U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,747

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1is a presently preferred embodiment of a video game controller rack10ain accordance with the present invention.FIG. 2illustrates another embodiment of a video game controller rack10in accordance with the present invention. The game controller rack of the present invention may be made of any suitable material including plastic, wood, aluminum, other metals and other rigid materials.FIG. 1is preferably at present molded from plastic.FIG. 2at present is preferably made from wood. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of cantilever angle members or posts11ainFIGS. 1 and 11inFIG. 2are fixed in pairs to vertical member or video game controller base15ainFIGS. 1 and 15inFIG. 2to create a cradle in which to securely store video game controllers.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the cradle positions may be provided with indicia16such as numerals1-4indicated therein for indicating the video game controller space.

The vertical member or game controller base15/15ais provided with support means for supporting the vertical member15/15ain a vertical position. This support means may be screw or other fastener holes18and20for securing the vertical member15/15ato a vertical surface such as a wall or it may be provided with a mounting base to hold vertical member15/15ain a vertical position.

In all embodiments, a pair of cantilever angle members in conjunction with a portion of the vertical or base member of the game controller rack creates a cradle for a game controller. Referring specifically toFIG. 1, the pair of cantilever angle members11afixably attached to vertical member15acreate a cradle for a game controller (not shown inFIG. 1). A game controller cradle on the upper pair of cantilever vertical members is illustrated inFIG. 4in dotted outline30.

The cantilever angle members of each pair of cantilever angle members are spaced a predetermined distance apart. This distance center to center is illustrated as HS for horizonal spacing inFIG. 2. This center to center spacing is the same for all embodiments and is preferably approximately 1½ inches center to center. Referring to the side view ofFIG. 2shown inFIG. 3, there is a vertical spacing indicated as VS between cantilever angle members11. This distance is preferably at least approximately 2½ inches to enable sufficient space for the game controller to be positioned in its cradle.FIG. 3also indicates a vertical angle of cantilever angle members11by the angle VA which is an angle formed between the cantilever angle member of post11and a perpendicular or normal line to vertical member15. This angle is preferably approximately 27 degrees to approximately 33 degrees. In a presently preferred embodiment, the angle is 30 degrees. In the plastic molded embodiments, such as the embodiment ofFIG. 1, this angle would be the angle formed between a perpendicular or normal to vertical member15aand the upper surface of cantilever angle members11a. As illustrated inFIG. 1, cantilever angle members11ainFIG. 1may be provided with a taper to provide additional strength and may be provided with recesses to reduce the amount of plastic required in the molding process. Cantilever angle members11and11aare also angled outwardly from a line perpendicular or normal to the vertical member15as shown in top of plan view ofFIG. 2as illustrated inFIG. 5. The outward angle of cantilever angle members11and11afrom a line perpendicular to the vertical member illustrated as LA for lateral angle is between 18 and 22 degrees, in a presently preferred embodiment is 20 degrees. All of the cantilever angle members11aand11of the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 and 2are provided with these angles and spacings. Also, the cantilever angle members11b,11c,11dand11eof the other embodiments are arranged with the same spacing and angles to create the cradle for the game controllers. Although the pairs of cantilever angle members are shown inFIGS. 1 and 2as being spaced vertically, it is understood that they may be spaced laterally on a base member or vertical member to create a pattern of storing game controllers which are side by side rather than vertically one above the other. Such arrangement would have the same angles in spacing as just described.

Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 4a, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention wherein universal serial bus (USB) ports are provided, one for each game controller. As described with respect to the previous embodiment, the cantilever angle members or posts11bare mounted to vertical member or base15b. These are provided with USB ports22, one for each game controller position. USB ports22are provided with power for charging game controllers, such as game controller30, from a power supply24via jack26.

FIG. 4ais a rear view or back view of the embodiment ofFIG. 4and illustrates the housing structure32of USB ports which are connected via wire or cable34to power input jack, the rear thereof which is shown at36.FIG. 4aalso shows ribbing28which is provided for rigidity to the vertical member structure such as15a,15b,15c,15dand15e.

Referring now toFIG. 7, there is shown one of the cantilever angle members or posts11abeing inserted into opening into which resilient snap or interlocking retainer mechanism42is being inserted to fixably attach cantilever angle member11ato vertical member15a. Resilient snaps or interlocking retainer mechanism42are also illustrated inFIG. 4aat42b. Holes18aand20aformed in vertical member15aare adapted to receive fasteners, such as screws, for securing the vertical member15ato a structure. Other interlocking retainer means may be utilized to secure cantilever angle members11a,11b,11c,11dand11eto vertical members15a,15b,15c,15dand15e, respectively, including but not limited to friction or an adhesive or other bonding substance.

Referring now toFIGS. 6,6a,6bandFIG. 8, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention wherein a second game controller rack is provided or the rack ofFIG. 1is bifurcated into two vertical sections. In other words, a game controller rack similar toFIG. 1may be bifurcated into a first vertical member15cand a second vertical member15d. This is best illustrated inFIG. 8wherein two sections are shown wherein they may be connected together by a dovetail which only goes together in one direction. The dovetail is shown at50and52. As may be seen inFIG. 8, the female section, dovetail50, has a tapered side and a matching tapered side on the male portion of dovetail52such that they may be connected together in only one manner. Putting them together, the two sections may be secured to a vertical surface by fasteners60,62,64and66with15cabove vertical member15dto form a structure similar to that shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, they may be mounted side by side or in any other manner as illustrated inFIG. 8.

