Abstract:
A case of a size to match a respective gaming console application (with a main box assembly and removable/replaceable front facade) providing a pedestal base for the gaming system and storage or retention of additional elements and functions. The case itself carries storage in discrete pockets for gaming system accessories such as remote control devices and memory cards. Gaming console game controllers are stored and displayed in a rod and badge feature, the badge of which lights from within when assembled to the rods. The badge and its its jewel element are removable and replaceable allowing customization and collection of various styles and designs. The case carries front and rear Universal Serial Bus (USB) hub features, as well as rear ethernet features, for expansion of the gaming console&#39;s Multi-Media capabilities with respect to both in/out devices, wired controllers, local area network communication, and external data access and storage. Power from the USB hub also serves as multiple recharging points for the recharging of battery-operated (wireless) game controllers.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to videogame consoles and, more particularly, to a companion unit for display, storage, and recharging of system and system accessories and for expansion of system data and multi-media capabilities.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Modern gaming systems come with numerous controls and accessories but provide nowhere to store or display them for the prevention of hazzards, damage, or for easily locating them when needed. Gaming systems are also turning towards the HTPC media center paradigm (Home Theatre Personal Computer) but have very few input and output options for media and outboard devices. A companion unit is required to fill this void, for safe storage and display of the controls and accessories and to expand the scope and possibillities of the gaming systems as multi-media centers.  
         [0003]     This is a new field. Gaming systems have always had contollers and accessories, which have forever been scattered around the user&#39;s living environment—but the turn of new gaming systems towards HTPC multi-media capabilites has created a new area of potential problems and limitations for the user to be addressed in addition to the previously scattered controllers and accessories. A few attempts have been made into the area but none so complete and elegant as required. The prior attempts limit themselves in one or more ways short of a complete solution: to a holding the gaming system in a vertical orientation with very little accessory storage and no multi-media or network functions; Or a design with some storage in a horizontal orientation but no display provisions nor networking nor multi-media capabilities; Or a design focusing only on video-switching for the gaming system itself with no storage capability whatsoever and still no multi-media or network advancing functionality. Available market information shows the foregoing styles as coming from companies: Intec, Pelican, and Joytech in the current marketspace with no grants or pregrant references yet evident.  
         [0004]     The vertical designs from Intec and Pelican are mainly for the retaining of gaming systems in an upright orientation. They provide no storage nor recharging for the system&#39;s controllers, and no means of improving system functionality through networking or multi-media data hub switching and expansion. The horizontal storage design from Intec provides two pop-out drawers for storage of small flat items and has video selector buttons for choosing among different display devices but it does not store larger system accessories, does not store, display, or recharge game controllers, and has no multi-media data hub or network capabilities. The video-switching design from Joytech provides several video source translators and outputs, it can function in a vertical or horizontal orientation, but provides no storage nor display of system accessories, no recharging of system controllers, and no networking or multi-media data hub switching and expansion.  
         [0005]     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide storage for a gaming console&#39;s controllers and accessories in a single solution.  
         [0006]     It is another object of the invention to be a pedestal for the gaming console and be complimentary in appearance through customizations of detachable faceplates.  
         [0007]     It is another object of the invention to expand a gaming console&#39;s Multi-Media device and data storage capability through additional numbers of ports having USB functionality.  
         [0008]     It is another object of the invention to expand a gaming console&#39;s communicationas and data utility through a provided Ethernet functionality.  
         [0009]     It is another object of the invention to provide additional points for game controller recharging by way of the power function of the USB hubs.  
         [0010]     It is a further object of the invention to provide additional points for attaching and using game controllers of a wired non-rechargeable style by way of the onboard USB functionality.  
