U.S. Pat. No. 8,535,166

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a stylized support stand and accessory holder for an electronic (e.g., video) game console, typically having an overall shape of an insect or other animal. The support base raises a gaming console above the floor to minimize intake of dust and other debris while providing one or more fans to improve air circulation within the game console. Recharge stations are provided for controllers. An internal circuit breaker is used to protect multiple accessory outlets on the body of the support base. The support base is designed to be decorative and whimsical, but practical. The base supplies electrical power and cooling air, and recharging power for controllers or accessories, as well as electrical power for accessories. All supplied power is protected by a built-in circuit breaker. Physical storage for controllers or other accessories is also provided.

Referring first toFIGS. 1-5, there are shown front, left side, and rear elevational, and top and bottom plan, pictorial schematic views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a stylized support stand in accordance with the present invention, generally at reference number100.

Stylized support stand100has a central base102adapted to receive and support a bottom surface, not shown, of an electronic game console150. Electronic game console150forms no part of the present invention and is included merely to better illustrate the intended use and environment of stylized support stand100. As used herein, the term electronic game or gaming console is intended to represent any similar piece of electrical equipment that may be advantageously supported on stylized support stand100.

Base102is supported on and elevated above a horizontal support surface such as a floor by six support legs104a, . . . ,104f, legs104a, . . . ,104cbeing disposed on a left side of base102, and legs104d, . . . ,104fbeing disposed on a right side of base102. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, support legs104a, . . . ,104fare articulated and stylized to resemble the legs of a spider. Webs108are attached between legs104a, . . . ,104cand between legs104d, . . . ,104fon respective right and left sides of stylized support base100. Of course in other embodiments, more or fewer legs may be used, eight being realistic for arachnids, for example, six being realistic for insects.

Two additional leg-like structures106a,106bproject from a front edge of base102and act as controller chargers or may, optionally, perform other holding or storage functions. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, controllers110a,110bare shown at the distal ends of leg-like structures106a,106b, respectively. Controllers110a,110bform no part of the present invention and are illustrated merely to better show the function and/or intended operating environment of stylized support base100.

A head-like structure112is also attached to a front edge of base102. Eyes114are disposed on the right and left side of head-like structure112. Eyes114are typically implemented using LEDs116and serve merely decorative purposes. However, in alternate embodiments, LEDs116could be used to indicate a predetermined condition or status.

Fangs118a,118bat the proximal end of head-like structure112are switches. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, switches118a,118bserve as power and fan switches, respectively. It will be recognized, however, that the assignment of power and fan switching may be reversed. In still other embodiments, other functions may be assigned to switches118a,118b. Also, fewer or more switches may readily be implemented. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to a particular function assigned to one or both of switches118a,118bor to the number switches implemented.

A web-like structure120, best seen inFIG. 2, forms a side wall to steady and secure electronic game console150.

Referring now also toFIG. 6, there is shown a simplified electric block diagram of stylized support base100, generally at reference number140.

A circuit board126is utilized to interconnect all electrical components and sub-systems of stylized support base100. Fang switches118a,118b, LEDs116forming eyes114, controller chargers for controllers110a,110b, and fans112a,112bare all operatively connected to circuit board126. Likewise, outlets124a, . . . ,124dare connected to circuit board126, typically on a pluggable adapter128adapted for removable attachment to base102of stylized support base100.

While a spider has been chosen as an overall shape for stylized support base100, it will be recognized that many other possibilities exist. For example,FIG. 7adepicts a cricket-like shape whileFIG. 7bdepicts a snake-like configuration. Further, the design and functional elements of stylized support base100may be extended to a multitude of other shapes. A few examples include: a piece of furniture, a vehicle, a plant, an appliance, a historic structure, a cultural or religious icon, etc. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to any particular overall appearance. Rather, the invention is intended to encompass any overall appearance.

It will further be recognized that additional features may be added to stylized support base100.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.