Abstract:
A system by which interchangeable covers are provided for video game consoles and controllers to provide a wide variety of appearances is disclosed. It is envisioned that the system would be customized to work with popular video game consoles. To change the appearance of an existing console, the user would simply snap the new cover over or on the existing manufacturer&#39;s cover. The cover would be specifically designed to accommodate all access panels, buttons, cooling vents, connection ports and the like. The new covers would be specifically designed to go with a specific game or be of a more generally styled theme. The game controller covers are two halves that snap around the controller yet expose all control buttons and surfaces. It is also envisioned that an LED lighting system could be embedded in the controller case cover to add an interesting artistic touch by way of case illumination.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Number 541,499 filed on Oct. 6, 2003 under 35 U.S.C. §122 and 37 C.F.R. §1.14. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to cover systems, and, more particularly, to a video game system auxiliary cover system. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Home video game systems are more popular then ever. Modern technological advancements in gaming systems have resulted in literally hundreds of games with unprecedented depth and detail. It is in the not-too-distant future that one could envision the home video game system as a standard item in almost every American home in much the same manner as a television or computer is. As these numbers continue to increase, the market for gaming accessories is growing as well. While most of the accessories are replacement items such as cables and controllers, the need for items that customize the appearance of the console and controllers is sure to grow as well. The market for custom face plates for wireless phones, and custom cases for computers is evidence of this fact. 
   A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
         U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,327 discloses a protective storage case for digital discs, computer game cartridges and the like.   U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,674 discloses a home video game storage unit.   U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,247 discloses a remote control with ventilation holes.   U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,708 discloses a reusable hard clear package for video games.       

   Consequently, there is a need for a means by which video game consoles and controllers can be customized to suite the user&#39;s own personal tastes and preferences. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved cover system. 
   It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved video game system auxiliary cover system. 
   Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method by which interchangeable covers are provided for video game machines and controllers to provide a wide variety of appearances is disclosed. It is envisioned that the system would be customized to work with the X-Box®, PlayStation® consoles, Ninetendo Gamecube® and others. To change the appearance of an existing console, the user would simply snap the new cover over or on the existing manufacturer&#39;s cover. The cover would be specifically designed to accommodate all access panels, buttons, cooling vents, connection ports and the like. The new covers would be specifically designed to go with a specific game or be of a more generally natured theme such as flames, psychedelic, rainbow design, children design, sports design and the like. Such specific decorations would be provided by stickers, holographic images, or direct printing methods. The same philosophy would also apply to the controllers which would allow two halves to snap around the controller yet expose all control buttons and surfaces. It is also envisioned that an LED lighting system could be embedded in the console and/or controller case cover to add an interesting artistic touch by way of case illumination. The illumination system would use a single light source or multiple light sources that would be distributed throughout the case by way of fiberoptic strands or cables. 
   An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a new appearance for video game consoles and controllers in a manner which is not only quick, easy and effective, but eye-catching and unique as well. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an overall pictorial representation of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10 , shown in an utilized state upon a video game console  15 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  and the video game console  15 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  as seen along a line I—I shown in  FIG. 2 ; and, 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric view of a game controller cover system  115  as used with a game controller  120 . 
   

   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
   
       
         10  video game system auxiliary cover system 
         15  video game console 
         20  first snap clips 
         25  connector openings 
         30  connectors 
         35  switch openings 
         40  switches 
         45  media tray opening 
         50  media tray 
         55  power cable 
         60  monitor cable 
         65  vent openings 
         70  first graphic displays 
         75  furnished graphic images 
         80  user supplied images 
         85  blank space area 
         90  fiber optic strands 
         95  display points 
         100  power pigtail cable 
         105  pass through power connector 
         110  light emitting diode (LED) 
         115  game controller cover system 
         120  game controller 
         125  game controller top half 
         130  game controller bottom half 
         135  joysticks 
         140  pushbuttons 
         145  paddle switches 
         150  openings 
         155  second snap clips 
         160  receiving clips 
         165  second graphic displays 
     
