Patent Publication Number: US-7908978-B1

Title: Computer gaming station

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in an Official Record of Invention received on Mar. 3, 2007 that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC in Washington, Pa. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a computer desk gaming station for holding peripheral gaming accessories, station comprising a table top provided with left and right extensions, a pair of side panels coupled directly to said table top and extending downwardly, a first and a second foot rest each coupled to said side panels and means for selectively and independently adjusting said first and second foot rests. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The U.S. games market is diversifying. The age group among male players is expanding significantly into the twenty five (25) to forty (40) age group. For casual online puzzle-style and simple mobile cell phone games, the gender divide is more or less equal between males and females. Females are being significantly attracted to playing certain online multi-user video games that offer a more communal experience, and a small hardcore group of young females are playing aggressive games that are usually thought of as being “traditionally male” games. The most loyal fan-base is reported to be for large role-playing games. 
     Obviously, computer-based home video game systems are more popular than ever. Modern technological advancements in gaming systems have resulted in literally hundreds of games with unprecedented depth and detail. To further the realism of these games, the market has responded with a wealth of input devices such as joysticks, steering wheels, foot-operated pedals and the like. However, one is faced with many compromises when these accessories are used at conventional desks. First, the desktop is not big enough to accommodate such devices. Second, one cannot fit a large, comfortable chair close enough to the desk. Third, there is no provision for a footrest to hold the pedal systems. Finally, the high-tech look of the gaming system is dampened by the business-like look of a conventional desk. While some gaming desks are available, they are typically cost prohibitive. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which computer gaming system users can be provided with a desk system that addresses the above concerns. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,786 filed by Chung discloses furniture having compound foldable parts. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is specifically adapted for computer gaming systems and that possesses the following attributes: a table top capable of being widened as necessary, foot rests that will accommodate gaming accessories and a cord routing system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,896 filed by Milazzo discloses a foldable table or desk. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is specifically adapted for computer gaming systems and that possesses the following attributes: a table top capable of being widened as necessary, foot rests that will accommodate gaming accessories and a cord routing system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,783 filed by Goodsen discloses a portable collapsible workstation. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus tailored for computer gaming that possesses adjustable footrests and an expansive table top to accommodate computer gaming accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,838 filed by Bissu-Palombo discloses a foldable and assemblable desk. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus tailored for computer gaming that possesses adjustable footrests and an expansive table top to accommodate computer gaming accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,723 filed by Peterson discloses a portable collapsible self-assembling desk. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is specifically adapted for computer gaming systems and that possesses the following attributes: a table top capable of being widened as necessary, foot rests that will accommodate gaming accessories and a cord routing system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,788 filed by Marschand et al discloses a laptop computer desk. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus tailored for computer gaming that possesses adjustable footrests and an expansive table top to accommodate computer gaming accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,113 filed by Benson discloses a foldable and portable furniture. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is specifically adapted for computer gaming systems and that possesses the following attributes: a table top capable of being widened as necessary, foot rests that will accommodate gaming accessories and a cord routing system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,514 filed by Brown et al. discloses a ready to use foldable computer desk. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is specifically adapted for computer gaming systems and that possesses the following attributes: a table top capable of being widened as necessary, foot rests that will accommodate gaming accessories and a cord routing system. 
     The prior art appears to disclose furniture that is designed for computer systems. The prior art does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is specifically adapted for computer gaming system applications and that possesses the following attributes: a table top capable of being widened as necessary, foot rests that will accommodate gaming accessories and a cord routing system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for computer gaming station that provides a means for a user-assembled desk system having specialized features for computer gaming. 
     The computer gaming system provides on its top surface an expanded side area for the placement of purchased gaming accessories such as, but not limited to, joysticks, steering wheels, and the like. 
     The computer gaming system provides a wide center structure which cantilevers out toward the operator providing clearance for an upright chair or recliner. 
     The computer gaming system further possesses a pair of adjustable foot rests that provide a mounting surface for additional purchased accessories such as, but not limited to, foot controllers, pedals, and the like that permit the user to feel as if they are in an airplane cockpit or racecar. 
