Abstract:
Aspects of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus for providing a power strip with surge suppression, game controller storage with cord management and CD, DVD, game disk and memory card storage. A game console storage unit is provided which includes a power strip with surge suppression for powering a video game console as well as other devices for storing . . . . The invention can exist in several configurations including a single storage bay or combinations of multiple storage bays. In some configurations the storage bays are removable and or transportable.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention is directed generally to storage units for use with video game consoles for storing video games, video game controllers, memory cards and other accessories and more particularly to storage units incorporating a power strip and surge protection for providing power and surge protection for video game consoles and other electronic equipment.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Home entertainment systems often include video game systems and other expensive pieces of electronic equipment. Much of this equipment is typically connected to an AC power source. Additionally, certain elements of these systems are often connected to the Internet or other network through Ethernet, coaxial, telephone or other types of cabling. Therefore, these systems are susceptible to power surges and signal line disturbances due to lighting and power fluctuations.  
           [0003]    In addition, video game systems typically include video game consoles, game controllers, game disks, memory cards and other various components. Many of these systems, however, fail to provide adequate or appropriate storage means for these various video game components. As the number of various components increase, so too does the need for a system for managing and storing them.  
           [0004]    There are several prior art surge protection devices for protecting home entertainment systems and other types of electronic equipment. In addition, other systems exist for storing the various components of a video game system. A need exists for a combination system that is capable of both protecting home entertainment systems from power surges and that will also provide adequate storage for the various components that typically accompany these systems, including the video game components listed above as well as DVD&#39;s, CD-ROM&#39;s, etc.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    In embodiments of the present invention, in order to overcome these and other shortcomings, a different approach has been taken; a game management system is provided that provides surge protection to a video game console and other home entertainment equipment as well as provide storage means for storing video game disks, memory cards, DVD&#39;s, CD-ROM&#39;s, game controllers and other accessories.  
           [0006]    In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a video game management system. The video game management system includes at least one storage module, wherein the storage module is constructed and arranged to store at least one disk and or may store at least one memory card and at least one controller clip, wherein the controller clip is configured to cradle a video game controller.  
           [0007]    The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the controller clip is configured to accept a video game controller cord. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the controller clip is removable. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the storage module is constructed and arranged to store one or more DVD, CD-ROM and or video game disks. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the storage module is removable from the game storage unit. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the storage module includes a closable door. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the storage module further includes a label. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged to store one or more DVD, CD-ROM, memory card and or video game disks in their original cases.  
           [0008]    The video game management system may be constructed and arranged to further include a surge suppression system, wherein the surge suppression system is constructed and arranged to provide surge protected power to one or more electronic devices. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the surge suppression system includes one or more surge protected power outlets. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the surge suppression system includes a power on and or a surge protection status light. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the surge suppression system provides surge protection to one or more electronic devices through at least one jack. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the surge suppression system further includes at least one coaxial cable jack and or at least one RJ 45 jack and or at least one RJ 11 jack. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged to correspond with a specific video game console.  
           [0009]    In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a video game management system wherein the video game management system includes a main housing, a surge suppression system disposed within the housing, wherein the surge suppression system is constructed and arranged to provide surge protected power to one or more electronic devices and at least one storage module disposed within the housing, wherein the storage module is constructed and arranged to store at least one disk and or at least one memory card. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the storage module is removable from the housing. The video game management system may further be constructed and arranged to store one or more DVD, CD-ROM and or video game disks. The video game management system may further be constructed and arranged such that the storage module includes one or more sliding trays that are constructed and arranged for storing a disk and or may store a memory card. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged wherein the storage module further includes a door. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged wherein the storage module further includes a label. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged to store one or more DVD, CD-ROM, memory card and or video game disks in their original cases. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the surge suppression system is constructed and arranged to provide surge protection to one or more electronic devices through at least one jack. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged to further include at least one coaxial cable jack and or at least one RJ 45 jack and or at least one RJ 11 jack. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged to further include at least one controller clip, wherein the controller clip is configured to cradle a video game controller. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that the controller clip is configured to accept a video game controller cord. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged to correspond with a specific video game console. The video game management system may be constructed and arranged such that certain features of the video game management system are accented in a color that corresponds with a specific video game console.  
           [0010]    In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a video game management system wherein the video game management system includes storage means for storing video game components and surge protected power means for providing surge protected power to at least one electronic device.  
           [0011]    In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a video game management system wherein the video game management system includes a housing, wherein the housing is constructed and arranged to provide a thermal barrier between a video game console or other electronic device and a surface of an object and a surge suppression system disposed within the housing, wherein the surge suppression system is constructed and arranged to provide surge protected power to one or more electronic devices.  
