Abstract:
A method and-apparatus that enables a user to experience a program or game through the senses of sight, hearing and feeling includes an upper portion that includes an upper frame, a lower portion that includes a lower frame and a first speaker configured to be positioned in a first position in the upper frame and a shaking device configured to be positioned unencumbered in the lower frame.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to providing a simulated environment in conjunction with the participation in an activity. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multimedia chair that enhances ones interaction with a particular activity such that it provides a more realistic experience.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     While watching television or playing a video game, a viewer usually sits in front of the display monitor and experiences the program or game in a very limited fashion. By participating in the program in this manner, the viewer is only able to use of two their senses, sight and hearing. With such a general configuration, the experience does not provide a more realistic experience.  
         [0003]     Even with the audio portion of the program or game with the current technology, the audio signals emanating from the device are directed in manner such that it does not provide a more true realistic experience. For example, while watching a movie on a television, a single speaker is generally used to direct the audio signals towards the general direction of the viewer. Both the speaker and the direction of the speaker provide sound in such a way that it does not expose the user to a more true realistic experience.  
         [0004]     Additionally, the present systems do not enable a user to make use of their sense of feeling such that the user feels the effects of the program or game that they are currently viewing or participating in. For example, if one is watching a movie based on World War II with the current technology, a viewer cannot experience, through the sense of feel, the rumbling of a fleet of bombers or a fleet of tanks as they approach the battlefield. If the viewers are able to feel these sensations, the viewer is made to feel as if they are part of the program or at the battle scene.  
         [0005]     The same can be said for playing games on a gaming system. For example, if a user is able to feel a plane in the midst of a tailspin, rather than just viewing it, then the user is more actively involved in the game. As such, the user will be more apt to participate in the activity repeatedly.  
         [0006]     Some of the prior art in the area is U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,566 to Martinmaas and U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,871, to Komatsubara. The Martinmaas patent discloses a body-supporting means, such as a chair or a bed, which has a closed chamber with loudspeakers in the chamber and directed toward the body-supporting means. Martinmaas discloses that the desired direct vibration of the body by the music can be produced with so little of the sound escaping from the chamber such that an occupant of the chair needs to listen to the music through earphones or outside loudspeakers. The chamber in Martinmaas may be completely enclosed except for a few small openings to permit equalization of pressure inside and outside the chamber.  
         [0007]     The Komatsubara patent discloses a compact, portable chair having speakers built therein. Komatsubara teaches using only a canvas material to cover the areas of the chair where an individual will sit down. The canvas material, according to Komatsubara, provides a better throughput for the audio signals from the speakers to reach the individual.  
         [0008]     None of the above references disclose how to more realistically provide the effects of a simulated environment. These references only use speakers and their output in an attempt to provide a sense of feeling. The inherent problem with both patents is that usually comes at the expense of a high quality audio output.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus that enables a user to simultaneously view and feel an activity such that the experience provided appears to be as if the viewer is actually participating in the activity. It is additional desirable to provide a sensing of feeling to the already exposed senses of sight and hearing such that the realism of the simulated activity is broadened even more.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in one aspect an apparatus is provided that in some embodiments provide a viewer of a program or a participant of a gaming device an experience that enables them to experience the program or game through the senses of sight, hearing and feel. By simultaneously exposing a multitude of senses of the viewer or gamer, a more realistic environment is created.  
         [0011]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a multimedia chair includes an upper portion having an upper frame, a lower portion having a lower frame, a first speaker configured to be positioned in a first position in the upper frame and a shaking device configured to be positioned unencumbered in the lower frame.  
         [0012]     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for experiencing a multimedia event in a chair includes providing sound through a first speaker and a second speaker, wherein the first speaker and the second speaker are located in an upper portion of the chair. The chair further includes shaking the chair with a shaking device that is located in an unencumbered position in a bottom portion of the chair, wherein wiring for the first speaker, the second speaker and the shaking device is positioned below a fabric that covers the upper and lower portion such that it is not visible.  
         [0013]     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a system for experiencing a multimedia event in a chair includes means for providing sound in an upper portion of the chair and means for shaking the chair, wherein the means for shaking is located in an unencumbered position in a bottom portion of the chair, wherein wiring for the means for providing sound and the means for shaking is positioned below a fabric that covers the upper and lower portion such that it is not visible.  
         [0014]     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.  