     The computer gaming system further provides a power strip and may be decorated with various insignias and logos. These indicia may provide script or logos based upon a user&#39;s preference and may include images such as, but not limited to, computer game names, sports names/logos, personal names, symbols, pictures, and the like to further customize and personalize the apparatus. 
     The computer gaming system is capable of receiving the height and width of a large chair or recliner. 
     The computer gaming system comprises a table top, a pair of side panels, a first foot rest, and a second foot rest. 
     The table top provides ample top surface for mounting and positioning several purchased gaming accessories common to modern gaming systems such as, but not limited to, a monitor, a steering wheel, a joystick and speakers. The table top further comprises a left extension and a right extension each being approximately one (1) foot square and protruding laterally along a front edge facing the operator. The extensions provide additional area for gaming accessories such as, but not limited to, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like. The table top also extends toward the user beyond the side panels in a cantilever fashion approximately six (6) to twelve (12) inches, thereby allowing the operator to position the upright chair or recliner forward and beneath the table top, providing improved accessibility to the gaming equipment and accessories. 
     The table top also comprises a central box-shaped framing assembly along a bottom surface thereof comprising a rear panel member, a front frame member, a right frame member, and a left frame member. These frame members comprise a four (4) piece rectangular structure providing an attachment means thereto the table top and the side panels using fasteners, such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, and threaded inserts. These frame members provide additional structural integrity to the apparatus. 
     The side panels comprise trapezoidal vertical supporting panels providing a leg function and a tapered width up to an attachment location at a side surface of the right and left frame members. Each side panel comprises a wire routing aperture, a pair of runners, a first adjusting slot, a second adjusting slot, a first pivot feature, a second pivot feature, and a pair of adjustment knobs. The wire routing aperture is envisioned to be a drilled through-hole located at a lower forward corner of each side panel being approximately two (2) to three (3) inches in diameter and providing an organizing means to various wires and cables associated with the aforementioned purchased gaming accessories. The runners provide a protection means to a floor surface and are made using a channel-shaped plastic extrusion attached to a bottom edge of said side panel at a front and rear location using fastening means such as adhesives, screws, or the like. The adjusting slots, pivot features, and knobs are located at upper and lower positions along outer surfaces of the side panels providing an adjustable angle means to the foot rest portions. The adjusting slots are formed in an arcuate shape having a center of rotation about the pivot features. 
     The first and second foot rests comprise upper and lower pivotingly adjustable rectangular foot platforms extending between the two (2) side panels. The first and second foot rests further provide a mounting surface for various purchased gaming foot controls such as simulated foot pedals and the like, which emulate a realistic racecar or flight-like experience. 
     The first foot rest provides an upper foot platform for comfortably supporting one&#39;s feet while seated in a recliner type chair resulting in a slightly elevated foot position. The first foot rest further comprises a pair of integral first pivot rods and a pair of first threaded holes. Said first pivot rods are located along opposing outside surfaces of the first foot rest at a lower position thereupon, providing an attachment means thereto adjacent side panels by being slidingly inserted therein the female first pivot features forming a rotating axle therein. The first pivot rods are pressed into drilled holes therein the first foot rest along opposing lower outside edges. The first pivot rods are envisioned to be made using metal dowel stock ranging from one-quarter (¼) to one-half (½) inch in diameter and protruding outwardly approximately three-quarters (¾) of an inch forming an axle-type appendage. The first threaded holes are located along opposing outside surfaces the first foot rest but at an upper position thereupon, are particularly spaced so as to correspond to the first pivot features. The first threaded holes are threaded and positioned to receive the threaded shaft portion of the knobs providing a clamping means securing an angular position thereof the first foot rest. The first threaded holes are envisioned to be made using threaded drilled holes, threaded inserts, or the like. 
     The second foot rest comprises a pair of second threaded holes and a pair of second pivot rods. The second foot rest is a lower foot platform for comfortably supporting one&#39;s feet while seated in an upright chair resulting in a slightly lower foot position. The second foot rest is envisioned to comprise similar function and construction as the first foot rest. 
     The table top, side panels, and the foot rest portions of the apparatus are made using wood products such as plywood or composite fiberboard. These components may also be made using plastic, fiberglass, or metal materials. It is further envisioned that the panels may be provided with various protective coatings such as contact paper, Formica®, or wood laminates in decorative colors and patterns. The attachment means between the various components of the apparatus may include various conventional carpentry methods and fasteners, common in the industry, such as, but not limited to, dado joints, rabbet joints, butt joints, angle brackets, screws, bolts, threaded inserts, and the like. 
     The computer gaming system further comprises a front frame member and a rear panel member. The rear panel member comprises a common power strip and a pair of wire routing apertures located at opposing ends. The power strip is mounted on an inside surface providing electrical power distribution in an expected manner to the various gaming components and accessories therein. 
    