           [0012]    The video game management system may be further constructed and arranged such that certain features of the video game management system are constructed and arranged to correspond with a specific video game console. The video game management system may be further constructed and arranged such that certain features of the video game management system are accented in a color that corresponds with a specific video game console. The video game management system may be further constructed and arranged to include at least one storage module, wherein the storage module is constructed and arranged to store at least one disk and or at least one memory card. The video game management system may be further constructed and arranged such that the storage module is constructed and arranged to store one or more DVD, CD-ROM and or video game disks. The video game management system may be further constructed and arranged such that the storage module is removable.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, and in which:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a video game management system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the video game management system of FIG. 1 showing a game controller clipped to the attached to video game management system;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the video game management system of FIG. 1 showing various features of the storage modules;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the video game management system of FIG. 1 showing optional mounting feet;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the video game management system;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 a  is a rear view of the video game management system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 6 b  is a blown-up view of the RJ-45 connection jack of FIG. 6 a;    
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 c  is a blown-up view of the coaxial cable connections of FIG. 6 a ; and  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a surge protection circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]    For purposes of illustration only, and not to limit generality, the present invention will now be described with reference to video game management systems for use with video game consoles, such as the PlayStation1 and PlayStation2 video game consoles sold under the trademark SONY, the XBOX video game console sold under the trademark MICROSOFT and the Nintendo 64 or Super Nintendo sold under the trademark NINTENDO. One skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to video game management systems. The present invention may also serve as a combination surge protection and storage device system for other electronic devices, such as a TV, VCR, DVD or CD-ROM player, wherein the system can provide surge protection to one or more electronic devices and can accommodate several types of disks (e.g., CD&#39;s, DVD&#39;s etc.) and other accessories.  
         [0024]    FIGS.  1 - 3  show a first embodiment of a video game management system  10 , which includes a housing  12  and a pair of removable game storage modules  22 ,  24 , for storing video game disks outside of their original case. The game storage modules  22 ,  24  are removably housed in a pair of game manager bays  26 ,  28  and may be used to safely store and transport several video game disks, CD-ROM&#39;s, DVD&#39;s and or memory cards from one location to another. In this and the following embodiments, the game management system  10  is shown in a horizontal orientation, however, it is contemplated that the game management system  10  may also be oriented vertically.  
         [0025]    The game storage modules  22 ,  24  each include a number of spring loaded disk trays  40  for storing video game disks  42 . It should be noted that the disk trays  40  are configured to store other types of disks, such as CD-ROM&#39;s, DVD&#39;s, etc. Each disk tray  40  also includes a spring wire (not shown) attached to the back of the disk tray. The video game management system  10  also includes a plurality of numbered tray release tabs  44 , which trigger the release of a corresponding disk tray  40 . With the disk tray  40  extending out from the game storage modules  22 ,  24  the video game disk  42  is placed on the disk tray face  46  and then the tray  40  is pushed back into the storage module  22 ,  24  until it snaps in place. In the present embodiment, each game storage module can safely hold up to eleven video game disks  42  outside their original case. Other storage modules are contemplated for holding additional or fewer disks.  
         [0026]    In certain embodiments, the game storage modules  22 ,  24  also include a memory card tray  54  having four slots  58  for storing up to four memory cards  56 . The memory card tray  54  is released in the same manner as the disk trays  40 . Because not all memory cards  56  are of the same thickness, one or more trays above the memory card tray  54  may be removed to accommodate thicker memory cards. In addition, because not all memory cards are the same size, variations in the size and number of slots  58  are contemplated. Also, the number and arrangement of disk trays  40  and memory card trays  54  in each game storage module may be adjusted to accommodate a variety of disk and memory card configurations.  
         [0027]    In embodiments of the present invention, the game storage modules  22 ,  24  include module covers  50 . The module covers  50  protect the video game disks  42  and the memory cards  56  when the storage module is either in or out of the video game management system  10 . In some embodiments, the module cover  50  is a molded door that closes to protect and contain the disks during travel, which may be folded back and out of the way when the game storage modules  22 ,  24  are inserted into the video game management system  10 .  
         [0028]    In certain embodiments, the module covers  50  may include labels  52  for listing the video game disks  42  and the memory cards  56  stored within the game storage modules  22 ,  24 . A clear plastic strip  78 , located on a surface  80  of the video game management system  10 , allows the user to read entries on the label  52 , without having to remove the game storage modules from their storage bays.  
         [0029]    In certain embodiments, the video game management system  10  also includes a pair of optional and or removable video game controller clips  32 ,  34 , which provide storage for up to two video game controllers  62 , while keeping their cords from getting tangled. The controller clips  32 ,  34  each include a hook  60  for storing a video game controller  62  and a set of chassis tabs  64 ,  66  about which a video game controller cord (not shown) may be wrapped when not in use.  
