Patent Publication Number: US-2018044075-A1

Title: Portable Console and Case with Storage Compartment and Customizable, Detachable Lid

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/205,518 filed on Aug. 14, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND—PRIOR ART 
     The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant: 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 U.S. patents 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Pat. No. 
                 Kind Code 
                 Issue Date 
                 Patentee 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 8,807,051 
                 B2 
                 Aug. 19, 2014 
                 Johnson 
               
               
                   
                 7,448,675 
                 B1 
                 Nov. 11, 2008 
                 Lowery 
               
               
                   
                 7,334,838 
                 B2 
                 Feb. 26, 2008 
                 Pope 
               
               
                   
                 6,964,179 
                 B2 
                 Nov. 15, 2005 
                 Yoshida 
               
               
                   
                 6,343,835 
                 B1 
                 Feb. 5, 2002 
                 Ledbetter 
               
               
                   
                 5,911,472 
                   
                 Jun. 15, 1999 
                 Toth 
               
               
                   
                 5,979,337 
                   
                 Nov. 9, 1999 
                 Clark et al. 
               
               
                   
                 5,246,269 
                   
                 Sep. 21, 1993 
                 DeBoer et al. 
               
               
                   
                 3,909,092 
                   
                 Sep. 30, 1975 
                 Kiernan 
               
               
                   
                 3,104,131 
                   
                 Sep. 17, 1963 
                 Krone 
               
               
                   
                 3,061,370 
                   
                 Oct. 30, 1962 
                 Murphy 
               
               
                   
                 2,160,282 
                   
                 May 30, 1939 
                 Rehg 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 U.S. Patent Application Publications 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Publication Nr. 
                 Kind Code 
                 Issue Date 
                 Applicant 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 2014/0041558 
                 A1 
                 Feb. 13, 2014 
                 Lubotta 
               
               
                   
                 2013/0043200 
                 A1 
                 Feb. 21, 2013 
                 Johnson 
               
               
                   
                 2008/0211362 
                 A1 
                 Sep. 4, 2008 
                 Moll et al. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Furniture and other various types of objects and surfaces sometimes include a console or similar device, which may feature beverage holders or compartments for storing arbitrary items. Some of these devices are part of the furniture (or other arbitrary object) itself, and some of these devices are separate altogether and not necessarily part of another object. However, these devices have either a fixed lid or a lid that is not easily detachable, interchangeable, and customizable. 
     The problem that I have found is that the owner of the console device has been practically limited to using the lid that is included with the device. As an analogy, imagine that you have only one hat and could not easily remove it from your head. Also, imagine that the hat is a solid, neutral color and you have no options of whether the hat is imprinted with your favorite pattern or sports team. Furthermore, some hats provide better protection from rain and the elements, while other hats provide more warmth from cold weather. 
     In the same manner, I have found that some console lids are appropriate for certain situations, while other lids may be more appropriate in other scenarios. For example, a console device with a fixed lid can be used in the home with neutral or coordinating colors on a couch, but the owner cannot easily replace the lid with his or her favorite football team logo for use at a tailgate party. In the same example, the owner cannot easily interchange the lid with another to display his or her favorite basketball team logo while at a tournament watch party around friends. You can imagine several other functions, such as a business or company logo. A console device with a detachable, interchangeable lid can be customized for various occasions. In contrast, console devices with a fixed lid are not as customizable. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a portable furniture device with at least one storage compartment and detachable/interchangeable lid comprises a box member providing at least one means in which to place one or more objects and a detachable body which may serve as an armrest and provides a means to place objects upon. The device also has at least one elongated member which may serve as a means to carry the device. There is a means to fasten each detachable body aforementioned. The aforementioned detachable body may be fastened to the device itself. The device may also comprise a means to separate and organize items. The device comprises a means to stand vertically, as well as horizontally. There may also be a means which provides a template for which customized covers for the aforementioned detachable body. 
     In accordance with an additional embodiment a portable furniture device with at least one storage compartment and detachable/interchangeable lid comprises a box member providing at least one means in which to place one or more objects and a detachable body which may serve as an armrest and provides a means to place objects upon. The device also has at least one elongated member which may serve as a means to carry the device. There is a means to fasten each detachable body aforementioned. The aforementioned detachable body may be fastened to at least one pivoting body. There may be at least one cavity in the device, which the aforementioned pivoting body covers. There is a means for the pivoting body to pivot. There is a means to fasten and release the pivoting body from the cavity. There may also be a means to temporarily position the aforementioned pivoting body. The device may also comprise a means to separate and organize items. The device comprises a means to stand vertically, as well as horizontally. There may also be a means which provides a template for which customized covers for the aforementioned detachable body. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS—FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device according to an embodiment of the device showing the handle, three cup holders, a compartment for arbitrary items, organizing compartment slots in said compartment, and a detachable lid. 
         FIG. 2  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  with the detachable lid in a detached configuration. 
         FIG. 3  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  with separators that may be positioned within a compartment for arbitrary items, using the compartment slots as guides for positioning. 
         FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  with a template that may be used as a guide to create custom coverings for a detachable lid. 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device show in  FIG. 1  in a vertical or standing position from the bottom surface. 
         FIG. 6  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device according to an alternate embodiment showing the device with a pivoting, detachable lid that is in a closed position. 
         FIG. 7  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 2  with the pivoting and detachable lid in an open position, a lid latch, lid fasteners, members which “prop” said lid in an open position, a location for a member to provide a mechanism for the lid to pivot from the device, inner compartment for arbitrary items, slots in inner compartment providing mechanisms for organization, and a lid latch receiver providing a mechanism for securing the lid in a closed position. 
         FIG. 8  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 7  from a front-top view. 
         FIG. 9  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 8  with a separator that may be positioned within the inner compartment for arbitrary items, using the inner compartment slots as guides for positioning. 
         FIG. 10  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 2  standing upright in a vertical position. 
         FIG. 11  schematically illustrates a perspective view from the front of the device shown in  FIG. 10  with the pivoting lid in an open position. 
         FIG. 12  schematically illustrates a perspective view from the back of the device shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 13  schematically illustrates the same view of the device as shown in  FIG. 12  with straps to serve as a means to secure the device to a surface. 
         FIG. 14  schematically illustrates a perspective view from the front of the device shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 15  schematically illustrates a perspective view from the side of the device shown in  FIG. 6 , showing the lid latch positioned such that it is contiguous to the lid latch receiver, providing a means to secure the lid in a closed configuration until the lid latch is positioned in a manner such that it is not contiguous to the lid latch receiver. 
         FIG. 16  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 6  as it could appear on the tailgate of a truck, with straps to serve as a means to secure the device to the tailgate for additional stability. 
         FIG. 17  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 6  as it could appear in use on a piece of furniture. 
     