The embodiment ofFIGS. 6,6a,6bandFIG. 8may be mounted over a console as shown inFIGS. 6,6aand6b. The video game controller racks10cand10dmay be mounted over a video console44by means of strap70. Strap70fits into inserts, channels or openings54and56. Strap70has holes72through which ball headed pins58and68are pressed to mount vertical members15cand15dto strap70. Other suitable means may be utilized to attach strap70to vertical member15cand15d.

Referring now toFIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown another embodiment of a video game controller rack10ehaving a vertical member15eand cantilever angle members11espaced and angle as described previously. The embodiment ofFIGS. 9 and 10contains a network card80mounted in the back of vertical member15e. Network card80is connected via cables82and84to USB ports90,92,94and96. USB cables to be connected into ports90,92,94and96an connected to game controllers placed on game controller rack10e. Network card80may receive power via jack98. Network card80may be a wireless network card or it may be a wire card connected to other devices or networks via the optional port100. Network card80and its associated USB ports may be used both for communication and for charging the game controllers. The game controllers via the network card may communicate with a secondary network, a personal computer, a game console or other device.

The video game controller rack10can be utilized to securely store game controllers for Microsoft's X-Box and X-Box 360 game consoles. In addition, Sony's PlayStation®, PlayStation 2® and possibly the pending PlayStation 3® controllers can also be securely stored. The Nintendo Gamecube® and possibly the anticipated Nintendo Revolution® controllers can also be securely stored. It is quite possible that the present invention can be utilized with many game controllers.

In preferred embodiments the video game controller rack10,10a,10b,10c,10dand10eassembled by a gamer by affixing an interlocking pair of the plurality of cantilever posts11,11a,11b,11c,11dand lie into the video game controller rack15,15a,15b,15c,15dand15e. The embodiments permit the present invention to be efficiently shipped as a flat pack item to save on shipping costs. The savings can be seen when the present invention is shipped by the manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer.

In another embodiment, video game controller rack10can be rotated to a horizontal position and the pairs of plurality of cantilever posts11are affixed at a 90 degree angle from the above embodiments permitting a new game controller mounting pattern.

In yet another embodiment, the weight of the actual game console would support a first bottom piece which is attached in a cantilever fashion permitting the video game controller rack10to be suspended over or near the game console. Furthermore, the cantilever arm could be replaced by a plurality of support members which would support the game controller rack.

In another embodiment the materials used in fabrication of the video game controller rack10,10a,10b,10c,10dand10ecan be plastic, wood or metal permitting the video game controller rack10,10a,10b,10c,10dand10eto be suitable for the gamers' chosen décor. An advantage of plastic is that it can be easily created by an injection molding system. The wooden version can be finished in a plethora of stains or glosses to match other pieces of furniture in the gamers' gaming room. The metal version can also be made from a plethora of materials which produces a variety of finishes. Additionally, the metal version can be anodized or plated to again produce the variety of finishes.

In another embodiment shown inFIGS. 4 and 4A, the cradle formed by the plurality of cantilever posts11bhas a universal serial bus (USB) adapter. The USB adapter connects to the game controller allowing the game controller rack10bto recharge a wireless game controller. This embodiment also allows USB communication between a game controller and the game controller rack10b. For example, the game console can extract the status of the battery of the game controller through the game controller rack10bas the game controller rack10bcharges the game controller. In addition, the game controller rack10bcan be utilized with personal computers, running Microsoft Windows, Apple O/S (Operating System), Linux or any personal computer operating system.

In another embodiment shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the present invention can be utilized as a network hub which attaches a wireless or wired game controller with a network. This allows a personal computer or any network machine to obtain a status of the game controller. The network can also be utilized as a communication link between the game controller and the gaming machine.

In yet another embodiment, the above mentioned USB is replaced with an appropriate power plug which matches the power plug requirements of the game controller. The appropriate power plug may also have a communication system to be utilized to converse with the game controller and another machine.

An additional embodiment shown inFIGS. 6,6A and6B has the game controller storage rack ofFIG. 1bifurcated readily into two distinct sections along the horizontal axis. A new element, such as a strap is added to join the two sections to create a “saddle bag” type device. The new element or strap is placed directly on the game console. The strap can be made out of a flexible material such as nylon or a hard plastic. The hard plastic strap can be form shaped to cover a specific game console.

In accordance with the method of the present invention, there is provided a method of storing game controllers which includes the steps of providing a game controller rack10,10a,10b,10c,10dor10eas shown and described and placing at least one game controller on the game controller rack. In this manner, the game controller may be stored safely and securely out of the way and in a safe place. The game controller is cradled between the cantilever angle members and the vertical member.

Further, in accordance with the method of the present invention, a game controller stored on the game controller rack may be connected to a power connector for charging the game controller and charging the game controller while it is stored on the game controller rack.

Further, in accordance with the method of the present invention, the method may include the step of connecting the game controller to a network connection on the vertical connection of the game controller rack and causing the game controller to communicate with a secondary network.

Further, in accordance with the method of the present invention, the method may include the steps of providing the game controller rack with a network communication device and causing the game controller to communicate via a wireless network transceiver with a secondary network.

It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the present invention are not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of any limitation.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.