U.S. patent number RE36,641 [Application Number 08/964,043] was granted by the patent office on 2000-04-04 for device for enhancing the appeal of a video terminal.
Invention is credited to Tom Griffin.
United States Patent |
RE36,641 |
Griffin |
April 4, 2000 |
Device for enhancing the appeal of a video terminal
Abstract
A three-dimensional amusement device for transforming the outer
appearance of a video terminal thus enhancing its appeal and
improving the state of mind of the person requiring its use,
particularly when that person is a child.
Inventors: |
Griffin; Tom (Burbank, CA) |
Family
ID: |
22901717 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/964,043 |
Filed: |
November 4, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
239335 |
May 6, 1994 |
05464214 |
Nov 7, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/148B;
312/7.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F
9/001 (20130101); A63H 3/003 (20130101); A63H
3/02 (20130101); A63H 3/16 (20130101); A63H
33/00 (20130101); G06F 1/1607 (20130101); G06F
3/033 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63H
3/16 (20060101); A63H 3/02 (20060101); A63H
33/00 (20060101); A63H 3/00 (20060101); G06F
1/16 (20060101); A47B 097/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;273/148B,309 ;312/7.2
;434/37R,323 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Screenies, 18971 Sonoma Hwy. Somoma, Calif. 95476 Enclosed 6 pages
publication date not known..
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Primary Examiner: Grieb; William H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Darby and Darby
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for enhancing the appeal of a video terminal having a
video display screen and at least one input device, comprising:
a stretchable .[.(flexible).]. skirt structure mountable to the
video display screen; and
a three-dimensional object supported by the stretchable
.[.(flexible).]. skirt structure.
2. The device of claim 1 which further comprises: a sleeve
receivable over a cord of said at least one input device.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein:
said at least one input device comprises a mouse; and the sleeve is
receivable over a cord of said mouse.
4. The device of claim 2 wherein:
said at least one input device comprises a keyboard; and
the sleeve is receivable over a cord of said keyboard.
5. The device of claim 2 wherein:
the sleeve has a releasable attachment structure joining two
opposed edges of the sleeve to encompass the cord of said at least
one input device.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein:
the releasable attachment structure extends substantially
lengthwise of said sleeve.
7. The device of claim 5 wherein:
the releasable attachment structure comprises complementary hook
and loop elements affixed to said opposed edges of the sleeve.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein:
the three-dimensional object is selected to appeal to a preselected
class of users.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein:
the three-dimensional object represents a creature appealing to a
preselected class of users.
10. The device of claim 9 which further comprises:
a sleeve receivable over a cord of said at least one input device;
and
the sleeve represents a tail of said creature.
11. The device of claim 1 which further comprises:
a second three-dimensional object representing feet of said
creature;
said second three-dimensional object positionable adjacent a
keyboard of the video terminal.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein:
the video display screen has a viewing area; and
the stretchable .[.(flexible).]. skirt structure comprises
anannular fabric body stretchable over the video display screen to
surround the viewing area.
13. A device for enhancing the appeal of a video terminal having at
least one input device and a video display screen with a viewing
area, comprising:
a flexible skirt structure including an annular fabric body
stretchable over the video display screen to surround the viewing
area;
a three-dimensional object supported by the flexible skirt
structure, said three-dimensional object selected to appeal to a
preselected class of users; and
a sleeve receivable over a cord of said at least one input device.
.Iadd.
14. A device for enhancing the appeal of a video terminal having a
video display screen and at least one input device, comprising:
a fabric skirt structure mountable directly to the video display
screen; and
a three-dimensional object supported by the fabric skirt
structure..Iaddend..Iadd.15. The device of claim 14 which further
comprises: a sleeve receivable over a cord of said at least one
input device..Iaddend..Iadd.16. The device of claim 15 wherein:
said at least one input device comprises a mouse; and the sleeve is
receivable over a cord of said mouse..Iaddend..Iadd.17. The device
of claim 15 wherein:
said at least one input device comprises a keyboard; and the sleeve
is receivable over a cord of said keyboard..Iaddend..Iadd.18. The
device of claim 15 wherein:
the sleeve has a releasable attachment structure joining two
opposed edges of the sleeve to encompass the cord of said at least
one input device..Iaddend..Iadd.19. The device of claim 18
wherein:
the releasable attachment structure extends substantially
lengthwise of said sleeve..Iaddend..Iadd.20. The device of claim 18
wherein:
the releasable attachment structure comprises complementary hook
and loop elements affixed to said opposed edges of the
sleeve..Iaddend..Iadd.21. The device of claim 14 wherein:
the three-dimensional object is selected to appeal to a preselected
class of users..Iaddend..Iadd.22. The device of claim 14
wherein:
the three-dimensional object represents a creature appealing to
a
preselected class of users..Iaddend..Iadd.23. The device of claim
22 which further comprises:
a sleeve receivable over a cord of said at least one input device;
and
the sleeve represents a tail of said creature..Iaddend..Iadd.24.