    
    
       
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Drawings—Reference Numerals 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 18 
                 box member 
                 19 
                 handle 
               
               
                 20 
                 beverage/item holder 
                 21 
                 detachable/interchangeable lid 
               
               
                 22 
                 pivoting lid base 
                 23 
                 remote/item holder 
               
               
                 24 
                 lid latch 
                 25 
                 lid latch receiver 
               
               
                 26 
                 separator/organizer slots  
                 27 
                 separator/organizer slots in  
               
               
                   
                 in sides 
                   
                 bottom 
               
               
                 28 
                 axle/hinging mechanism 
                 29 
                 box member feet 
               
               
                 30 
                 separator/divider plate 
                 31 
                 securing strap 
               
               
                 32 
                 lid prop 
                 33 
                 detachable/interchangeable lid  
               
               
                 34 
                 lid fastener 
                   
                 template 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS.  1 - 5 —FIRST EMBODIMENT 
     One embodiment of the device is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . In  FIG. 1 , the device has a box member  18  consisting of a handle  19 , three beverage/item holders  20 , a remote/item holder  23 , separator/organizer slots  26  in the remote/item holder, and a detachable/interchangeable lid  21 . The detachable/interchangeable lid  21  is positioned on top of the box member  18 . 
     The same embodiment is shown in  FIG. 2  with the detachable/interchangeable lid  21  in a detached position from the box member  18 . Two separator/divider plates  30  are shown in  FIG. 3  for usage in the remote/item holder  23 . 
     The same embodiment is shown in  FIG. 4  with the detachable/interchangeable lid template  33  just above the detachable/interchangeable lid  21  and the box member  18 . 
     The same embodiment is shown in  FIG. 5  standing upright in a vertical position by means of the box member feet  29 , which are part of the box member  18 . The same figure also shows one visible lid fastener  34  functioning to secure the detachable/interchangeable lid  21  in place contiguous with the box member  18 . 
     Operation—FIGS.  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5   
     The manner of using the device to serve as an armrest, beverage holder and item holder is much like that for similar devices in present use. Namely, one first places the device on a surface next to where he or she will be sitting. Next, one may place beverages or various arbitrary items in the beverage/item holder(s)  20 . Also, one may place remote controls or arbitrary items in the remote/item holder  23 . The key difference here is regarding the detachable/interchangeable lid  21 . To remove the detachable/interchangeable lid  21 , one first removes the lid fastener(s)  34 . Then, one may remove the detachable/interchangeable lid  21  from the box member  18  in a manner similar to that which is shown in  FIG. 2 . Attaching the detachable/interchangeable lid  21  (or an alternate, different lid) to the box member  18  is the reverse process just described. 
     To provide more organization in the remote/item holder  23 , one may insert the separator/divider plate(s)  30  into the separator/organizer slots  26  of the remote/item holder  23 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     For storage or other purposes, one may position the device upright by standing it vertically with the box member feet  29  positioned contiguous to the ground, floor or other surface, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     To carry or transport the item, one may grip the handle  19 , lift it and navigate to the location where the device will come to rest. The device is carried or transported in a similar manner as a briefcase or purse. 
     To secure the device to a surface (such as a couch or tailgate), one may use securing straps  31  as shown in  FIGS. 13, 16 and 17 . Although these figures are for an alternate embodiment, the manner of operation described here for securing the device to a surface is identical. 
     FIGS.  6 - 17 —Additional Embodiment 