         [0011]     It is another object of the invention to provide additional customizeable elements and aesthetic appeal by way of its removeable internally-illuminating rod-and-badge game controller display features.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a case of a size to match a respective gaming console application with a main box assembly and removable/replaceable front facade. Said case forms a pedestal base for the gaming system and stores, displays, or retains additional gaming system accessory elements and controller equipment. The case itself carries storage in discrete recesses for gaming system accessories such as remote control devices and memory cards. Gaming console game controllers are stored and displayed in a rod-and-badge feature, the badge of which lights from within when assembled to the rods, the badge and its jewel element are removable and replaceable allowing customization and collection of various styles and designs. The case carries front and rear Universal Serial Bus (USB) hub features, as well as rear Ethernet features, for expansion of the gaming console&#39;s Multi-Media capabilities with respect to both in/out devices, local area network communication, and external data access and storage. Power from the USB hub also serves as multiple recharging points for the recharging of battery-operated (wireless) game controllers. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a pedestal assembly in accordance with the invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top detail explode view of a rod-and-badge provision of the invention in relation to the main pedestal assembly;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front detail view of a detachable front faceplate shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top exploded view of a case, faceplate, rods, and badge as shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a left detail view of a rod and badge assembly in accordance with the invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a left detail view of a badge unit and covering lens as seen in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a rear assembly, case, and faceplate in accordance with the invention; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a left perspective view of a pedestal unit from  FIG. 1 , shown without main case. 
     
    
     For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.  
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a complete pedestal assembly in accordance with the present invention. Pedestal assembly ( FIG. 1 ) rests on a suitable surface such as a tabletop or other reference surface and provides its own further suitable top surface for placement of a game system console. Pedestal assembly ( FIG. 1 ) stores or retains standard game system accessories such as memory cards and remote controllers in discrete recesses within the Forward Case Member  10  of an appropriate size and in a manner consistent with but not limited to providing some amount of visible display while stored. The storage elements are depicted in  FIG. 1  as Memory Card Openings  16 , and a Remote Controller Opening  18 . Game system controllers may reside in a game controller display and holder provision formed as a subassembly referred to as the rod-and-badge assembly ( FIG. 5 ). The rod-and-badge assembly ( FIG. 5 ) is coupled to the pedestal assembly ( FIG. 1 ) through the Rod Receiver Ports  24  in the Detachable Faceplate  12  ( FIG. 3 ). Provided also from the pedestal&#39;s Detachable Faceplate  12  are Forward USB Cutouts  26  allowing access to Forward USB Ports  22 .  
         [0023]     Alternately, another embodiment could turn the pedestal 90 degrees into a vertical orientation as a side-by-side companion unit to a gaming system more particularly than a pedestal upon which the gaming system is placed. In a vertical orientation, features of the invention known as the Rod Member  14  and Badge Member  20  would also need to turn by the same 90 degrees into vertical. This could be accomplished either as a production design by a simple 90 degree rearrangment of contacts for the Rod Member Contact Detent  32  points ( FIG. 5 ), or dynamically (either horizontal or vertical) by having the entire area of the Rod Receiver Ports  24  ( FIG. 3 ) in a rotating mount capable of being pivoted into either orientation.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a top detail view of a complete pedestal assembly in accordance with the present invention depicting rod-and-badge assemblies ( FIG. 5 ) for the storing and display of game system controllers, shown in both coupled and exploded views. Game system controllers ensconce at the juntion of a Rod Member  14  pair and a Badge Member  20  at the resultant Badge V Member  30  feature. Each electrically conductive Rod Member  14  when inserted through the Detachable Faceplate  12  into the Forward Case Member  10  crosses either a positive or negative electrical contact at a contact detent feature, bringing the electrical circuit pair forward to an LED system within the Badge Member  20  by way of an electrically conductive attachment clip.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a front detail view of a Detachable Faceplate  12  , which is purposed through replacement, alteration, or adornments to provide a customizeable front facade. The Detachable Faceplate  12  provides openings for the passage of game system accessories at the Memory Card Openings  16  and the Remote Controller Opening  18  to concomitant storage recesses within the main case element ( FIG. 2 , Forward Case Member  10 ) and provides further ports and reliefs as the Rod Receiver Ports  24  and Forward USB Cutouts  26  which allow functions in accordance with the present invention. Faceplate Mount  44  elements are present which are operative to produce forces on the main case ( FIG. 2 , Forward Case Member  10 ) consistent with positive rention of Detachable Faceplate  12  until so functioned in a manner as to cause release.  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a top exploded view of a Forward Case Member  10 , Detachable Faceplate  12 , Rod Member  14  pair, and Badge Member  20 . Visible on the rearplane of the Detachable Faceplate  12  ( FIG. 3 ) are Interstitial Bosses  46  of a purpose to form passageways bridging the distance between the surface of the Detachable Faceplate  12  rearwards to storage recesses and device functions within the Forward Case Member  10 . Alternately, another embodiment could have this interstitial distance bridged by forward bosses coming from and extending beyond the front plane of the Forward Case Member  10  but production considerations and the need for some freedom of motion in removing and replacing the Detachable Faceplate  12  member seem preferable of the present style.