] The component tray 56 of base 20 is utilized to store
components which are utilized with the game module 10. In the
preferred embodiment, the component tray 56 comprises one or more
controller compartments 76, two are shown, that are each configured
to receive and store one or more controllers 78, and a game
compartment 80 configured to receive and store one or more game
disks 82, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In the preferred
embodiment, the game compartment 80 comprises a plurality of slots,
best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, that are each sized to receive a
single game disk 82. Preferably, the user will remove the game
disk(s) 82 from their respective disk folders or plastic cases and
store just the disk 82 in the slots to reduce the space
requirements and the weight of the system 10. The controller
compartment 76 and game compartment 80 should be cooperatively
configured with the lid 22 so the controllers 78 and game disks 82
are securely retained in their respective compartments when the
case 14 is placed in its closed position 26 for moving game
controller 12 and its related components.
[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 22 also
includes an A/V panel 84 that contains a variety of audio and
visual ports that can be utilized with the game controller 12,
monitor 16 and speakers 18 in case 14. For instance, the A/V panel
84 can comprise one or more headphone jacks that are utilized by
the player while playing a game or movie on the game controller 12
to avoid noise for persons around him or her who are not playing or
to prevent the game play audio from other gamers from interfering
with his or her play. The A/V panel 84 can also include HDMI and
component ports that can be utilized to connect other peripheral
devices to the system 10 of the present invention. As well known in
the art, a wide variety of ports or connection devices can be
utilized with A/V panel 84 to provide increased functionality for
system 10.
[0041] The wire/cable compartment 58 can be utilized to store the
various wires, cables and the like, shown as 86, that are necessary
or useful to connect and/or use the game controller 12, monitor 16
and speakers 18 together or with any other device. The wire/cable
compartment 58 can also be utilized to store any other peripheral
equipment or devices that the user wants to transport in case 14
with game controller 12.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the system 10 of the present
invention, the case 14 includes a variety of handles, wheels and
latches that improve the transportability thereof. In the
embodiment shown in the figures, the case 14 has a fixed handle 88
on the front side 30 of lid 22. Fixed handle 88, best shown in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, can be of the type that are commonly utilized
with a briefcases, luggage and other carrying devices that
facilitate the user transporting case 14.
[0043] The fixed handle 88 should be configured to allow the user
to move case 14 when in its closed position 26. The embodiment
shown in the figures also include a telescoping handle 90 at the
right end 36 of case 14 and a pair of wheels 92 at the left end 34
of case 14, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Telescoping handle 90
and wheels 92 are preferably of the type commonly utilized with
luggage and which allow the user to extend the handle 90 and pull
the case 14 across a floor or other surface with the wheels 92
rolling across the surface. In the preferred embodiment, the
telescoping handle 90 collapses inside the base 20 of case 14 and
the wheels 92 can fold up into the bottom wall 42 of base 20 so
they can be out of the way when not needed and the case 14 can lay
with bottom wall 14 flat against a support surface, such as a
floor, table or the like. If desired, the wheels 92 can be fixed in
their downward position and the opposite end, such as the right end
36, can be provided with one or more support posts (not shown) that
support the right end 36 of case 14 in a manner that results in the
base 20 thereof being substantially level when placed on a
substantially level floor, table or other surface. To secure the
lid 22 to the base 20 when case 14 is moved from one location to
another, the case preferably comprises a locking means that locks
the lid 22 and base 20 together in the closed position 26 of case
14. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprises one or
more latches 94, such as the pair shown best shown in FIGS. 1, 2
and 5. The locking means should be of the type that securely locks
the lid 22 and base 20 together so the user will not have to be
concerned with accidental opening of case 14 during movement
thereof.
[0044] In one embodiment of the system 10 of the present invention,
the case 14 comprises a means for mounting at least the lid 22 on a
vertical surface, such as a wall 100, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In
a preferred embodiment, the mounting means comprises a
post-receiving cavity 96 in the top wall 40 of lid 22 that is sized
and configured to securely receive a mounting post 98 that can be
mounted on the vertical surface 100 (i.e., wall). In the embodiment
of FIG. 6, the post 98 is received inside the cavity 96 such that
lid 22 is mounted in a generally upright position on wall 100 with
the bottom wall 42 of base 20 supported on a table, counter or like
surface, shown as 102. If desired, the top wall 40 of lid 22 can
include a sliding or pivoting door-like cover, not shown, that
covers cavity 96 when it is not needed to support lid 22 on the
vertical surface 100. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment where the entire
case 14 is suspended on post 98, which is received inside of cavity
96. In this embodiment, the hinge 24 is configured such that the
base 20 can be disconnected from the lid 22 at hinge 24 so the base
20 may hang against wall 100. A separate supporting bracket, shown
as 104, is used to interconnect the base 20 and lid 22 such that
base 20 is suspended from lid 22 and, in turn, supported on post
98. In either embodiment, the cavity 96 and post 98 must be
configured to support the weight of the system 10, including game
console 12, case 14, monitor 16, speakers 18 and all other
components thereof. Various cavity 96 and post 98 combinations
suitable for accomplishing the above are well known in the art. In
use, the user would disconnect the base 20 from the lid 22 at hinge
24, connect supporting bracket 104 to the base 20 and lid 22 and
then place cavity 96 over a previously provided post 98 to engage
the cavity 96 with post 98.
