Abstract:
The present invention is for a storage rack for game controllers and a method of using it. The present invention provides a safe convenient and practical way of storing game controllers when the game controller is not in use by a gamer. The advantage of the present invention is that it organizes the controllers as well as provides a decorative element to a room. The game controller rack includes a vertical member and one or more pairs of cantilever angle members or posts wherein the members have a predetermined lateral spacing and are angled outwardly and upwardly in a predetermined range of angles to provide support for retaining various game controllers.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part application of PCT Appl. No. PCT/US06/16944 filed May 3, 2006 by the Applicant herein, which claims the benefit of the priority date of Provisional Application No. 06/749,932 filed Dec. 13, 2005. Applicant claims the benefit of the earlier filing dates of the PCT application and the provisional application for so much as is common with this application. The subject matter of the PCT application and provisional application is incorporated herein by reference the same as if set forth at length. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a game controller rack for storing game controllers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a game controller rack having cantilever angle members mounted to a vertical member with a range of outwardly and upwardly directed angles to provide a wide range of compatibility of the video game controller rack with various game controllers. Further, the present invention is directed to providing several arrangements of the game controller rack including one which would mount over a game console. Charging and communication functions may be provided by the game controller rack.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Home video game consoles, such as Microsoft&#39;s X-Box® and X-Box 360®, Sony&#39;s PlayStation® consoles and Nintendo&#39;s Gamecube® are more popular than ever. Technological advancements now have three or more microprocessors and graphic processors in a single game console allowing phenomenal graphics. A user, often labeled a “gamer”, is afforded a surreal gaming experience and has literally hundreds of game titles available to him or her. As the home entertainment and game market expands into literally millions of homes, it is possible in the not-too-distant future that one could envision a home video game system in every home in the world very much the same manner as a television set or personal computer. Even now, there are some homes with two or more game consoles allowing the gamer to play numerous games on various gaming platforms.  
         [0004]     Presently, there are at least three major game console manufacturers all using the same style of ergonomic game controller. The style is very conducive to extended game play, all the time protecting the gamer from ill effects, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. A serious gamer probably has at least two game consoles each with at least two game controllers per game console. The gamer would have at least four game controllers connected to its game console via a wire. To eliminate the wild spaghetti effect produced by having wires lying around in front of the display, gamers will purchase wireless game controllers. But, wired or wireless, the storage and the protection of the game controller is paramount to the avid gamer. To avoid an unsightly game room, living room or bedroom, the controller may be stored in a drawer where the wires will eventually become entangled. The wired or wireless game controller may get accidentally damaged if just left lying on the floor or table.  
         [0005]     Therefore, what is needed is a game controller storage device that permits the gamer to safely store his or her game controllers. Additionally, the device should be made out of different materials and colors allowing the storage device to become part of the decor.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention is for a storage rack for game controllers and a method of using it. The present invention provides a safe convenient and practical way of storing game controllers when the game controller is not in use by a gamer. An advantage of the present invention is that it organizes the controllers as well as provides a decorative element to a room.  
         [0007]     Briefly and basically, in accordance with the present invention, a game controller rack for storing at least one game controller is provided which includes a vertical member. At least one pair of cantilever angle members are fixably attached to the vertical member. The pair of cantilever angle members have a first and a second cantilever angle member spaced a predetermined distance laterally of each other and are angled outwardly from a line perpendicular to the vertical member at an angle in the range of approximately 18 degrees to approximately 22 degrees, and preferably at 20 degrees. The cantilever angle members are also angled upwardly from a line perpendicular to the vertical member at an angle in the range of approximately 27 degrees to approximately 33 degrees, and preferably angled at 30 degrees upwardly. The pair of cantilever angle members, and preferably a plurality of pairs of cantilever angle members, attach to the vertical member. Each pair of cantilever angle members creates a cradle for a game controller.  
         [0008]     In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment, additional pairs of cantilever angle members may be positioned a predetermined distance below or above and on either side of the pair of cantilever angle members.  
         [0009]     In another preferred embodiment, the game controller rack may include two vertical members connected together by a strap which is adapted to go over a game console. Each of the vertical members is provided with fixably attached cantilever angle members, with each pair forming a cradle for a game controller.  