     An additional embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 6-17 . In  FIG. 6 , the embodiment is shown with the box member  18  consisting of a handle  19 , three beverage/item holders  20 , one remote/item holder  23 , separator/organizer slots  26  in the remote/item holder, a pivoting lid base  22 , and a detachable/interchangeable lid  21 . The pivoting lid base  22  is shown in a closed position on top of the box member  18 . The detachable/interchangeable lid  21  is positioned on top of the pivoting lid base  22 . The lid latch  24  is shown with the pivoting lid base  22  closed to the box member  18 . The axle/hinging mechanism  28  is shown enclosed within the box member  18  such that it passes through the pivoting lid base  22 . 
     The same embodiment is shown in  FIG. 7  with the pivoting lid base  22  in an open position. The separator/organizer slots  26  are shown inside the compartment of the box member  18 . Another perspective view of the lid latch  24  is illustrated, and two lid props  32  can be seen positioned in such a way to hold the pivoting lid base  22  upright in an open position. The lid fasteners  34  are shown in a detached position. Once the lid fasteners  34  are secured, they will hold the detachable/interchangeable lid  21  in place contiguous with the pivoting lid base  22 . The lid latch receiver  25  is revealed, as the lid is open, and disconnected from the lid latch  24 . A cutout view from the side of the same embodiment is shown in  FIG. 15 , where the lid latch  24  is interlocked with the lid latch receiver  25 , securing the pivoting lid base  22  and detachable/interchangeable lid  21  in a closed position contiguous with the box member  18 . 
     A front view of the same embodiment is shown in  FIG. 8 , displaying the movement and alternate positions of the lid props  32 . A larger separator/divider plate  30  is shown in  FIG. 9 , which may be inserted into the separator/organizer slots  26 , located inside the compartment of the box member  18 . This allows for separation and better organization of items within the enclosed compartment of the box member  18 . 
     The same embodiment is able to stand upright in a vertical position by using the box member feet  29  as a platform, as shown in  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, the box member feet  29  are part of the box member  18 . The pivoting lid base  22  and detachable/interchangeable lid  21  are able to open and close by means of the axle/hinging mechanism  28 , as is also shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     The box member feet  29  are shown in further detail in this embodiment in  FIG. 12 , which is a rear-view of this embodiment. While the box member feet  29  are part of the box member  18 , there are cavities in the box member feet  29 . These cavities allow the box member feet  29  to serve as anchors to secure the device to a surface when used with an arbitrary fastening means, such as securing straps  31 , as is shown in  FIG. 13 . The securing strap(s)  31  (or other arbitrary fastening means) can also be used with the handle  19  in order to secure the device to a surface. Examples of this are shown in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 , where this embodiment is shown secured to a couch and truck tailgate, respectively. 
     Operation—FIGS.  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  11 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17   
     The manner of using the device shown in the additional embodiment is based on the same manner of operation for using the device shown in the first embodiment. The key difference here is this embodiment has an opening and closing (pivoting) lid base  22  on which the detachable/interchangeable lid  21  is fastened, whereas in the first embodiment, the detachable/interchangeable lid  21  was fastened to the box member  18 . One may open and close the pivoting lid base  22  and detachable/interchangeable lid  21  by pivoting and releasing the lid latch  24  from the lid latch receiver  25  and lifting away from the box member  18 . The position of the lid prop(s)  32  can be adjusted (as shown in  FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 ) in such a way to suspend the pivoting lid base  22  and detachable/interchangeable lid  21  in an open position. The axle/hinging mechanism  28  allows the pivoting lid base  22  to pivot, as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     To provide more organization in the inner compartment of the box member  18 , one may insert the separator/divider plate(s)  30  into the separator/organizer slots  26  and  27  of the inner compartment of the box member  18 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
     Accordingly, the reader will see that console case of the various embodiments can be used to enhance one&#39;s relaxation experience in a more personalized, customized manner by attaching a lid appropriate for an occasion at hand. Think of arriving at a super bowl party carrying this device by its ergonomic handle with your favorite team logo displayed on the lid!Once back home, one could replace that lid with a lid that matches the couch it rests on, or even store it away upright in a nearby closet. 
     Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of the several embodiments. 
     Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.