    
     
       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 a perspective view of a computer gaming station  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a computer gaming station  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of a computer gaming station  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a right-hand view of a computer gaming station  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a left-hand view of a computer gaming station  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a computer gaming station  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a computer gaming station  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 10 
                 computer gaming station 
               
               
                 20 
                 table top 
               
               
                 21 
                 left extension 
               
               
                 22 
                 right extension 
               
               
                 30 
                 side panel 
               
               
                 31 
                 wire routing aperture 
               
               
                 32 
                 first adjusting slot 
               
               
                 33 
                 knob 
               
               
                 34 
                 first pivot feature 
               
               
                 35 
                 runner 
               
               
                 36 
                 first pivot rod 
               
               
                 37 
                 first threaded hole 
               
               
                 38 
                 second threaded hole 
               
               
                 40 
                 first foot rest 
               
               
                 41 
                 second foot rest 
               
               
                 50 
                 rear panel member 
               
               
                 51 
                 front frame member 
               
               
                 52 
                 right frame member 
               
               
                 53 
                 left frame member 
               
               
                 54 
                 power strip 
               
               
                 55 
                 main electrical power cord 
               
               
                 60 
                 indicia 
               
               
                 62 
                 second adjusting slot 
               
               
                 64 
                 second pivot feature 
               
               
                 66 
                 second pivot rod 
               
               
                 70 
                 fasteners 
               
               
                 80 
                 purchased computer accessory 
               
               
                 81 
                 recliner 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. 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. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for a computer gaming station (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a user-assembled desk system having specialized features for computer gaming. The top surface  20  of the apparatus  10  has an expanded side area for the placement of purchased gaming accessories  80  such as joysticks, steering wheels, and the like. The apparatus  10  provides a wide center structure which cantilevers out toward the operator providing clearance for an upright chair or recliner  81 . A pair of adjustable foot rests  40 ,  41  provide a mounting surface for additional purchased accessories  80  such as foot controllers, pedals, and the like allowing the user to feel as if they are in an airplane cockpit or racecar. The apparatus  10  further comprises a power strip  54  and may be decorated with various insignias and logos  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a table top  20 , a pair of side panels  30 , a first foot rest  40 , and a second foot rest  41 . The apparatus  10  provides a comfortable gaming apparatus  10  capable of receiving a height and width of a large chair or recliner  81 . The apparatus  10  is shown here working in conjunction with a recliner type chair  81  utilizing a slightly elevated first foot rest  40 , thereby emulating a racecar or flight position to a user. 
     The table top  20  provides ample top surface for mounting and positioning several purchased gaming accessories  80  common to modern gaming systems such as, but not limited to, a monitor, a steering wheel, a joy stick, speakers, and the like. The table top  20  further comprises a left extension  21  and a right extension  22  each being approximately one (1) foot square and protruding laterally along a front edge facing the operator. The extensions  21 ,  22  provide additional area for gaming accessories such as, but, not limited to, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like. The table top  20  also extends toward the user beyond the side panels  30  in a cantilever fashion approximately six (6) to twelve (12) inches, thereby allowing the operator to position the upright chair or recliner  81  forward and beneath the table top  20 , thereby providing improved accessibility to the gaming equipment and accessories  80 . 
     The table top  20  also comprises a central box-shaped framing assembly along a bottom surface thereof comprising a rear panel member  50 , a front frame member  51 , a right frame member  52 , and a left frame member  53  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Said members  50 ,  51 ,  52 ,  53  comprise a four (4) piece rectangular structure providing an attachment means thereto the table top  20  and the side panels  30  using fasteners  70  such as screws, bolts, threaded inserts, and the like. Said members  50 ,  51 ,  52 ,  53  provide additional structural integrity to the apparatus  10 . 
     The side panels  30  comprise trapezoidal vertical supporting panels providing a leg function and a tapered width up to an attachment location at a side surface of the right  52  and left  53  frame members. Each side panel  30  further comprises a wire routing aperture  31 , a pair of runners  35 , a first adjusting slot  32 , a second adjusting slot  62 , a first pivot feature  34 , a second pivot feature  64 , and a pair of adjustment knobs  33 . The wire routing aperture  31  is envisioned to be a drilled through-hole located at a lower forward corner of each side panel  30  being approximately two (2) to three (3) inches in diameter and providing an organizing means to various wires and cables associated with the aforementioned purchased gaming accessories  80 . The runners  35  provide a protection means to a floor surface and are envisioned to be made using a channel-shaped plastic extrusion attached thereto a bottom edge of said side panel  30  at a front and rear location using fastening means  70  such as adhesives, screws, or the like. The adjusting slots  32 ,  62 , pivot features  34 ,  64 , and knobs  33  are located at upper and lower positions along outer surfaces of the side panels  30  providing an adjustable angle means to the foot rest portions  40 ,  41 . The adjusting slots  32 ,  62  are formed in an arcuate shape having a center of rotation about the pivot features  34 ,  64 . 