The device of claim 14 which further comprises:
a second three-dimensional object representing feet of said
creature;
said second three-dimensional object positionable adjacent a
keyboard of the video terminal..Iaddend..Iadd.25. The device of
claim 14 wherein:
the video display screen has a viewing area; and
the fabric skirt structure comprises an annular fabric body
mountable directly over the video display screen to surround the
viewing area..Iaddend..Iadd.26. A device for enhancing the appeal
of a video terminal having at least one input device and a video
display screen with a viewing area, comprising:
a fabric skirt structure including an annular fabric body mountable
directly over the video display screen to surround the viewing
area;
a three-dimensional object supported by the fabric skirt structure,
said three-dimensional object selected to appeal to a preselected
class of users; and
a sleeve receivable over a cord of said at least one input
device..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to amusement devices, specifically to such
three-dimensional devices used to transform the outer appearance of
a video terminal in order to enhance, amuse and encourage terminal
use.
Since the introduction of video terminals into the workplace and
home; and, subsequently into the educational process, it has become
commonplace for people of all ages to be exposed regularly to their
use. A video terminal typically has a video display screen and at
least one input device, and often a central processing unit (CPU).
Because of the video terminal's lack of attractiveness to a certain
class of users, it is often perceived as intimidating and as such
does not encourage its regular use. Currently there is nothing
particularly appealing about a video terminal to aid in improving
the state of mind of the user, even though to improve the user's
state of mind is a desirable attribute, particularly when that
person is a child.
While various types of three-dimensional amusement devices are
known, they are essentially limited to functioning only as toys,
and are not designed to enhance the attractiveness or appeal of a
video terminal.
One prior attempt to improve on the aesthetics of a video display
screen involves a two-dimensional artboard frame that attaches to
the front of the screen using hook and loop fasteners. However,
such frames are quite primitive and do not significantly transform
or enhance the appeal of the video terminal with any degree of
effectiveness.
Accordingly, it is contemplated that the present invention
will:
(a) Enhance the appeal of a video terminal and improve the state of
mind of the person requiring its use, particularly when that person
is a child.
(b) Enhance the appeal of a video terminal having a video display
screen and at least one input device.
(c) Permit installation by a person without the use and knowledge
of special tools, fasteners, skills and instructions.
(d) Be simple and easy to use.
(e) Overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from a
consideration of the drawings and ensuing description of it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the reader will see that the device for enhancing the
appeal of a video terminal is a novel, ornamental design,
especially when it is a caricature of a person or animal. Other
embodiments can differ in size, shape, or as caricatures of other
objects, or even fantasy figures. A unifying feature of all of
these embodiments described in this example is the application of
the device to various types of existing video display screens, in
order to improve the state of mind of the person requiring its use,
particularly when that person is a child. In addition, the device
of the present invention permits the user to personalize the video
terminal thereby enhancing their experience.
The device can include a means for emitting sound, light or
movement. Instead of stuffing a textile fabric with filler, the
device can comprise a non-permeable material, such as rubber, or an
extruded plastic film with gas impermeable seams and constructed
such that the entire device can be pneumatically or hydraulically
filed with air or Some other gas. In such an inflatable device, the
inner structure can be cellular to provide internal support.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a
device for enhancing the appeal of a video terminal having a video
display screen and at least one input device with a flexible skirt
structure mountable to the video display screen and a
three-dimensional object supported by the flexible skirt
structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The figures in the drawings are briefly described as follows:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present
invention shown installed on a video terminal.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded side view of the first embodiment
shown installed on a video display screen.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the feet of the first
embodiment in detail.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the tail of the first
embodiment in detail.
FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are front views of alternative embodiments
of the invention shown installed on video terminals.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Details of illustrative embodiments of the invention are set forth
herein. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments
describe and exemplify an invention which may take forms different
from the specific embodiments disclosed. Structural and functional
details are not necessarily to be interpreted as limiting, but
rather as a basis for the claims.
Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters
denote like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 and FIG.