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a left detail view of a rod-and-badge assembly consisting of a Rod Member  14  pair and Badge Member  20  attached by means of an electrically conductive Badge Attachment Clip  28 , which receives power forwards from a contact point at the Rod Member Contact Detent  32 . The Badge Attachment Clip  28  is further of a design to positively retain Badge Member  20  to Rod Member  14  against the combined weight of Badge Member  20  and a game controller and further of a design to retain attachment beyond any torsional or tensional stresses involved with normal use of placing, storing, and removing game controllers. Game controllers sit in a cradle feature formed by the junction of a Rod Member  14  pair with a Badge Member  20 . Said cradle provides multiple points of contact to stably retain a game controller. Game controller is supported on its back, bottom, and front sides at dual points by the a V-cradle feature resultant from the shape of the Rod Member  14  and the Badge V Member  30 . Badge V Member  30  proceeds aft of Badge Member  20  rear plane in a declining and vertexing wing element for the purposes of forming the forward half of a V-cradle game controller storage feature (See  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 4 ) preferably of a non-slip material or non-slip upper face covering material for further positive rention of game controller. Additionally, said combined V-cradle feature further supports and retains game controller by impingement of game controller during attempts at lateral motion. Alternately, another embodiment could feature parallel channels of a conductive material or containing conductive contacts in place of the Badge Attachment Clip  28  design, assembling down onto open rod ends and retaining position on the rods by physical envelopement rather than by a spring-loaded clipping force.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a left detail view of a Badge Member  20  and Badge Jewel Element  36 . The Badge Jewel Element  36  is of a material to allow function as a protective display cover, further it defines the front of an open interior space for the containment and protection of various customizeable displays, and when in place forms a transparent or translucent front to the Badge Member  20 . The Badge Jewel Element  36  can be glued or otherwise affixed permanently into place for any particular determined design or left removeable for user customizations in or upon which customizeable and collectable designs or logos can be cut, etched, or covered. The Badge Jewel Element  36  and any particular matter of design for display are backlit by the Badge LED system  34 . In use, rod pairs (Rod Member  14 — FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 5 ) are assembled through the faceplate (Detachable Faceplate  12 — FIG. 4 ) where inside the main cae (Forward Case Member  10 — FIG. 4 ) they receive either a positive or a negative voltage by way of contacts atop the front powered element (Front Data Hub Assembly  42 — FIG. 8 ) and provide this power forward into the Badge Member  20  and Badge LED system  34  by way of an electrically conductive Badge Attachment Clip  28  per rod. The Badge LED system  34  provides space for: variations in the number of LEDs implemented; for control features to cover a wide range of LED sizes and voltage requirements by means of resistors or capacitors as necessary for any particular implementation or desired display effect; or for other illumination technologies within the voltage capabilities of the invention, or for motorizations of the internal free space allowing for physical movement of internal or external Badge Member  20  or Badge Jewel Element  36  variations, and further, for control circuits which may be added to allow for rotating schemes among multiple LEDs or for programmed switching periods between the colors of multi-colored LEDs. Also in this view is the Badge V Member  30  for forming the front half of a gaming system controller v-cradle feature as discussed for  FIG. 5 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a Powered Rear Part  38  assembly with included networking and data hubs (the Front Data Hub Assembly  42  and the Rear Network and Data Hubs Assembly  40 ), a Forward Case Member  10 , and a Detachable Faceplate  12 . These elements together, along with the rod-and-badge units ( FIG. 5 ), comprise a complete pedestal assembly in accordance with the invention similar but not limited to a design as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The Powered Rear Part  38  has been designed to be the only power-bearing element of the invention. By way of this design, all electric and electronic components are assembled to a single part of gainly size in an easily accessible manner including data and power functions carried forward to and even beyond the physical front of the pedestal unit. The forward projection of the Powered Rear Part  38 , upon which mounts the Rear Network and Data Hubs Assembly  40  and Front Data Hub Assembly  42 , connects and mounts into the Forward Case Member  10  by way of sliding forwards into a tab and slot relationship between stand and boss elements on the interior of the Forward Case Member  10 . Rear Network and Data Hubs Assembly  40  and Front Data Hub Assembly  42  are themselves connected to the forward projection of the Powered Rear Part  38  by screws or glue or any standard or future means acceptable to proper rention and function. This positively locates and assembles the forward interior elements of the invention and the pedestal unit itself using only said tab and slot design and four screw points on the backplane. Another embodiment could feature more or less fasteners, or an alternate means of pedestal assembly such as gluing or laser welding, or even having the Powered Rear Part  38  comprise the back and bottom of the pedestal, in which arrangement the unit would assemble from the bottom and have fasteners and fastener receiving bosses attendant to a bottom-loading design.  