         [0015]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0016]     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is illustrated the connection of the detachable wings to the upper portion of the chair.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is an inner construction illustration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the frame of the upper portion of the present invention according to the preferred embodiment.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a speaker attached to the upper portion of multimedia according to the preferred embodiment.  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates a rear view of the upper portion and the wiring path for the speakers according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates a swivel that attaches the lower portion of the multimedia chair to the base as well as the wiring path of the speakers and shaking device through the swivel according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is illustrates the control device that can alter the operational performance of the shaking device and the speakers according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  illustrates the location of the amplifier to the base of the chair as well as the connection of multiple chairs according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  illustrates the connection of the shaking device to the chair according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  illustrates the location of a torsion bar in the lower portion of the chair.  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  illustrates a detachable ottoman.  
         [0029]      FIG. 13  illustrates the internal cavity of the ottoman of  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0030]     The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method and apparatus that enables a user to feel and hear sound while viewing a program on a display monitor or while playing a video game. By being able to simultaneously view, hear and feel, a more realistic environment is created for the user.  
         [0031]     An embodiment of the present inventive apparatus and method is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The present invention is a multimedia chair  10  that helps to simulate an environment. The multimedia chair  10  includes an upper portion  12  and a lower portion  14 . Attached to the upper portion is a head rest  15 , which in the preferred embodiment is built into the chair. In alternate embodiment, the headrest can be moveable or adjustable to accommodate the user in the chair. Attached to the lower portion  14  is a base  16 .  
         [0032]     The upper portion  12  includes a first wing  18  and a second wing  20 . Positioned on the wings  18 ,  20 , and not shown in this figure, are audio device such as speakers. The speakers provide a conduit for the individual sitting in the multimedia chair  10  to hear the sound of the activity for which the individual is participating.  
         [0033]     The first wing  18  and the second wing  20  are positioned inward such that the sound coming from the speakers is directed in the direction of the individual sitting in the multimedia chair  10 . In alternate embodiments, the wings are adjustable in order to provide the user with their own desired sound direction. The wings are adjusted through a ratchet based system. The wings are essentially incrementally steps forward or backwards based upon the user&#39;s desires.  
         [0034]     In the preferred embodiment, the wings are attached to the upper portion  12 . In alternate embodiment, the first wing  18  and the second wing  20  are detachable from the upper portion  12 . In this embodiment of the present invention, these wings  18  and  20  are detached using a slot  21  and pin  22  configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0035]     The slot  21  is fix or attached to the upper portion  12  of the chair. The pin  22 , in the preferred embodiment, is attached to the wing in approximately the center location on the surface of the wing. To secure the wing, the pin  22  is positioned into the slot  21  and moved into the proper location such that the wing is properly positioned on the wing.  
         [0036]     In alternate embodiments of the present invention, multiple slots are positioned on in the upper portion  12  of the chair. Corresponding pins are located on the wing. To secure the wing, the corresponding pins are engaged with the slots. This configuration securely positions the wing to the upper portion  12 .  
         [0037]     In the detachable embodiment, the audio connection can be a wired or wireless connection. In the wired connection, the connection can be directly wired or through the use of standard audio jacks. In the wireless connection, the wings contain an audio receiver that receives the audio output from the wireless base located within the chair such but not limited to the base  16 . This wireless receiver also enables the audio output to be received from the source, which can be but not limited to a television or gaming system. By eliminating the wires  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the multimedia chair  10  is covered in a fabric  23  that is wearable and easy to clean. The first wing  18  and the second wing  20  are covered in an alternate fabric  24 . This alternate fabric  24  is more open and breathable than the fabric  23  that covers the chair. This alternate fabric  24  is more open to provide a passage for the sound emanating from these speakers, which are contained in the first and second wings  18 ,  20 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is an inner construction illustration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  details that the various composition layers of the multimedia chair  10 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the upper portion  12  of the present invention includes at its base a frame  26 , which is wood in the preferred embodiment. Wood is chosen for a various reason such as cost, relative strength, weight, durability and functionality. Alternate embodiments of the present invention for the frame  26  include various plastics, metals and other suitable alternatives.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3  also illustrates that the second wing  20  includes a second speaker  28 . The second speaker  28  is installed on the second wing  20  such that it is at the outer portion of the frame  26  and does not impede a person from sitting in the multimedia chair. As stated, the second wing  20  is directed towards the interior of the multimedia chair  10  such that the sound coming from the second speaker  28  is directed towards the individual. Alternate embodiments provide for the wing and speaker to be adjustable in both a horizontal and vertical direction in order to provide custom optimization for the individual. The adjustments can be a notched step system or a ratchet system.  
         [0041]     Attached to the frame  26  is elastic webbing  30 . The elastic webbing  30  is located in the open location  32  of the frame  26 . Positioned directly on top of the elastic webbing is a foam  34 . The foam  34  is held into place by the elastic webbing  30  such that the foam  34  does not push or fall through the opening location  32 .  
         [0042]     The elastic webbing  30  also provides an opportunity for improved comfort by providing some leeway for the foam  34  to expand when subjected to a force. For example, upon an individual sitting down in the multimedia chair  10 , the weight of the individual is placed on the foam  34  and then onto the elastic webbing  30  and frame  26 . This weight causes the foam  32  to expand in the opposite direction of the force such that the elastic webbing  30  is stretched.  
         [0043]     Without the elastic webbing  30 , a complete frame with no openings would need to be provided. Upon being subjected to a force, the frame would not provide leeway in the same manner as provided by the elastic webbing  30 . Therefore, it might be necessary to provide additional foam in order to provide the comfort level of the preferred embodiment. By requiring more foam  34  and additional support for the frame  26 , the cost of the manufacturing of the multimedia chair  10  increases.  
         [0044]     A padding  36  such as polyester is positioned on the foam  34  in order to provide additional comfort and support for the individual sitting in the multimedia chair  10 . Located on top of the padding  36  is the fabric  23 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 3  also discloses the multimedia chair  10  having a lower portion  14 , which includes a lower frame  38 . Positioned approximately in the center of the lower frame  38  is a shaking device  39 . The shaking device  39  of the preferred embodiment is a tactile transducer such as that produced by Clark Synthesis, Inc. of Littleton, Colo. The tactile transducer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,700, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.  
         [0046]     The lower portion  14  is similarly constructed to the upper portion  12  of the multimedia chair  10 . The lower portion  14  includes the lower frame  38 . Placed on top of the frame  38  and secured to the frame is the elastic webbing  30 . Placed on top of the elastic webbing is the foam  34  with the padding  36  positioned on top of the foam  34 . Enclosing the lower frame  38 , the elastic padding  30 , the foam  34  and the padding  36  is the fabric  23 .  
         [0047]     The present invention also includes a right frame  40  and a left frame  42 . These two frames  40 ,  42  are attached to the upper portion  12  and the lower portion  14 . The right frame  40  and the left frame  42  provide a means for the individual to be positioned securely within the multimedia chair  10  such that they do not fall off to one side or the other. These framed  40 ,  42  also provide a means for the individual sitting in the chair to place their forearms for comfort and support.  
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the frame of the upper portion  12  of the present invention according to the preferred embodiment. As noted, the upper portion  12  includes a frame  26 . Attached to the frame  26  at the upper portion  12  at one side is a first wing  18 . Attached to the frame  26  at the upper portion  12 , and at the opposing side of the first wing  18 , is a second wing  20 .  
         [0049]     Elastic webbing  30  is attached to the frame  26  in the area of the openings  32 ,  44 . In the opening  32 , the elastic webbing  30  is positioned in a vertical array such that a portion of it attaches to the frame top  46  with the other portion attaching to the frame bottom  48 . The elastic webbing  30  is spaced such that the openings  32 ,  44  are sufficiently covered to provide support for the foam  34  such that it does not protrude through the openings  32 ,  44 .  
         [0050]     The opening  44 , as noted, is covered in the vertical direction with the elastic webbing  30 . The opening  44  is also covered in the horizontal direction with the elastic webbing  30 , which is attached to both sides of the frame  26 .  
         [0051]     In the preferred embodiment, the elastic webbing  30 , covering the opening  44 , is positioned such that the horizontal strips are located behind the vertical strips. In alternate embodiment of the present invention, the strips can be arranged such that the vertical strips are located behind the horizontal strips. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the vertical and horizontal strips maybe interlaced.  
         [0052]     The dual elastic webbing  30 , covering the opening  44 , is provided to provide extra support for the foam  34 . The force exerted on the foam  34  at the opening  44  is greater at than the force exerted on the opening  32 . Therefore, there is a greater likelihood of the foam not being held in place by the vertical elastic webbing  30 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a speaker attached to the upper portion of multimedia chair according to the preferred embodiment. In this figure, the first wing  18  is shown as having the first speaker  50  attached thereto. The first speaker  50  is held or attached to the first wing  18  with a support ring  52 .  
         [0054]     The support ring  52  has at least a two-fold purpose. The first, as detailed, is to hold the first speaker  50  to the first wing  18 . The first speaker  50  is attached to the first wing  18  with the fastening devices  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 , which in the preferred embodiment are screws. In alternate embodiments, the fastening devices  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  could be nails, bolts and staples. The first speaker  50  could also be attached to the first wing with an adhesive such as glue or epoxy.  
         [0055]     The second purpose of the support ring  52  is to provide some clearance between the first speaker  50  and the alternate fabric  24  that covers the speakers. By providing the clearance, the first speaker  50  has sufficient space to provide a clear audio signal. Without the alternate fabric  24 , the audio from the first speaker  50  would tend to sound muffled.  
         [0056]      FIG. 6  illustrates a rear view of the upper portion and the wiring path for the speakers according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The wiring  60  from the second speaker  28  is run or positioned down the interior of the frame  26 . In the preferred embodiment, the wiring  60  is positioned between the frame  26  and the fabric  23 . Ideally, the wiring  60  is run along the frame such that it does not become subjected to the forces exerted on the various components such as the frame  26 . By providing a path for the wiring  60  on the interior of the multimedia chair  10 , the wires do not protrude from multiple locations.  
         [0057]     As can be seen from  FIG. 6 , the wiring  60  is run down the backside of the frame  26  and through a first wire opening  62 . The wiring  64  from the first speaker  50  is run down the opposing side of the frame  26  and passed through the second wire opening  66 . From these openings  62 ,  66 , the wiring  60 ,  64  is passed through a third wire opening  68  and eventually through a fourth wire opening  70 . The wiring pathway for the speakers provides for the wiring to run eventually to the lower portion  14  of the multimedia chair  10 .  
         [0058]     In the preferred embodiment, the speaker wire is held into place such that it won&#39;t disengage from the speakers. The speaker wire is soldered to prevent it from disengaging. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the speaker wire is fused to the speaker.  
         [0059]     In the preferred embodiment, the speakers are mounted in the wings of the upper frame such that the wiring can be efficiently installed from the rear side. As can be seen from  FIG. 5 , the speaker mount  72  is positioned in the direction of the interior portion of the upper portion  12 . This position allows for ease of assembly of the chair and connection of the speakers.  
         [0060]      FIG. 7  illustrates a swivel  74  that attaches the lower portion  14  of the multimedia chair  10  to the base  16  as well as the wiring path of the speakers and shaking device  39  through the swivel  74 . The swivel  74  attaches to the base  16  through a series fastening holes  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82 . Fastening devices are positioned in the fastening holes  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82  to secure the swivel  74  to the base  16 . Extending from the swivel  74  are a number of bolts  84 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90 , which are used to attach the lower portion  14  of the multimedia chair  10  to the base  16 .  
         [0061]     By fastening the swivel  74  to the lower portion  14 , the chair is positioned on top of the upper swivel plate  92 . The swivel  74  is constructed such that the upper swivel plate  92  is abutting a series of bearings. These bearings allow the swivel plate  74  to turn in a multi-direction configuration.  
         [0062]     In the preferred embodiment, the swivel  74  is constructed such with a hollow base to accommodate the wiring and plugs. These design as prevents crimping and cutting of the wires and plugs. The swivel in this embodiment rotates 90 degrees to the left and 90 degrees to the right. The swivel is also biased such that it returns to the center automatically.  
         [0063]     The swivel  74  also contains a location for the wiring from the first speaker  50 , the second speaker  28  and the shaking device  39  to eventually connect in the base  16 . This swivel opening  94  is located on the swivel plate  74 . In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the swivel  74  can be limited such that it cannot be turned in a complete three hundred and sixty degree circumference.  
         [0064]      FIG. 8  illustrates a control device  88  that can alter the operational performance of the shaking device and the speakers. The control device  88  is attached to the exterior of multimedia chair  10  such that a user of the present invention is able to adjust both the speaker volume as well as the shaking device  39 .  
         [0065]     In the present invention, the control device  88  is located on one side frames  40 ,  42  of the multimedia chair  10  such that is can be accessed easily by the user. To adjust the volume of the speaker, the first actuation switch  90  is adjusted such that the speaker is selected. The second actuation switch  92  is then adjusted to change the volume to the desired position. To adjust the shaking device, the first actuation switch  90  is adjusted such that the shaking device  39  is selected. The second actuation switch  92  is then adjusted to change the vibration level of the shaking device  39 .  
         [0066]     The control device  88  also permits the user to use headphones with the multimedia chair  10 . The control device  88  provides a headphone jack  94  or audio output port that enables the user to plug a compatible headset in the headphone jack. By plugging headphones into the jack  94 , the speakers are automatically placed in a muted position.  
         [0067]      FIG. 9  illustrates the location of the amplifier  96  to the base  16  of the multimedia chair  10  as well as the connection of multiple chairs. In alternate embodiments of the present invention the amplifier  96  may be located in the arms or other location. In most instances, the amplifier  96  will be encapsulated in the frame.  
         [0068]     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amplifier  96  for the multimedia chair  10  is located in the base  16 . The amplifier  96  serves as the central point where all the wires from the speakers and shaking device  39  are connected. The amplifier  96  also serves as the location where the multimedia chair  10  is connected to the multimedia system. In the present invention, the multimedia system can be, but not limited to, a gaming system, a movie system such as a DVD player and a television system. However, the multimedia system can be connected or linked to any system that is capable of providing and audio output.  
         [0069]     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the amplifier  96  or audio receiver is wireless device. By using a wireless device, the cables from the source to the amplifier are eliminated. This would eliminate all exterior cabling and remove clutter for the person using the chair. =p  FIG. 9  also discloses how the amplifier  96  can be connected to multiple chairs. On the exterior of the amplifier  96  are connections for both audio-in  98  and audio-out  100 . To connect a first chair  102  to a second chair  104 , the audio-out connection  100  of the first chair  102  is linked to the audio-in connection  106  of the second chair  104 .  
         [0070]     To make this connection, the chairs  102 ,  104  are linked via a hard wiring. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the linkage between the chairs is accomplished through wireless connection such as through radio frequency. By linking the multiple chairs, the present invention is able to daisy chain multiple multimedia chairs through of single connection to the multimedia system.  
         [0071]      FIG. 10  illustrates how the shaking device  39  is connected to the multimedia chair  10 . The shaking device  39 , a tactile sound transducer in the preferred embodiment, is attached to the underside of the seat pan  108  of the multimedia chair  10 . The shaking device  39  is attached to the seat pan via a  1 / 2  stainless steel bolt  110 . This location of the shaking device  39  permits the shaking device  39  to operate in a more unencumbered manner which permits the shaking device  39  to shake more violently. When shaking or operating, the shaking device  39  action is conducted through the bolt and into the hardwood throughout the chair. This configuration provides that the effects of the shaking device  39  to be felt throughout the chair as opposed to a more confined area and thus providing a more realistic effect to the user.  
         [0072]     The shaking device  39 , in the embodiment, is able to be changed by removing the upper rear portion of the lower potion  14 . By removing the upper rear portion, the shaking device  39  is exposed and able to be disconnected from the lower portion  14  and the power and data source.  
         [0073]     In alternate embodiments, the shaking device  39  may be mounted lower back portion of the chair. The shaking device may also be located in both the lower back and the seat.  
         [0074]     In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the shaking device  39  can be located directly in the seat. In this embodiment, the action of the shaking device  39  is more directly constrained in the seat and less distributed to the remaining frame of the chair.  
         [0075]     In additional embodiments of the present invention, multiple shaking devices  39  can be located in a multitude of locations such as one in the seat and another in the back area of the chair either in an encumbered or unencumbered position. These configurations, like to the preferred embodiment, enable the effects of the shaking device to be felt through the chair instead of a more confined location.  
         [0076]      FIG. 11  illustrates the inclusion of a torsion bar, which enables the upper portion  12  of the chair to be reclined. As can be seen from this figure, the torsion bar  111  is located in the lower portion  14  of the chair. Connecting and extending from the torsion bar are two flanges  112 ,  114 , which are used to connect the upper portion  12  of the chair.  
         [0077]     The torsion bar  111  reacts against twisting motion. Therefore, as the person sits in the chair, this individual is able to recline but overcoming the force of the torsion bar with an the opposite force. Upon exiting from the chair, the counterforce against the chair is removed and the upper portion of the chair is returned to its original position.  
         [0078]      FIG. 12  illustrates a detachable ottoman  116 , which contains two sections, a top section  117 , a bottom section  118  and a base  120  upon which the bottom section is attached. The ottoman  116  serves many purposes such as a place for the user of the multimedia chair  10  to place things such as but not limited to books, games or electronic devices. The ottoman can even serve as a location for the user to rest their feet.  
         [0079]      FIG. 12  illustrates the internal cavity of the ottoman  116 . This figures illustrates that the top section  118  is hingedly attached to the bottom section  120 . By opening the top section  118 , a cavity chamber  122  is revealed. The chamber  122  can be separated into two section by a divider  124 , which like the top section  118  is hingedly attached  
         [0080]     The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.