2 depict a first embodiment of the invention shown installed on a
video terminal. The video terminal generally designated 10, is
comprised of a video display screen 12, which has a viewing area
14, a keyboard input device 16 and a mouse input device 18,
although the video terminal 10 may also include a central
processing unit (CPU) and other such hardware (not shown) for
accomplishing various computing functions. The device for enhancing
the appeal of the video terminal, generally designated 30, is
attached to the video terminal 10 in order to transform its outer
appearance and enhance, amuse and encourage terminal use. In the
first embodiment, the device 30 is shown as a mythical dragon but
it should be noted that the device can have many embodiments, both
animate or inanimate, some having additional associated
appendages.
In the first embodiment of the device 30, a flexible skirt
structure 32 including an annular fabric body stretchable over the
video display screen 12 to surround the viewing area 14, forms the
mouth portion of the dragon. The flexible skirt structure 32
supports a three-dimensional object, generally designated as 34,
which in the first embodiment forms the remaining elements of the
head. A releasable attachment structure 36, shown in detail in FIG.
2, attaches the three-dimensional object 34 to the flexible skirt
structure 32.
In the first embodiment of the device 30, a sleeve 38, representing
the tail of the dragon, is receivable over the cord of the mouse
input device 18 of the video terminal 10.
Also, in the first embodiment of the device 30, a second
three-dimensional object 40, representing the feet of the dragon,
is positioned adjacent to the keyboard input device 16 of the video
terminal 10.
Referring to FIG. 2, the flexible skirt structure 32 can be made of
any desirable material, and most preferably, when the device 30 is
in the form of an animal, at least made of a plush-like material to
simulate skin or fur of the animal. The material should also have
an elastic quality for stretching the flexible skirt structure 32
over the video display screen 12, thus accommodating the various
sizes and shapes of video display screens. A sewn seam 54 enclosing
an elastic strap extends along the rear opening of the flexible
skirt structure 32 and helps to enclose the skirt tightly over the
video display screen 12. The three-dimensional object 34, a dragon
head in this embodiment, is comprised of any desirable material
used for the outer case 42 provided with a soft, compressible
filler material. The soft, compressible filler can be made of
suitable material employed for amusement devices. The releasable
attachment structure 36, shown as complementary hook and loop
elements, attaches the bottom of the three-dimensional object 34 to
the top of the flexible skirt structure 32. It should be understood
that although complementary hook and loop elements are illustrated
as the preferred releasable attachment structure 36 for device 30,
other attachment structures such as buttons/holes, hook and eyes,
straps, buckles, peelable adhesives, zippers, snaps, or the like,
can be used.
It should be understood that the particular materials used to form
the outer case 42 and the soft compressible filler do not
constitute limitations on the present invention, such materials
being well known to people skilled in the art of manufacturing
amusement devices. The outer case 42 is formed from a plurality of
discrete panels which are sewn or stitched together.
Additional decorative features can be attached to the device 30, by
means and through the use of materials known to people skilled in
the art of manufacturing amusement devices. In the first embodiment
of the invention, eyes 46, a nose 48, fins 44, teeth 50 and
feathers 52 have been added to enhance the attractiveness and
appeal of the device 30. A wide-variety of decorative features
could be applied to the device 30 depending upon the chosen form of
embodiment.
In the first embodiment of the device 30, FIG. 3 is an enlarged
perspective view of a second three-dimensional object 40,
representing the feet of the dragon. The object 40, is comprised of
any desirable material used for the outer case 42 provided with a
soft, compressible filler material. The soft, compressible filler
can be made of suitable material employed for amusement devices.
The outer case 42 is formed from a plurality of discrete panels
which are sewn or stitched together. In the present embodiment, the
object 40, is undercut in order to create the finger/claw portion
of the dragon's feet that extends over the keyboard input device 16
of the video terminal 10.
Additional decorative features can be attached to the object 40, by
means and through the use of materials known to people skilled in
the art of manufacturing amusement devices. In the first embodiment
of the invention, claws 56 and feathers 52 have been added to
enhance the attractiveness and appeal of the object 40. A
wide-variety of decorative features could be applied to the object
40 depending upon the chosen form of the embodiment and the
resultant form of the three-dimensional object 40.
In the first embodiment of the device 30, FIG. 4 is an enlarged
perspective view of a sleeve 38, representing the tail of the
dragon. The sleeve 38 has a releasable attachment structure 36
joining two opposed edges of the sleeve 38 to encompass the cord of
at least one input device. In the first embodiment of the device
30, the sleeve 38 is receivable over the cord of the mouse input
device 18 of the video terminal 10. As an alternative to the first
embodiment, the sleeve 38 could be receivable over the cord of the
keyboard input device 16, particularly when the device 30 is
applied to a video terminal 10 that does not facilitate a mouse
input device 18. The sleeve 38 is comprised of any desirable
material used for the outer case 42 provided with a soft,
compressible filler material. The soft, compressible filler can be
made of suitable material employed for amusement devices. The outer
case 42 is formed from a plurality of discrete panels which are
sewn or stitched together. The releasable attachment structure 36,
shown as complementary hook and loop elements affixed to said
opposed edges of the sleeve 38, extends substantially lengthwise of
said sleeve 38. Although complementary hook and loop elements are
illustrated as the preferred releasable attachment structure 36 for
sleeve 38, other attachment structures such as buttons/holes, hook
and eyes, straps, buckles, peelable adhesives, zippers, snaps, or
the like, can be used.
Additional decorative features can be attached to the sleeve 38, by
means and through the use of materials known to people skilled in
the art of manufacturing amusement devices. In the first embodiment
of the invention, fins 44 have been added to enhance the
attractiveness and appeal of the sleeve 38. A wide-variety of
decorative features could be applied to the sleeve 38 depending
upon the chosen form of the embodiment and the resultant form of
the sleeve 38.
Finally, FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are front views of alternative
embodiments of the device 30 shown installed on video terminals 10,
wherein elements corresponding generally to elements of the first
embodiments, FIGS. 1 through 4, are referenced with similar numbers
having the suffix of A, B, C, or D.
In FIG. 5A, the device 30A is shown as a taxi cab attached to a
video terminal 10A. A flexible skirt structure 32A stretchable over
the video display screen 12A to surround the viewing area 14A,
forms the roof and windshield portion of the taxi cab. The flexible
skirt structure 32A supports a three dimensional object, generally
designated as 34A, which forms the remaining elements of the taxi
cab roof. A second three-dimensional object 40A, representing the
tires, front bumper and headlights of the taxi cab, is positioned
adjacent to the keyboard input device 16A of the video terminal
10A.
In FIG. 5B, the device 30B is shown as a Santa Claus creature
attached to a video terminal 10B. A flexible skirt structure 32B
stretchable over the video display screen 1ZB to surround the
viewing area 14B, forms the mouth portion of the Santa Claus
creature. The flexible skirt structure 3ZB supports a
three-dimensional object, generally designated as 34B, which forms
the remaining elements of the head. A sleeve 38B, representing the
tail of the Santa Claus creature, is receivable over the cord of
the mouse input device 18B of the video terminal 10B. A second
three-dimensional object 40B, representing the hands of the Santa
Claus creature, are positioned adjacent to the keyboard input
device 16B of the video terminal 10B.
In FIG. 5C, the device 30C is shown as a monkey attached to a video
terminal 10C. A flexible skirt structure 32C stretchable over the
video display screen 12C to surround the viewing area 14C, forms
the shoulder portion of the monkey. The flexible skirt structure
32C supports a three-dimensional object, generally designated as
34C, which forms the head of the monkey. A sleeve 38C, representing
the tail of the monkey, is receivable over the cord of the mouse
input device 18C of the video terminal 10C. A second
three-dimensional object 40C, representing the hands of the monkey,
are positioned adjacent to the keyboard input device 16C of the
video terminal 10C.
In FIG. 5D, the device 30D is shown as a bird attached to a video
terminal 10D. A flexible skirt structure 32D stretchable over the
video display screen 12D to surround the viewing area 14D, forms
the body portion of the bird. The flexible skirt structure 32D
supports a three-dimensional object, generally designated as 34D,
which forms the head of the bird. A sleeve 38D, representing the
tail of the bird, is receivable over the cord of the mouse input
device 18D of the video terminal 10D. A second three-dimensional
object 40D, representing the wings of the bird, are positioned
adjacent to the keyboard input device 16D of the video terminal
10D.
In use, the device 30 is installed on a video terminal 10 by
stretching the flexible skirt structure 32 around the video display
screen 12, and then attaching the three-dimensional object 34 to
the flexible skirt structure 32. The sleeve 38 is then used to
encompass the cord of at least one input device (either 16 or 18)
and the second three-dimensional object 40 is positioned adjacent
to the keyboard input device 16. In this way, the video terminal 10
is transformed and greatly enhances the users computing
experience.
From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can readily
ascertain the essential characteristics of the invention and,
without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can adapt the
invention to various usages and conditions. Changes in form and the
substitution of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may
suggest or render expedient; and although specific terms have been
employed herein, they are intended in a descriptive sense and not
for purposes of limitation, the purview of the invention being
delineated in the following claims.
* * * * *