         [0010]     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the game controller rack, and particularly the vertical member, may be provided with a jack such as a USB port for charging the game controllers while stored on the rack.  
         [0011]     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the video game controller rack is provided with a network card which enables network communication between the game controllers and a secondary network, a game console, a personal computer or the like. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a view in perspective of a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating a game controller rack of the present invention provided with USB ports.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4   a  is a back elevation view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top or plan view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating two vertical members having cantilever angle members attached thereto mounted over a game console by a strap.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6   a  is a partially broken away plan view of  FIG. 6  illustrating the strap and its insertion into the vertical members.  
         [0021]      FIG. 6   b  is a partially broken away cross sectional view taken along line  6   b - 6   b  of  FIG. 6   a.    
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a partially broken away view in perspective of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 1  showing a cantilever angle member being fixably attached to a vertical member.  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating the two sections of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  mounted to a vertical surface.  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is a back elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention provided with a network card.  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a presently preferred embodiment of a video game controller rack  10   a  in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of a video game controller rack  10  in accordance with the present invention. The game controller rack of the present invention may be made of any suitable material including plastic, wood, aluminum, other metals and other rigid materials.  FIG. 1  is preferably at present molded from plastic.  FIG. 2  at present is preferably made from wood. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a plurality of cantilever angle members or posts  11   a  in  FIGS. 1 and 11  in  FIG. 2  are fixed in pairs to vertical member or video game controller base  15   a  in  FIGS. 1 and 15  in  FIG. 2  to create a cradle in which to securely store video game controllers.  
         [0028]     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cradle positions may be provided with indicia  16  such as numerals  1 - 4  indicated therein for indicating the video game controller space.  
         [0029]     The vertical member or game controller base  15 / 15   a  is provided with support means for supporting the vertical member  15 / 15   a  in a vertical position. This support means may be screw or other fastener holes  18  and  20  for securing the vertical member  15 / 15   a  to a vertical surface such as a wall or it may be provided with a mounting base to hold vertical member  15 / 15   a  in a vertical position.  
         [0030]     In all embodiments, a pair of cantilever angle members in conjunction with a portion of the vertical or base member of the game controller rack creates a cradle for a game controller. Referring specifically to  FIG. 1 , the pair of cantilever angle members  11   a  fixably attached to vertical member  15   a  create a cradle for a game controller (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). A game controller cradle on the upper pair of cantilever vertical members is illustrated in  FIG. 4  in dotted outline  30 .  
         [0031]     The cantilever angle members of each pair of cantilever angle members are spaced a predetermined distance apart. This distance center to center is illustrated as HS for horizonal spacing in  FIG. 2 . This center to center spacing is the same for all embodiments and is preferably approximately 1½ inches center to center. Referring to the side view of  FIG. 2  shown in  FIG. 3 , there is a vertical spacing indicated as VS between cantilever angle members  11 . This distance is preferably at least approximately 2½ inches to enable sufficient space for the game controller to be positioned in its cradle.  FIG. 3  also indicates a vertical angle of cantilever angle members  11  by the angle VA which is an angle formed between the cantilever angle member of post  11  and a perpendicular or normal line to vertical member  15 . This angle is preferably approximately 27 degrees to approximately 33 degrees. In a presently preferred embodiment, the angle is 30 degrees. In the plastic molded embodiments, such as the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , this angle would be the angle formed between a perpendicular or normal to vertical member  15   a  and the upper surface of cantilever angle members  11   a . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , cantilever angle members  11   a  in  FIG. 1  may be provided with a taper to provide additional strength and may be provided with recesses to reduce the amount of plastic required in the molding process. Cantilever angle members  11  and  11   a  are also angled outwardly from a line perpendicular or normal to the vertical member  15  as shown in top of plan view of  FIG. 2  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The outward angle of cantilever angle members  11  and  11   a  from a line perpendicular to the vertical member illustrated as LA for lateral angle is between 18 and 22 degrees, in a presently preferred embodiment is 20 degrees. All of the cantilever angle members  11   a  and  11  of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2  are provided with these angles and spacings. Also, the cantilever angle members  11   b ,  11   c ,  11   d  and  11   e  of the other embodiments are arranged with the same spacing and angles to create the cradle for the game controllers. Although the pairs of cantilever angle members are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  as being spaced vertically, it is understood that they may be spaced laterally on a base member or vertical member to create a pattern of storing game controllers which are side by side rather than vertically one above the other. Such arrangement would have the same angles in spacing as just described.  