[0045] An alternative embodiment of the system 10 of the present
invention is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the monitor 16 is
pivotally attached to the base 20 of the case 14 behind the game
console 12 utilizing a pivoting monitor mounting bracket 106 that
extends upward from the base 20. The mounting bracket 106 is
configured to allow the user to tilt the monitor 16 as necessary to
obtain the best or preferred viewing angle when case 14 is in its
open position 28, as shown, and to lower the monitor 16 down
towards the game console 12 to place case 14 in its closed position
26. Preferably, the mounting bracket 106 is configured to place the
monitor 16 slightly above the game console 12 so as to not damage
the monitor 16 during movement of case 14 or a cushioning material
or device is positioned between the monitor 16 and the game console
12 to prevent any scratches or other damage to monitor 16. Such
materials and devices are well known in the art.
[0046] Various modifications can be made to the system 10 of the
present invention. For instance, the various compartments defined
by the insert 46 inside the case 14 can be modified to be different
sizes and shapes than those shown in the figures. Console
compartment 48 can be configured to receive and protect different
sizes and configurations of game console 12. In one embodiment, the
console compartment 48 is sized for a specific model of game
console 12. In another embodiment, the console compartment 48 is
adjustable in size to fit different models of game console 12 so
that a single model of case 14 can fit a variety of game consoles
12. If desired, the speakers 18 can be located in the base 20
instead of or in addition to being located in the lid 22. If
located in base 20, the speakers 18 can be pivotally mounted
therein so the user can tilt them forward toward him or her when
playing a game or movie on game console 12 to better direct the
sound to him or her. The walls 38, 40 and 42 of case 14 can be
shaped in configuration desired by the manufacturer of system 10
and be made of one or more materials, including hard or soft shell
materials. The front side 30 and/or back side 32 can have front or
rear, respectively, panel access doors that allow the user to
access the bottom of base 20 below game console 12 and/or the back
of lid 22 behind monitor 16 and speakers 18 as may be necessary for
or desired by the user of system 10. If the game console 12 does
not have WiFi or other Internet or networking capability, the
necessary equipment to connect to the Internet or other networks
can be included in the case 14 so the user can access the Internet
or join others on a network for competitive play.
[0047] In use, the case 14 will typically be supplied to the user
without the game console 12 so that he or she may utilize his or
her own game console 12 and upgrade or replace it as desired. The
case 14 can be supplied with the monitor 16 and/or the speakers 18
already installed or the user can also supply these components.
When the user desires to move his or her game console 12 to a
different location for single or group play, he or she places the
game console 12 on the support surface 60 with the console face 62
facing toward the front side 30 and secures the game console 12 to
the base 20 with straps 64 and/or other securing means. The
controllers 78 are placed in the controller compartments 76 and the
games disks 82, which may be CDs, DVDs, Blue Ray or the like having
a game or movie thereon, are placed in the slotted game
compartments 80. The various wires/cables 86 necessary to play or
beneficially play game console 12 are placed in the wire/cable
compartment 58. Any headphones or other devices may also be placed
in the wire/cable compartment 58. Once loaded, the user pivots lid
22 downward against the base 20 and engages the locking means, such
as latches 94, to lock the case 14 in its closed position 26. The
user then can move the case 14, having all of the components
therein, by using the fixed handle 88 to carry case 14 or by
pulling out the telescoping handle 90 and rolling case 14 on the
wheels 92. When the user gets to his or her desired location, he or
she only has to disengage the locking means 94, fold up the lid 22
to the desired viewing angle for to view monitor 16, attach the
power cord 68 to the power unit 66 (if not already connected), plug
the power cord 68 into an outlet, connect the controllers 78 and
any other necessary wires/cables for the game console 12, turn on
all the powered components with the on/off switch 70 on the power
unit 66 and insert the desired game disk 82 into the game console
12. The user will have his or her own game console 12, monitor 16
and speakers 18 to play the game or watch a movie.
[0048] While there are shown and described herein a specific form
of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in
the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to
various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In
particular, it should be noted that the present invention is
subject to modification with regard to any dimensional
relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly,
materials, size, shape and use. For instance, there are numerous
components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent
functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present
invention.
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