Patent Publication Number: US-2004056535-A1

Title: Power module

Description:
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional application 60/412,812 filed on Sep. 24, 2002 and is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0003] The present invention relates to video game adapter pack with a surge protector and independent on/off switch. More specifically, the pack is affixed to a gaming device and has a power module that plugs into the gaming device to facilitate relocation of an on/off switch.  
       [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art  
       [0005] Computer video games are well known in the art. Such devices range from small hand held all-in-one units, to larger stand-alone units which interact with stand alone controllers and stand alone video display devices. Stand-alone computer gaming units all require the use of a display device such as a television. These stand-alone units are specifically suited for home use. The stand-alone gaming unit is positioned proximate the television or similar video display device.  
       [0006] Many stand-alone computer gaming units often include the power switch on the back panel, often times located near the power inlet. This positioning of the power switch forces a user or operator to access the back panel from behind the unit in order to turn the power on or off.  
       [0007] Many users install the stand-alone computer gaming units in conjunction with other audio or video devices, such as DVD players, stereos, cable receivers, etc. Thus, the stand-alone computer gaming unit is usually placed within an entertainment center or stacked alongside in series with the additional components. Many of the on/off switches for conventional computer gaming units are located on the back of the unit. When the power switch is located on the back panel of the stand-alone unit, it is very difficult for a user to reach behind the unit to turn the power on or off when the unit is located in a tight space. For example, many entertainment centers and arrangements currently used provide less space for accessing the backside of components contained therein. Thus, when it becomes necessary to turn the power on or off for a component with the power switch on the back panel, such as a stand-alone computer gaming unit, it is necessary to remove the entire stand-alone unit to access the on/off switch.  
       [0008] In addition, the prior art units do not incorporate a surge protector within to protect the platform. With the advent of newer systems and electronic equipment, more and more power is drawn through the conventional electric layouts in homes today. This increase is drawn power can result in a power spike or rapid voltage increase. Such spikes in voltage can damage or destroy electrical equipment. In order to protect electrical devices, users employ independent surge protectors. Surge protectors are set up in series and positioned between the voltage source and the electrical equipment to be protected. Surge protectors integrate a fuse so that should the voltage exceed a specified level, a fuse is tripped to break the flow of voltage to the electrical components.  
       [0009] The addition of independent surge protectors requires an additional piece of equipment to be carried with an electrical system. One of the advantages of a stand-alone computer gaming unit is the mobility. A user can move the unit from location to location with relative ease. If the user now needs to carry an additional surge protector, the overall mobility of the unit is decreased. Furthermore, conventional surge protectors are bulky and difficult to hide. Furthermore, numerous electrical devices are plugged into a power track associated with the surge protector.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010] The present invention is directed to a power module that is affixed to a stand-alone computer gaming unit and permits an operator or user to turn the power either on or off from the front of the stand-alone gaming unit or other relocated position. A surge protector is formed integral with the main body to prevent damage or harm to the stand-alone computer gaming unit in the event of a power spike or surge.  
       [0011] The power module is constructed so that a main power cord attaches to the stand-alone computer gaming unit where the stand-alone computer gaming unit power inlet source is located and connects the unit to a power source, such as a outlet. A secondary power cord is run off of the main power cord to an independent on/off switch to facilitate relocation of the on/off switch.  
       [0012] In one embodiment, the relocated on/off switch is located within a grill to be attached to the stand-alone computer gaming unit. Furthermore, a frequency response module is also connected to the secondary power cord. The frequency response module includes lights with associated circuitry that act in response to volume. The lights are a series of LED lights.  
       [0013] A surge protector is formed in the main body with the main power cord of the power module. A control pad feeds off the main body and has an on/off switch to regulate power to the stand-alone computer gaming unit.  
       [0014] In another embodiment, a remote control pad is used to send a signal to the main body in order to control the power. A radio frequency transmitter and is included in a remote control pad to send a signal to a radio frequency receiver located in the main body of the power module. A switch on the remote control pad activates the RF transmitter when pressed by a user. The RF transmitter then activates the RF receiver to either turn the power on or off to the stand-alone computer gaming device. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0015]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a power module in conjunction with a stand-alone computer gaming device according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0016]FIG. 2 is an exploded rear view of a power module with associated stand-alone computer gaming device as shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0017]FIG. 3 is an exploded top view of a power module with associated stand-alone computer gaming device as shown in FIG. 1.  
     [0018]FIG. 4 is a front profile view of the power module with a stand-alone computer gaming unit.  