     The first  40  and second  41  foot rests comprise upper and lower pivotingly adjustable rectangular foot platforms extending therebetween the two (2) side panels  30 . The first  40  and second  41  foot rests further provides a mounting surface for various purchased gaming foot controls  80  such as simulated foot pedals and the like, thereby emulating a realistic racecar or flight-like experience. 
     The first foot rest  40  provides an upper foot platform for comfortably supporting one&#39;s feet while seated in a recliner type chair resulting in a slightly elevated foot position. The first foot rest  40  further comprises a pair of integral first pivot rods  36  and a pair of first threaded holes  37 . Said first pivot rods  36  are located along opposing outside surfaces of the first foot rest  40  at a lower position thereupon, providing an attachment means thereto adjacent side panels  30  by being slidingly inserted therein the female first pivot features  34  forming a rotating axle therein. The first pivot rods  36  are envisioned to be pressed into drilled holes therein the first foot rest  40  along opposing lower outside edges. The first pivot rods  36  are envisioned to be made using metal dowel stock ranging from one-quarter (¼) to one-half (½) inch in diameter and protruding outwardly approximately three-quarters (¼) of an inch forming an axle-type appendage. The first threaded holes  37  are also located along opposing outside surfaces the first foot rest  40  but at an upper position thereupon, are particularly spaced so as to correspond to the aforementioned first pivot features  34 . The first threaded holes  37  are threaded and positioned to receive the threaded shaft portion of the knobs  33  providing a clamping means securing an angular position thereof the first foot rest  40 . The first threaded holes  37  are envisioned to be made using threaded drilled holes, threaded inserts, or the like. 
     The second foot rest  41  comprises a pair of second threaded holes  38  and a pair of second pivot rods  66 . Said second foot rest  41  a lower foot platform for comfortably supporting one&#39;s feet while seated in an upright chair resulting in a slightly lower foot position. The second foot rest  41  is envisioned to comprise similar function and construction as the aforementioned first foot rest  40 . 
     It is envisioned that the table top  20 , side panels  30 , and the foot rest portions  40 ,  41  of the apparatus  10  are made preferably using wood products such as plywood or composite fiberboard; however, it is envisioned that said panels  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  41  may also be made using plastic, fiberglass, or metal materials without deviating from the basic concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . It is further envisioned that said panels  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  41  may be provided with various protective coatings such as contact paper, Formica®, or wood laminates in decorative colors and patterns, and as such should not be considered a limiting factor of the invention  10 . 
     The attachment means between the various components of the apparatus  10  may include various conventional carpentry methods and fasteners  70  such as dado joints, rabbet joints, butt joints, angle brackets, screws, bolts, threaded inserts, and the like, being common in the industry. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a front frame member  51  and a rear panel member  50 . The rear panel member  50  further comprises a common power strip  54  and a pair of wire routing apertures  31  located at opposing ends thereof. The power strip  54  is mounted thereon an inside surface providing electrical power distribution in an expected manner to the various gaming components and accessories  80  therein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 , rear, right-hand, left-hand, top, and bottom views of the apparatus  10 , respectively, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Depicted on  FIGS. 4 and 5 , right-hand and left-hand views, respectively, are various indicia  60  which may provide script or logos based upon a user&#39;s preference and may include images such as, but not limited to, computer game names, sports names/logos, personal names, symbols, pictures, and the like to further customize and personalize the apparatus  10 . 
     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. 
     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 initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: attaching the right  52  and left  53  frame members to a bottom surface of the table top portion  20  using provided fasteners  70 ; attaching the rear panel member  50  and front panel member  51  to the right  52  and left  53  frame members using the provided fasteners  70 ; attaching a side panel  30  to the right frame member  52  using the provided fasteners  70 ; positioning the foot rests  40 ,  41  and remaining side panel  30  coincidentally to the left frame member  53  by inserting the pivot rods  36 ,  66  into the pivot features  34 ,  64 ; attaching the side panels  30  to the right  52  and left  53  frame members using the provided fasteners  70 ; inserting the four (4) knobs  33  through the adjusting slots  32 ,  62  and threading thereinto the threaded holes  37 ,  38 ; placing the apparatus  10  in an upright orientation upon a floor surface in a desired location; turning the knobs  33  in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen the foot rests  40 ,  41 ; adjusting the foot rests  40 ,  41  to a desired angle; tightening the knobs  33  by turning in a clockwise direction to secure a position of the foot rests  40 ,  41 ; mounting all purchased gaming equipment and accessories  80  to the apparatus  10 ; connecting all equipment and accessory  80  power cords into the power strip  54 ; routing and connecting all necessary wiring and cables between said equipment and accessories  80  using the wire routing apertures  31 ; plugging the main electrical power cord  55  into a wall outlet; providing the gaming equipment and accessories  80  with electrical power in an expected manner by energizing the power strip  54 ; activating individual gaming equipment components  80 ; positioning one&#39;s upright chair or recliner  81  at a comfortable distance to the apparatus  10 ; participating in playing computer games as desired until a gaming session is complete; deactivating all gaming equipment and accessories  80  in an expected manner; and, enjoying the comfort and increased realism of playing computer games using the present invention  10 . 
     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 and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and 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 understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.