         [0030]     Electromotive power is received to the invention through the area of the Rear Network and Data Hubs Assembly  40  by means of an internally mounted or external power-brick style transformer of any particular type or brand (Not Shown) capable of supplying power of a sufficient amount and nature for the purposes of maintaining proper function of the electric and electronic components in accordance with uniform standards and the requirements of the invention. Power is carried forward from the Rear Network and Data Hubs Assembly  40  to the Front Data Hub Assembly  42 , which then further provides the positive and negative voltage contacts, generally from but not limited to the +5/−5 Volt DC function of a Universal Serial Bus, for powering the illumination feature (Badge LED system  34 — FIG. 6 ) by way of contacts atop the Front Data Hub Assembly  42 , USB and Ethernet hub features are of a design such as to meet industry standards with respect to connectivity, data integrity, and range of media and host/client recognition. For the purposes of recharging wireless game system controllers, the USB hub will be of a design such as to provide outward power without polling of the load request, and further, the hubs and main power rail will be of an Always-On design. A level of Off functionality is provided for the illuminated or animated feature by way of a cutout switch, which interupts the power supplied to the relevant power contacts. The Rear Switch  48  cutout is to be evident by touch and provide a haptic and/or audible cue when functioned.  
         [0031]     The preferred front communications, media, and data embodiment is of a split front hub feature (Forward USB Ports  22   FIG. 1 , Forward USB Cutouts  26   FIG. 3 ) due to issues presented by the storage of game controllers in the rod-and-badge assemblies ( FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 1 ). When stored, game controllers can block the view and proper access of other USB port arrangements. In this split design, the front USB ports are plainly available at all times. Alternately, another embodiment could feature the front USB ports in another position, orientation, and amount, as well as no front USB ports at all, but on multiple counts proper function seems to favor the present style. Another embodiment of the invention could feature zero or several powered case elements but ease of production and best feature-set considerations seem to favor the present style. Another embodiment could feature a Rear Network and Data Hubs Assembly  40  without both types of hubs (Ethernet or USB) or with different port counts or orienatations or direct-view availabilities of the hubs. Best feature-set and utility of the invention as a Multi-Media Hub for Management and Display of System Accessories and Expansion of Multi-Media Capabilities favors the present style but could be varied with regards to less port requirements within a functional range or for production cost considerations. Another embodiment could provide variation of wireless game system controller recharging through retractable internal reel mechanisms for the addition of and for the internal storage of wireless game system controller recharging cables, or a design whereby recharging cables are present, with or without internal storage reels, useably when game system controllers are stored in the means provided per the invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is a lower left perspective view of an assembled pedestal per the invention with all parts present in their place except for the Forward Case Member  10  which in this view ( FIG. 8 ) is missing to allow for a sectional “x-ray” analysis of the remaining pedestal elements in their relations.  FIG. 8  depicts a Powered Rear Part  38  upon which are the attached members: a Rear Network and Data Hubs Assembly  40  and a Front Data Hub Assembly  42 , The Powered Rear Part  38  is shown in its relation to the Detachable Faceplate  12 , points of Faceplate Mount  44 , inserted protrusions of the Rod Member  14  elements, Badge Attachment Clip  28  elements, and Badge Member  20  elements. Not visible in this view ( FIG. 8 ): tab-and-slot securement points provided by bosses on the front interior wall of the Forward Case Member  10 . Another embodiment could feature game cartridge case or game data disc storage in side recesses of the pedestal, or game data disc storage through the front of the pedestal above the rod insertion points into recesses within the main pedestal body ( FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ).  
         [0033]     Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.  
         [0034]     Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.