         [0032]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , there is shown another embodiment of the present invention wherein universal serial bus (USB) ports are provided, one for each game controller. As described with respect to the previous embodiment, the cantilever angle members or posts  11   b  are mounted to vertical member or base  15   b . These are provided with USB ports  22 , one for each game controller position. USB ports  22  are provided with power for charging game controllers, such as game controller  30 , from a power supply  24  via jack  26 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 4   a  is a rear view or back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  and illustrates the housing structure  32  of USB ports which are connected via wire or cable  34  to power input jack, the rear thereof which is shown at  36 .  FIG. 4   a  also shows ribbing  28  which is provided for rigidity to the vertical member structure such as  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c ,  15   d  and  15   e.    
         [0034]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown one of the cantilever angle members or posts  11   a  being inserted into opening into which resilient snap or interlocking retainer mechanism  42  is being inserted to fixably attach cantilever angle member  11   a  to vertical member  15   a . Resilient snaps or interlocking retainer mechanism  42  are also illustrated in  FIG. 4   a  at  42   b . Holes  18   a  and  20   a  formed in vertical member  15   a  are adapted to receive fasteners, such as screws, for securing the vertical member  15   a  to a structure. Other interlocking retainer means may be utilized to secure cantilever angle members  11   a ,  11   b ,  11   c ,  11   d  and  11   e  to vertical members  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c ,  15   d  and  15   e , respectively, including but not limited to friction or an adhesive or other bonding substance.  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIGS. 6, 6   a ,  6   b  and  FIG. 8 , there is shown another embodiment of the present invention wherein a second game controller rack is provided or the rack of  FIG. 1  is bifurcated into two vertical sections. In other words, a game controller rack similar to  FIG. 1  may be bifurcated into a first vertical member  15   c  and a second vertical member  15   d . This is best illustrated in  FIG. 8  wherein two sections are shown wherein they may be connected together by a dovetail which only goes together in one direction. The dovetail is shown at  50  and  52 . As may be seen in  FIG. 8 , the female section, dovetail  50 , has a tapered side and a matching tapered side on the male portion of dovetail  52  such that they may be connected together in only one manner. Putting them together, the two sections may be secured to a vertical surface by fasteners  60 ,  62 ,  64  and  66  with  15   c  above vertical member  15   d  to form a structure similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, they may be mounted side by side or in any other manner as illustrated in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0036]     The embodiment of  FIGS. 6, 6   a ,  6   b  and  FIG. 8  may be mounted over a console as shown in  FIGS. 6, 6   a  and  6   b . The video game controller racks  10   c  and  10   d  may be mounted over a video console  44  by means of strap  70 . Strap  70  fits into inserts, channels or openings  54  and  56 . Strap  70  has holes  72  through which ball headed pins  58  and  68  are pressed to mount vertical members  15   c  and  15   d  to strap  70 . Other suitable means may be utilized to attach strap  70  to vertical member  15   c  and  15   d.    
         [0037]     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , there is shown another embodiment of a video game controller rack  10   e  having a vertical member  15   e  and cantilever angle members  11   e  spaced and angle as described previously. The embodiment of  FIGS. 9 and 10  contains a network card  80  mounted in the back of vertical member  15   e . Network card  80  is connected via cables  82  and  84  to USB ports  90 ,  92 ,  94  and  96 . USB cables to be connected into ports  90 ,  92 ,  94  and  96  an connected to game controllers placed on game controller rack  10   e . Network card  80  may receive power via jack  98 . Network card  80  may be a wireless network card or it may be a wire card connected to other devices or networks via the optional port  100 . Network card  80  and its associated USB ports may be used both for communication and for charging the game controllers. The game controllers via the network card may communicate with a secondary network, a personal computer, a game console or other device.  
         [0038]     The video game controller rack  10  can be utilized to securely store game controllers for Microsoft&#39;s X-Box and X-Box 360 game consoles. In addition, Sony&#39;s PlayStation®, PlayStation 2® and possibly the pending PlayStation 3® controllers can also be securely stored. The Nintendo Gamecube® and possibly the anticipated Nintendo Revolution® controllers can also be securely stored. It is quite possible that the present invention can be utilized with many game controllers.  
         [0039]     In preferred embodiments the video game controller rack  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d  and  10   e  assembled by a gamer by affixing an interlocking pair of the plurality of cantilever posts  11 ,  11   a ,  11   b ,  11   c ,  11   d  and lie into the video game controller rack  15 ,  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c ,  15   d  and  15   e . The embodiments permit the present invention to be efficiently shipped as a flat pack item to save on shipping costs. The savings can be seen when the present invention is shipped by the manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer.  
         [0040]     In another embodiment, video game controller rack  10  can be rotated to a horizontal position and the pairs of plurality of cantilever posts  11  are affixed at a 90 degree angle from the above embodiments permitting a new game controller mounting pattern.  
         [0041]     In yet another embodiment, the weight of the actual game console would support a first bottom piece which is attached in a cantilever fashion permitting the video game controller rack  10  to be suspended over or near the game console. Furthermore, the cantilever arm could be replaced by a plurality of support members which would support the game controller rack.  
         [0042]     In another embodiment the materials used in fabrication of the video game controller rack  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d  and  10   e  can be plastic, wood or metal permitting the video game controller rack  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d  and  10   e  to be suitable for the gamers&#39; chosen decor. An advantage of plastic is that it can be easily created by an injection molding system. The wooden version can be finished in a plethora of stains or glosses to match other pieces of furniture in the gamers&#39; gaming room. The metal version can also be made from a plethora of materials which produces a variety of finishes. Additionally, the metal version can be anodized or plated to again produce the variety of finishes.  
         [0043]     In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4 A, the cradle formed by the plurality of cantilever posts  11   b  has a universal serial bus (USB) adapter. The USB adapter connects to the game controller allowing the game controller rack  10   b  to recharge a wireless game controller. This embodiment also allows USB communication between a game controller and the game controller rack  10   b . For example, the game console can extract the status of the battery of the game controller through the game controller rack  10   b  as the game controller rack  10   b  charges the game controller. In addition, the game controller rack  10   b  can be utilized with personal computers, running Microsoft Windows, Apple O/S (Operating System), Linux or any personal computer operating system.  
         [0044]     In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the present invention can be utilized as a network hub which attaches a wireless or wired game controller with a network. This allows a personal computer or any network machine to obtain a status of the game controller. The network can also be utilized as a communication link between the game controller and the gaming machine.  
         [0045]     In yet another embodiment, the above mentioned USB is replaced with an appropriate power plug which matches the power plug requirements of the game controller. The appropriate power plug may also have a communication system to be utilized to converse with the game controller and another machine.  
         [0046]     An additional embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6, 6A  and  6 B has the game controller storage rack of  FIG. 1  bifurcated readily into two distinct sections along the horizontal axis. A new element, such as a strap is added to join the two sections to create a “saddle bag” type device. The new element or strap is placed directly on the game console. The strap can be made out of a flexible material such as nylon or a hard plastic. The hard plastic strap can be form shaped to cover a specific game console.  
         [0047]     In accordance with the method of the present invention, there is provided a method of storing game controllers which includes the steps of providing a game controller rack  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d  or  10   e  as shown and described and placing at least one game controller on the game controller rack. In this manner, the game controller may be stored safely and securely out of the way and in a safe place. The game controller is cradled between the cantilever angle members and the vertical member.  
         [0048]     Further, in accordance with the method of the present invention, a game controller stored on the game controller rack may be connected to a power connector for charging the game controller and charging the game controller while it is stored on the game controller rack.  
         [0049]     Further, in accordance with the method of the present invention, the method may include the step of connecting the game controller to a network connection on the vertical connection of the game controller rack and causing the game controller to communicate with a secondary network.  
         [0050]     Further, in accordance with the method of the present invention, the method may include the steps of providing the game controller rack with a network communication device and causing the game controller to communicate via a wireless network transceiver with a secondary network.  
         [0051]     It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the present invention are not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of any limitation.  
         [0052]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.