U.S. patent application number 13/073854 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-04 for light-up case.
Invention is credited to JOHN HSIAO.
Application Number | 20120247990 13/073854 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46925824 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120247990 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HSIAO; JOHN |
October 4, 2012 |
LIGHT-UP CASE
Abstract
A disc jockey case is disclosed. The device comprises an upper
box and a lower box that are securely held together by means of at
least one latch. At least one hinge facilitates a pivotal motion of
the disc jockey case from a closed position to an open position.
The lower box and the upper box securely stores at least one
equipment therein and facilitates easy access to the at least one
equipment. A panel of the device is incorporated with a visual
display panel therein. A controller is releasably secured inside
the device and is connected to the visual display panel. The visual
display panel displays interactive lights such as stagnant and
flashing lights in synchronization with beat/rhythm and in response
to the output of the controller. The visual display panel can also
be utilized as a message board for scrolling messages and
advertisements.
Inventors: |
HSIAO; JOHN; (San Gabriel,
CA) |
Family ID: |
46925824 |
Appl. No.: |
13/073854 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1628
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A disc jockey case comprising: a lower box having an open top, a
left side panel, a right side panel, a front panel, a rear panel
and a bottom surface, one or more of said panels capable of being
removed, and one or more of said panels incorporating a visual
display panel therein; an upper box hingedly connected to the lower
box having an open bottom, a left side surface, a right side
surface, a front surface, a rear surface and a top surface; a
controller releasably secured to at least one surface or panel of
the upper box or lower box and connected to a visual display panel;
and at least one latch having a first end fastened to the front
surface of the upper box and a second end fastened to the front
panel of the lower box, the first end releasably engages with the
second end to securely hold the disc jockey case in a closed
position; whereby the lower box and the upper box stores at least
one equipment and a visual display panel displays interactive
lights and/or scrolling messages thereon in response to the output
of the controller.
2. The disc jockey case of claim 1 wherein the upper box is
hingedly connected to the lower box by means of at least one
hinge.
3. The disc jockey case of claim 1 wherein the lower box and the
upper box includes a plurality of sponge inserts to protect the at
least one equipment from damage while being transported
therein.
4. The disc jockey case of claim 1 wherein at least one panel is
removable providing an opening for ease of access to the at least
one equipment held inside the lower box.
5. The disc jockey case of claim 1 wherein the lower box further
includes a carrying handle secured to the rear panel thereof for
conveniently holding the disc jockey case.
6. The disc jockey case of claim 1 wherein the controller is
connected to at least one visual display panel by means of a
cord.
7. The disc jockey case of claim 1 wherein the controller includes
a plurality of mounting brackets and a controller board having a
power supply connector, a control switch, an on-off switch, a
controller chip and at least one connector for connecting to light
bars.
8. The disc jockey case of claim 1 wherein the controller provides
options for displaying stagnant light and flashing lights in
synchronization with beat/rhythm.
9. The disc jockey case of claim 1 wherein the controller may be a
wireless receiver connected to at least one visual display
panel.
10. The disc jockey case of claim 9 wherein the wireless receiver
is remotely operated by a wireless device.
11. The disc jockey case of claim 1 wherein the at least one
equipment may be audio/video electronic devices.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates in general to box cases for
storing electronic equipment. More specifically, the present
invention relates to a disc jockey case that stores electronic
equipment and incorporates a visual display panel or multiple
panels adapted to display interactive lights and scrolling messages
in response to the output of a controller.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Equipment cases that transport audio devices have long been
designed to permit full operation of such devices without removing
a device from its case. This is accomplished by structuring a case
in two device-containing boxes, one of which is then offset from
the other in an operating position to reveal the elements of the
devices or equipment for access by an operator.
[0005] In the past, disc jockeys used to travel with equipment
cases and separate cases containing lighting systems. The equipment
cases store the audio equipment therein and permit the operator the
choice between a transport mode and an operating mode. The lighting
cases contain the heavy lighting devices and the cords/cables
required for connecting them.
[0006] One of the most significant problems is that the disc
jockeys had to spend a lot of money purchasing separate lighting
devices including party lights and strobe lights. This greatly
increased the load disc jockeys had to transport to gigs, depending
on the amount of lights needed, because the lights had to be
carried in their own individual cases. Moreover, the equipment and
the cords/cables stored within the case are difficult to access by
the operator.