         [0030]    Additionally, the sets of chassis tabs  64 ,  66 , about which the controller cord is wrapped, also serve strain relief and protection from disconnect functions. When the controller cord is threaded through the pincer fingers  68  of the chassis tabs  64 ,  66  by displacing the fingers enough to allow the cord to pass through, the pincers  68  act as a strain relief, absorbing some force imparted by accidental or unintended pulling on the controller cord. This feature of the present invention prevents accidental disconnect of the controller cords during excited game play. Referring now to FIG. 4, in this and other embodiments, the video game management system may be used as a platform for various game consoles and other components of a home entertainment system. For example, a set of optional mounting feet  70  may be placed on the top surface  80  of the video game management system  10 . When installed, the mounting feet  70  allow a game console (not shown) to be safely and securely placed on top of the video game management system  10 . The mounting feet  70  allow airflow between the video game management system  10  and the video game console, which helps to dissipate heat between the devices. The mounting feet  70  also serve to prevent slippage between the game management system  10  and a game console, thereby keeping the units neatly stacked with one another.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the video game management system  10  is configured for storing video game disks  42  in their original cases  96 . In this embodiment, one or both of the game storage modules  22 ,  24  is removed from the game manager bays  26 ,  28  and a pair of guide rails  90 ,  92  are placed in the game manager bays  26 ,  28  in their place. As shown, guide rails  90 ,  92  form a series of four slots  94 , wherein each slot  94  can accommodate a video game in its original case  96 . The guide rails  90 ,  92  may also be configured for storing CD-ROM and DVD disks in their original cases as well.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIGS. 6 a - 6   c  show an optional surge protection module  100  mounted in the back end  106  of the video game management system  10 . The surge protection module  100  includes a series of power outlets  102 , which may be used to supply surge protected power to a video game console and additional devices, such as a television, DVD player, CD player, etc. In this embodiment, the surge protection module  100  includes an additional outlet  104  for accommodating a device having a transformer block.  
         [0033]    The surge protection module  100  also includes surge protected coaxial jacks  110 ,  112 , which may be used to protect a cable modem, cable television box, gaming equipment or other equipment that requires a coaxial cable connection. To protect a piece of equipment requiring a coaxial connection, a coaxial cable is connected from a wall jack (not shown) to coaxial jack  110 . Then, using a separate cable, the piece of equipment is then connected to coaxial jack  112 .  
         [0034]    Also shown in this embodiment, because it may be desirable to connect a video game module or other device to the Internet or other network using a 10-Base T or 100-Base T cable (not shown), the surge protection module  100  includes surge protected RJ-45 jacks  120 ,  122 . The RJ-45 jack  120  is used to connect the video game management system  10  to a wall or similar type jack (not shown) and the RJ-45 jack  122  is used to connect the video game management system  10  to the piece of equipment to be protected.  
         [0035]    In other embodiments, it is contemplated that other jacks may be employed for providing surge protection for other types of cabling. For example, RJ-11 or telephone type jacks (not shown) may be used for connecting phone lines or other similar type cabling to and from the game management system.  
         [0036]    The video game management system  10  includes a power cord  128  for connecting the system to a power source (not shown) and a power switch circuit breaker  130  (See FIGS.  2 - 5 ), which provides power to outlets  102 ,  104  and other surge protected receptacles and acts as a circuit breaker to protect against overload conditions. The video game management system  10  further includes a removable on/off switch guard  136 , which helps to prevent accidental turn offs.  
         [0037]    The video game management system  10  may further include various indicators that alert a user to the status of power and or surge protection capabilities. For example, a protection-working indicator  140  illuminates when the video game management system  10  is turned on and the surge protection module  100  is functioning properly, thereby protecting connected equipment from harmful power surges. In certain embodiments, the surge protection capabilities of the surge protection module  100  continue to operate when the video game management system  10  is turned off. The video game management system  10  may also include a site wiring fault indicator  142 , which indicates when lit that there is an issue with the building wiring, such as an improper building ground, which may present a potential shock hazard and or may limit the protection features of the surge protection module  100 .  
         [0038]    In certain embodiments of the present invention, the video game management system  10  may be configured to correspond with a specific video game console or other electronic devices. For example, the size, shape and color of housing  12  may be constructed and arranged to interrelate with the dimensions and appearance of any of a number of video game consoles. Also, certain other features of the video game management system  10 , such as the video game controller clips  32 ,  34 , the clear plastic strip  78  and the on/off switch guard  136  may be colored or otherwise accented to highlight or interrelate with certain colors and features of specific video game consoles (e.g., they may be made blue for use with the SONY PlayStation, green for use with the MICROSOFT XBOX, or purple for use with NINTENDO brand Nintendo 64 or Super Nintendo consoles. Additionally, certain markings or labels may be affixed to the video game management system  10  to further relate to a specific electronic device.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a surge suppression system of one embodiment of the present invention. Although a typical surge suppression system is described, one skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative power protection designs may be employed that include, for example line-conditioning capabilities. Alternatively, a power station or power manager (not shown) may be used to protect the video game console or other equipment from unwanted power surges as well as allowing for separate on off features, with some, all or none of the components contained within the video game management system  10 .  
         [0040]    Having thus described at least one illustrative embodiment of the invention, various alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention&#39;s limit is defined only in the following claims and the equivalents thereto.