  
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the  FIGS. 1 through 4 . 
   1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an overall pictorial representation of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  shown in an utilized state upon a video game console  15  is depicted, according the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The video game system auxiliary cover system  10  is an overall cover which encapsulates the video game console  15  on multiple sides. The video game console  15  is depicted as a generic game console for the purposes of illustration. It is envisioned that specifically designed models of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  would be produced for all past, current and future home video gaming consoles, including systems  10  for X-Box®, PlayStation® consoles, Ninetendo Gamecube® and others. The dimensions and associated tolerances are such that the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  would be held in place on the video game console  15  via friction fit along with the aid of first snap clips  20 , which grip the bottom corners and side surface of the video game console  15 . Two of four first snap clips  20  are visible in this view for purposes of clarity. The number and placement of the first snap clips  20  would vary dependent on the shape of the video game console  15  and as such is not intended to be a limiting factor of the present invention. A pair of connector openings  25  are provided on the front of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  to allow access to connectors  30 , such as those provided for game controllers. In a similar manner, a pair of switch openings  35  provides access to a set of switches  40 , such as those provided for power or ejecting of the gaming media. Finally, also located on the front of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10 , is a media tray opening  45  which allows access to a media tray  50 , such as those for a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other proprietary media. In a similar manner, although not visible in this view, are openings for a power cable  55  which provides electrical power into the video game console  15  and a monitor cable  60  which provides video and audio signals to a monitor system. A set of multiple vent openings  65  are provided on the side of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  or at any location vents are provided by the manufacturer of the video game console  15 . In this manner, it is ensured that any heat producing components located inside of the video game console  15  can be allowed access to outside ambient air. First graphic displays  70  are provided on the top surface of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10 , in this case a graphic representation of flames is provided. The first graphic displays  70  can be virtually anything and is envisioned to be related to specific games played on the video game console  15 , sport teams, children&#39;s themes, adult themes, fantasy themes, and the like. Additional furnished graphic images  75  such as holographic images, photographic images and the like may also be furnished. Finally, user supplied images  80  such as stickers and the like can be added to blank space area  85  furnished on the top of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  by the final user. 
   Referring next to  FIG. 2 , an exploded isometric view of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  and the video game console  15  is disclosed. This FIG. more clearly depicts the attachment method between the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  and the video game console  15  and the simple method of installation. No tools are required to remove or install the video game system auxiliary cover system  10 . A simple friction fit is all that is necessary. Proper alignment of the connector openings  25  with the connectors  30  and the media tray opening  45  with the media tray  50  along with all other openings is assured dependent on the make and model of the video game console  15 . It is envisioned that in addition for providing customization of the video game console  15 , the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  can also be used to provide physical protection as well against dirt, dust, scratches and the like. Additionally, the user can apply stickers and other graphic images to the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  in lieu of the video game console  15 , thus not reducing the value and subsequent resale value of the video game console  15 . Finally, should an existing video game console  15  be damaged, scratched or cracked, the user can install the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  to provide a like new appearance. This FIG. also provides a different type of first graphic displays  70 , such as fireworks. It is also envisioned that this type of first graphic displays  70  would utilize integral fiber optic strands  90  to produce display points  95  of light. The light would be produced by light-emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) as will be described in greater detail herein below. Electrical power for the LED&#39;s will be provided by a power pigtail cable  100  which would connect to the power input point of the power cable  55  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). In such a manner, the top surface of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  will light up in a dark room with a multi-colored display, thus making playing video games at night or in low-light conditions an exciting event. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a sectional view of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  as seen along a line I—I shown in  FIG. 2  is disclosed. A light emitting diode (LED)  110  is embedded in the top surface of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  (and/or the game controller cover  115 ) The long life nature of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10 , coupled with their low heat dissipation and small size allow them to be sealed within the plastic structure of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  without need for replacement. A set of multiple strands from the fiber optic strands  90  is aligned with the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  and similarly embedded within the top surface of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10 . The fiber optic strands  90  are then routed outward and spread out where they turn upwards and penetrate the top surface of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10 . It is envisioned that multiple light emitting diode (LED)  110  of different colors such as red, green, white, yellow, and blue could be used with overlapping and intertwined fiber optic strands  90  to produce words, pictures and the like. 
   Referring finally to  FIG. 4 , an exploded isometric view of a game controller cover system  115  as used with a game controller  120  is disclosed. The game controller cover system  115  consists of a game controller top half  125  and a game controller bottom half  130  as shown. The game controller  120  is intended to be a generic representation of any one of the multitude of manufacturers as aforementioned described. The game controller  120  is provided with a multitude of joysticks  135 , pushbuttons  140 , and paddle switches  145  as commonly expected. The game controller top half  125  is then provided with a multitude of openings  150  that match abovementioned protrusions. The game controller top half  125  is provided with a set of second snap clips  155  that align with a matching set of receiving clips  160  on the game controller bottom half  130 . The game controller bottom half  130  provides a basically concave form to encompass the bottom of the game controller  120 . A set of second graphic displays  165  on the game controller top half  125  would match the first graphic displays  70  on the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  (as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ). The game controller top half  125  and the game controller bottom half  130  can be applied and removed by hand without the use of tools or excessive force. In a manner similar to the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), the game controller cover system  115  provides physical protection for the game controller  120  or can cover surface or cosmetic damage that may be existing on the game controller  120 . It is further envisioned that the game controller cover system  115  includes a plurality of LEDs or a plurality of fiber optic strands are embedded in the system  115  to provide additional aesthetic lighting to the system  115 , either standing apart from the LEDs or fiber optic strands of the cover system  10  or as a compliment to the cover system  10 , thus providing a lighted visual effect. The LED or fiber optic arrangement or configuration may be similar to the that disclosed in relation to the cover system  10 , or may include an arrangement different to accommodate the remoteness of the controller from the console itself. 
   It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After purchase or procurement of the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  it must be applied to the video game console  15  and corresponding game controller  120 . To begin the installation process, the user would unplug all power cable  55 , all monitor cable  60 , all controller cables, and any other device which may protrude from the video game console  15 . Next, the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  is simply slid over the video game console  15  and attached to the base of the video game console  15  by use of the first snap clips  20 . In a similar manner, the game controller top half  125  and the game controller bottom half  130  are snapped around the game controller  120  and secured using the second snap clips  155  in the receiving clips  160 . Next, any power cable  55 , any monitor cable  60 , any controller cables, and any other device that was aforementioned removed, must be reinstalled. If the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  should be equipped with a light emitting diode (LED)  110  and fiber optic strands  90 , the user would connect the pass through power connector  105  of the power pigtail cable  100  to the power cable  55  before it connects to the video game console  15 . At this point the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  is ready for use. 
   During the actual use of the video game console  15  equipped with the video game system auxiliary cover system  10 , nothing is readily different nor is the actual game playing activity modified. However, the additional aesthetic value provided by the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  coupled with the internal lighting afforded by the fiber optic strands  90  and the light emitting diode (LED)  110 , if so equipped, will provide additional entertainment value. If the user wishes to remove the video game system auxiliary cover system  10  for the purposes of applying a different one, or applying to a new video game console  15 , or if selling the video game console  15 , it can be removed easily be snapping it off. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.