[0007] Many attempts have been made to alleviate the above problem
such as utilizing larger cases which can accommodate both the audio
equipments and the lighting devices. However, these bulky equipment
cases are heavy for the disc jockey to transport and have the
disadvantage of not providing a means to display scrolling
messages. Further, these lighting devices are relatively expensive
to purchase.
[0008] Hence, it can be seen, that there is a need for a disc
jockey case that stores electronic equipment and incorporates a
visual display panel or multiple panels adapted to display
interactive lights and scrolling messages in response to the output
of a controller. Such a needed device would include an upper box
and a lower box containing a concave space for storing equipment
and lighting devices thereby eliminating the need to carry separate
cases. This needed device would facilitate easy access to the
stored equipment and the cords/cables through a small opening on
the lower box. Moreover, this needed device would eliminate the
necessity to purchase separate lighting devices thereby rendering
it less expensive and would be compact and light-weight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to
minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading
of the specifications, the present invention provides a disc jockey
case that comprises a lower box and an upper box hingedly connected
to the lower box. The lower box includes an open top, a removable
left side panel, a right side panel, a front panel, a rear panel
and a bottom surface. The upper box includes an open bottom, a left
side surface, a right side surface, a front surface, a rear surface
and a top surface. One or more panels of the lower box is
incorporated with a visual display panel therein. The upper box is
connected to the lower box by means of at least one hinge that
facilitates a pivotal motion of the disc jockey case from a closed
position to an open position. The disc jockey case further includes
a controller and at least one latch. The at least one latch
includes a first end and a second end that releasably engages with
each other to securely hold the disc jockey case in the closed
position. The controller is releasably secured to the bottom
surface of the lower box and is connected to the visual display
panel or panels by means of a cord. The lower box and the upper box
stores at least one equipment and the visual display panel displays
interactive lights and/or scrolling messages thereon in response to
the output of the controller. The visual display panels can also be
utilized as a message board for scrolling messages and
advertisements.
[0010] One objective of the invention is to provide a disc jockey
case incorporating a visual display panels adapted to display
interactive lights and scrolling messages in response to the output
of a controller.
[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide a disc
jockey case that securely stores at least one equipment
therein.
[0012] A third objective of the invention is to provide a compact
disc jockey case that can be easily carried and transported in a
closed position.
[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide a disc
jockey case that eliminates the need for purchasing separate
lighting.
[0014] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a disc
jockey case that greatly reduces the amount of items/cases a disc
jockey has to carry because the lighting would be a part of the
main cases.
[0015] These and other advantages and features of the present
invention are described with specificity so as to make the present
invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to
scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding
of these various elements and embodiments of the invention.
Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well
understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to
provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention,
thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of
clarity and conciseness.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in a
closed position;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the present invention
in the closed position;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the present invention in the
closed position;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the present invention in the
closed position;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the present invention
in the closed position;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the present invention
in an open position;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower box in the open
position, illustrating a controller releasably secured to a bottom
surface thereof and connected to a visual display panel;
[0024] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the lower box in the open
position, illustrating an opening of a removable left side panel
thereof;
[0025] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the controller in accordance
with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a controller board shown in
FIG. 9; and
[0027] FIG. 11 is another embodiment of the present invention in
use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] In the following discussion that addresses a number of
embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of hereof, and
in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in
which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that
other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of
the present invention.
[0029] Various inventive features are described below that can each
be used independently of one another or in combination with other
features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any
of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems
discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed
above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described
below.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a disc jockey case 10 in
a closed position. The disc jockey case 10 comprises a lower box 11
and an upper box 12 hingedly connected to the lower box 11. The
lower box 11 includes an open top (not shown), a removable left
side panel (not shown), a right side panel (not shown), a front
panel 13, a rear panel (not shown) and a bottom surface (not
shown). The upper box 12 includes an open bottom (not shown), a
left side surface (not shown), a right side surface (not shown), a
front surface 14, a rear surface (not shown) and a top surface 15.
The right side panel of the lower box (not shown) is incorporated
with an LED visual display panel (not shown) therein. The disc
jockey case 10 further includes a controller (not shown) and at
least one latch 16. The lower box 11 and the upper box 12 stores at
least one equipment (not shown) and the LED visual display panel
(not shown) displays interactive lights and/or scrolling messages
thereon in response to the output of the controller (not
shown).