     [0019]FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment of the power module that is capable of connecting to a stand-alone computer gaming unit.  
     [0020]FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  are views of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a power module capable of providing a surge protection module within the power module.  
     [0021]FIG. 7 a  is a view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a power module with a surge protection module and an on/off switch running on a leader.  
     [0022]FIG. 7 b  is a view of yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a power module with a surge protection module and a remote sending unit to power on or off a stand-alone computer gaming unit.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0023] Typically, many stand-alone computer gaming units  1  have an on/off switch  11  located on the rear panel or backside of the unit as seen in FIG. 1. Thus, a power module  10  is provided.  
     [0024] The power module  10  connects to the existing main power cord  12 . The power cord  12  also connects into an outlet, such as a conventional house outlet, and into the power inlet on a stand-alone gaming unit  1 . A secondary cord or wiring harness  24  feeds off of the main cord  12  (Sony&#39;s cord). An independent on/off or power switch  32  that allows a user to selectively position the independent on/off switch to a location that facilitates easier access than the stand-alone computer gaming unit&#39;s integrated power switch  11  by a user.  
     [0025]FIG. 1 depicts a power module  10  as it is connected to the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1 . The power module  10  has a power cord  12  included with the original system. At one end of the power cord  12  is a plug  14  that has a pair of prongs designed to fit within an electrical outlet (not shown). The plug  14  is designed to allow the flow of electricity through the power cord  12  to and from the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1 .  
     [0026] Additionally, the power cord  12  has a male stub  22  that engages with an opening within the main body  16  of the power module  10  as seen in FIG. 2. The main body  16  also has a stem  18  designed to fit into a receptacle  20  of the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1 . This male stub  22  allows the power cord  12  to be disconnected or connected to the main body  16  as needed by an operator or user while maintaining connection between the main body  16  and the stand-alone computer gaming device  1 .  
     [0027] The stem  18  is specifically designed to fit a particular stand-alone computer gaming device. For example, Sony&#39;s™ Play Station 2™ requires a particular shape of the stem  18  in order to fit properly in the receptacle  20  of the PSII™. Usually, this particular stem shape is not compatible with other gaming devices, such as the Gamecube™. Thus, the power module  10  can be designed with several stem shapes to fit various stand-alone computer gaming devices.  
     [0028] A plurality of stems having differing shapes to mate with a particular device could then be interchangeable with the main body  16  so that the same power module can be used on a myriad of gaming units depending on the stem utilized.  
     [0029] The main body  16  also contains a surge protector to thwart the destruction or damage of the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1  in the event of a power surge. This provides an owner and operator with additional safety so that the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1  can be remain connected to the main power source in conditions conducive to power spikes. Some examples include peak power usage on a particular power grid, electrical storms, use in conjunction with heavy electrical equipment, etc.  
     [0030] The surge protector is integrally formed with the main body  16  and arranged between the power source connected to the plug  14  and the power inlet  20  of the computer gaming unit  1 . In the event a power surge is experienced, the surge protector breaks the connection of the power supply before the power surge reaches the computer gaming unit  1 .  
     [0031] The union of the power module  10  to the to the front of the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1  will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The power module  10  includes a grill  30  that houses an on/off switch  32  and a frequency response module  34 . The grill  30  is designed such that it fits flush over the front portion of the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1 . Any method know to those skilled in the art can be employed to maintain a secure fit between the grill  30  and the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1 . As seen in FIG. 3, tabs  38  are located on the sides of the grill  30 . The tabs  38  have an inward facing surface  39  has a surface so that when the grill is pressed against the front of the stand-alone computer gaming device, the coefficient of friction between the two elements is enough to maintain a tight fit. The tabs  39  may also be inclined slightly to create an acute angle between the back surface of the grill  30  and the inward facing surface  30  of the tabs  38 .  
     [0032] Located within the grill  30  is an independent on/off switch  32 . The independent on/off switch  32  is used to control the power to the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1  from the main body  16  of the power module. A wiring harness  24  is used to connect the switch  32  to the main body  16 . The wiring harness  24  is connected to the main body  16  of the power module  10 .  
     [0033] Once the power module  10  has been attached to the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1 , the user or operator turns the integrated main power switch  11  of the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1  to the “on” position and leaves it in the “on” position. The power module  10  then regulates power flow to the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1  from a power source through the independent on/off switch  32 .  
     [0034] As seen in FIG. 4, a LED power indicator  33  is located adjacent the independent on/off switch  32 . Once a user or operator places the independent on/off switch  32  in the “on” position, the LED power indicator  33  receives a voltage to light the indicator  33 . Likewise, when the user or operator turns the switch  32  to an “off” position, the voltage supplied to the LED power indicator  33  is terminated and the LED power indicator  33  is no longer lit up. The LED power indicator  33  is connected to the wiring harness such that the voltage flow when the on/off switch  32  is in the “on” position will also pass through the LED power indicator  33  to provide a light.  
     [0035] The LED power indicator can be any color as preferred by the user. In the present invention, a blue LED light is used. The blue LED is distinguishable from another LED indicator discussed herein.  
     [0036] Preferably, the frequency response module  34  is series of LED lights with associated circuitry that act in response to a particular condition of the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1 . For example, the associated circuitry measures specific volume and/or beats. The associated circuitry facilitates display of a signal in the form of lit LED lights fluctuations. The associated circuitry and the LED lights for the frequency response module  34  are contained within the body of the grill  30 . The frequency response module  34  is positioned to be readily visible to the user or operator when viewing the stand-alone computer gaming unit  1  in conjunction with the power module from the front.  
     [0037] The power for the frequency response module  34  is supplied via a small voltage from the power cord  12  or the wiring harness  24  in response to activation of the independent on/off switch  32  to the “on” position. Once the on/off switch  12  is turned on, the LED lights of the frequency response module  34  light in response to the volume generated though the stand-alone computer gaming device  1 .  
     [0038] The specific makeup of the frequency response module  34  can vary depending on preference. For example, the audio output indicator can be comprised of several individual bars visible through the grill, or may be a single bar that is scaled in response to the voltage received from within the system. This technology is well known to those skilled in the art as evidenced by the numerous electronics available to the public.  
     [0039] Similarly, the LED lights utilized within the frequency response module  34  can be of various colors. Either the bar and the LED lights can all be the same color; or the bar and individual LED lights may vary to indicate reaching certain thresholds of audio level.  
     [0040] Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of the present invention includes the power cord  52  with an integral surge protector. Conventional computer gaming units do not include a single power cord with an integrated surge protector. As previously mentioned, should a user need to transport the computer gaming unit and additional surge protector is required to also be carried to ensure complete protection. The present invention eliminates the need for an additional element by incorporating the surge protector within the power cord.  
     [0041] Here again, the power cord  52  has a plug  54  and a main body  56 . The main body  56  also houses a surge protector within and has a line leading to a stem  58  for insertion into a stand-alone computer gaming unit (not shown). The main body  56  also has a reset button  57 . The reset button  57  is used to reset the circuit breaker should a surge or spike in power or electricity trip the breaker within the surge protector.  
     [0042]FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  show an additional embodiment of the present invention, wherein the power module  60  includes a power cord  62  and a main body  64 . The power cord  62  has a plug  61  at one end designed to plug into a house outlet and a stub  66  designed to engage the main body  64 . Again the main body  64  has a surge protector integrated therein with a reset button as in the previous embodiment. A stem  68  is provided to engage a power receptacle (not shown) of a stand-alone computer gaming unit. The stub  66  may also be the same shape and design as the stem  68 , so that the power cord  52  may be used to power the stand-alone computer gaming unit without the main body  64 .  
     [0043]FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b  show an alternate embodiment for permitting control of the flow of electricity to the stand-alone computer gaming unit. In FIG. 7 a , a line runs off the main body  70  to a control pad  72 . The control pad  72  has an independent on/off switch  74  that controls the flow of power through the main body  70 . Also on the control pad  72  is a reset button  76 . The reset button  76  is used to reset the surge protector in the event the electrical circuit is broken due a spike or surge of power. In the alternative, an LED light (not shown) may also be located on the control pad  72  to indicate the status of the power, when the power in “on” the LED light is lit. Is some embodiments, the reset button  76  is strictly a reset button, while an alternative embodiment fits the reset button with a built-in LED for power indication. Further, while not shown in the drawings, the main body  70  can be designed such that a LED power indicator is positioned so that when power is on, the LED light on the main body  70  lights.  
     [0044] In FIG. 7 b , a remote control pad  78  is used to interface with the main body  70 . The remote control pad  78  has a radio frequency transmitter located within that transmits a specific frequency in response to activation of a button or switch  80 . The main body  70  contains a radio frequency receiver designed to receive the specific frequency transmitted by the radio frequency transmitter in the remote control pad  78 . When a user presses the button or switch  80  in the remote control pad  78 , the power supply to the computer gaming unit in controlled.  
     [0045] While the foregoing invention has been shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those possessing skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.