[0031] The at least one latch 16 includes a first end 17 fastened
to the front surface of the upper box 14 and a second end 18
fastened to the front panel of the lower box 13 as shown in FIG. 2.
The first end 17 releasably engages with the second end 18 to
securely lock the upper box to the lower box. The at least one
latch 16 firmly holds the disc jockey case 10 in the closed
position while being transported from place to place and can be
disengaged easily to open the disc jockey case 10 during operation.
As shown in FIG. 3, the LED visual display panel 19 is located in
the right side panel of the lower box 20 and is connected to the
controller (not shown) placed inside the lower box 11. The LED
visual display panel 19 operates in response to the output of the
controller (not shown) to display interactive lights thereon. The
LED visual display panel 19 can also be utilized as a message board
for scrolling messages and advertisements.
[0032] In an alternate embodiment, the visual display panel 19 can
be another element such as a simple panel containing lights, LCD,
plasma, or touch screen technology, similar to those used in mobile
devices. Additionally, the visual display panel 19 can also be
located on any one or more of the sides of the disc jockey
case.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a left side view of the present invention in
the closed position. The removable left side panel 21 is removably
attached to the lower box 11 and provides ease of access to the at
least one equipment (not shown) held inside the lower box 11. The
at least one equipment (not shown) may be audio/video electronic
devices. The cords/cables of the at least one equipment (not shown)
can easily be channeled through the removable left side panel 21.
The rear panel of the lower box 22 is attached with a carrying
handle 23, as shown in FIG. 5, for conveniently holding the disc
jockey case 10 during transportation. The upper box 12 is hingedly
connected to the lower box 11 by means of at least one hinge 24.
The at least one hinge 24 provides pivotal motion of the upper box
12 and the lower box 11 from the closed position to an open
position. The upper box 12 can be fully opened to a horizontal
position with respect to the lower box 11.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the present invention
in the open position. The lower box 11 and the upper box 12 further
includes a plurality of sponge inserts 25 to protect the at least
one equipment (not shown) from damage while being transported
therein. The plurality of sponge inserts 25 secures the at least
one equipment (not shown) in place, within the lower box 11 and the
upper box 12. The controller 26 is releasably secured to the bottom
surface of the lower box 27 and is connected to the LED visual
display panel 19 by means of a cord 28 as shown in FIG. 7. The
output of the controller 26 is passed to the LED visual display
panel 19 through the cord 28. Thus, the controller 26 controls the
operation of the lights displayed in the LED visual display panel
19. Messages or advertisements can also be passed through to
display in the LED visual display panel 19 using the controller
26.
[0035] In an alternate embodiment, the controller 26 can be affixed
to any location on the box. In addition, the controller 26 can be
any device for wireless and remote operation such as a remote
control as used with televisions, or even remote access
applications for mobile devices, with a wireless signal receiver
affixed to any location on the box.
[0036] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the lower box 11 in the open
position. The removable left side panel 21 can be easily detached
from the lower box 11 to provide an opening 29 through which the at
least one equipment (not shown) and the cords/cables of the at
least one equipment (not shown) can be easily accessed. The opening
29 is formed by partially raising upwards the removable left side
panel 21 from the lower box 11. FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of
the controller 26 in accordance with the present invention. The
controller 26 includes a plurality of mounting brackets 30 and a
controller board 31. The controller board 31 is fixed to and
enclosed by the plurality of mounting brackets 30. Each of the
plurality of mounting brackets 30 are attached together by means of
at least one attachment means (not shown).
[0037] The controller board 31 includes a power supply connector
32, a control switch 33, an on-off switch 34, a controller chip 35
and at least one connector 36 for connecting to light bars as shown
in FIG. 10. The control switch 33 controls the parameters and
flashing of the lights. The controller 26 provides options to
adjust the sound sensitivity, speed and time of flashing and the
color of the lights flashed. The lights can be stagnant and/or
flashing in synchronization with the beat/rhythm of the music. The
disc jockey case 10 of the present invention eliminates the need
for purchasing separate lighting and greatly reduces the amount of
items/cases a disc jockey (not shown) has to carry as the lighting
would be a part of the main cases.
[0038] Another embodiment 40 of the invention, shown in FIG. 11,
may comprise a disc jockey case 41 including a video display. The
video display can be incorporated by replacing the visual display
panel 19 or the side, top and/or bottom surfaces with a video
monitor 42.
[0039] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention has been presented for the purpose of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention
not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and
the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *