US20110092294A1

US20110092294A1 - Portable Gaming and Entertainment System

Info

Publication number: US20110092294A1
Application number: US12/581,155
Authority: US
Inventors: Dean Thomas Mercier
Original assignee: G A E M S Inc
Current assignee: G A E M S Inc
Priority date: 2009-10-18
Filing date: 2009-10-18
Publication date: 2011-04-21

Abstract

A portable gaming and entertainment system for use with a game console and related components that allows the user thereof to easily, safely and conveniently transport the system. The system comprises a case having a lid pivotally attached to a base. An insert in both the lid and base define a plurality of compartments. The base has a console compartment that protects the game console, a component tray for storing controllers and game and/or movie disks, a power unit compartment that has a power unit to supply power to the components and a compartment for wires and cables. The lid has a monitor compartment for a monitor and a speaker area having one or more speakers. The lid closes against the base to enclose the game console and other components. When pivoted open, the angle of the lid can be adjusted to change the viewing angle of the monitor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention
The field of the present invention relates generally to gaming and entertainment systems. In particular, the present invention relates to gaming and entertainment systems that are configured for and utilized with audio, visual and networking systems to enhance the gaming or entertainment system. Even more particularly, this invention relates to such gaming and entertainment systems that are configured to be easily portable.
B. Background
Many people enjoy playing games on and otherwise utilizing gaming and entertainment consoles, such as Microsoft's Xbox®, Sony's Play Station 3®, Nintendo's WHO and the like (hereinafter, these and all related gaming and/or entertainment consoles are referred to as a “gaming console”). As is well known in the art, gaming consoles are configured to receive a game or entertainment source device, typically a CD or DVD, and allow the user to play and/or watch the game, movie or other entertainment material on the game console. Most game consoles are adapted to play specially configured games that take advantage of the visual and audio aspects of the particular game console. In addition, most game consoles are also configured to play standard movies, music and other entertainment materials that are available on CDs, DVDs, Blue Ray® and the like. The most commonly utilized game consoles are also configured to allow the user to connect to the Internet or a local area network through a wired or wireless connection, directly or indirectly, so he or she may transmit and receive data, particularly gaming data, with other persons or websites. In one use, the person playing a game on his or her game console can communicate with others, whether located nearby or in a different country, to play games with or against.
Game consoles are typically sold as a unit that includes the console, one or more game playing devices (commonly referred to as controllers) and the various wires and cables that are needed to operate the game console. Although required to utilize the game console and play games on and/or watch movies therewith, game consoles are generally not sold with any video or audio playing devices. Instead, a person wanting to utilize the game console must connect it to a television, monitor or other video device on which the game or movie will be displayed. This is also true for the audio portion of the game console, the person utilizing the game console must feed the audio signal through the video device, such as a television or monitor having speakers attached thereto, connect the game console to one or more external speakers (which is usually preferred by many persons who play games or watch movies) or utilize another audio device to hear the audio portion of the game or movie. Although having to provide and connect the game console to separate video and audio devices in order to utilize the game console may be seen as a disadvantage to some, most people who utilize game consoles prefer such an arrangement so they can connect to video and audio devices of their own choosing, typically selecting the best quality of video and audio devices he or she can afford. One limitation that results from not having video and audio devices fixedly associated with the game console is that playing games or watching movies on the game console requires the user to connect to available and appropriately configured video and audio devices. This limits the portability of game consoles and sharply contrasts their use with laptop and similar portable computing devices, which have a fixedly attached monitor and speakers.
As well known in the art, many people who play games on game consoles are very serious and competitive with their game play. These people are commonly referred to as gamers. With regard to gamers, although they can play games on the game consoles by themselves, meaning competing against the game itself, most prefer to compete against other players while the other person is playing the same game. One way to compete against other players is to play the game over the Internet or other network with each player at his or her own game console controlling their own game (but racing or otherwise competing against the other player(s)). Another way to compete against other players is for the gamers to get together in the same room and utilize the same game console and the same video and audio devices connected to the jointly utilized game console. The advantage of playing games over the Internet or other network is that each player has his or her own video and audio devices, whereas getting together to compete has the social and other advantages of being in the same room while competing against each other.
To facilitate getting together for competitive play, virtually all game consoles have multiple connection ports for multiple controllers, which ports are configured to feed multiple input signals into the game, and the games playable on the game consoles are configured to allow information (e.g., object movement and other control) from each of the multiple controllers. Game consoles facilitate joint play by multiple players in the same room by dividing the visual display into multiple or split screens, one screen for each person, that allows each person to see and control his or her own game play. Most gamers, however, consider the use of split screens to have several important limitations, namely a much smaller visual display of their play (because the screen is split) and the visual distraction which results from having the other player's screens adjacent their own screen. The smaller visual display generally makes it much more difficult for the player to see the graphics provided by the game, which are usually quite extensive and sophisticated (in fact, represent much of the value of the game console and games), and substantially reduces the player's enjoyment of the game. Another problem with split screens is that they allow one player to see the screens of his or her competitors, thereby allowing each player to view the movements or other action in a manner that reduces competitive play.
The various limitations of presently available multiple player game play with split screens could be avoided if each person brought his or her own game console with their own video and audio devices (e.g., a television or monitor with speakers) to the location where the players are getting together to play. This would require each person to transport their television, monitor or other video device to the game location, connect their game console to the video device and setup the game console (i.e., connect the controller and power cords). Generally, however, such requirements are impractical and, as a result, very rarely do players get together in this manner. In fact, most serious gamers utilize video devices that are rather large, somewhat heavy and/or bulky and expensive, making their movement even more impractical. Even when sized such that they would be relatively easy to move, generally there is no practical manner to move the video device with the game console in a manner that reduces the likelihood of damaging the video device. Although there are cases available to safely move a game console between locations, the presently configured cases are neither sized nor configured to move the player's video and audio devices.
What is needed, is an improved system for moving a game console and its associated video and audio components from one location to another to facilitate the player being able to play the game at any location, with or without other players. Such an improved system should allow the player to easily and safely transport his or her game console with a video device and an audio device, whether separate from or incorporated into the video device, so that he or she may play games or watch movies on the game console at virtually any desired location. An improved system for transporting a game console and its associated video/audio devices should be configured to allow the player to play a game or watch a movie on the game console with minimal amount of onsite configuration and/or setup. Preferably, an improved system for transporting a game console and its associated video/audio devices should include the ability to connect the game console to the Internet or other network systems to allow the player to communicated with and compete against other persons playing on their own game console systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The portable gaming and entertainment system of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses a system for allowing a gamer and other game console players to easily, safely and conveniently move a game console and its associated video and audio devices from one location to another. The system of the present invention provides an easily transportable case that houses a game console and a video device in a manner that protects this equipment while being moved and played. In the preferred embodiment, the transportable case also houses one or more separate audio devices, game controllers, games or movies and the various wires and/or cables necessary to utilize the game console for playing games or watching movies. As such, the portable gaming and entertainment system of the present invention allows the user to play games or watch movies on his or her game console at virtually any desired location with a minimum amount of onsite configuration and/or setup. In the preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention is configured to allow the user to connect the game console to the Internet or to a network system so he or she may communicate with and compete against other players on their own game console systems, whether the others are located in the same room or in different countries.
In a primary embodiment of the present invention, the portable gaming and entertainment system generally comprises a case, an insert disposed in the case that defines various compartments for storing and protecting a game console and components used with the game console, a monitor, one or more speakers and a power unit that supplies power to the various components. The case has a base and a lid with a top wall, bottom wall and a plurality of side walls that define an inner chamber of the case in which is stored the game console and various components used with the game console. The insert of the base defines at least a console compartment, a component tray and a power unit compartment and the insert of the lid defines at least a monitor compartment. The console compartment has a support surface that receives and protects the game console. In a preferred embodiment, the support surface is angled upward toward the front of the case to dispose at least a portion of the console face above the insert in the base. The component tray has one or more controller compartments that are each configured to receive one or more game controllers and a slotted game compartment that is configured to receive one or more disks, which have a game or movie thereon, for playing in the game console. The power unit is stored in the power unit compartment and includes an on/off switch that controls the supply of electricity to all of the powered components. The monitor is protected by the monitor compartment. In the preferred embodiment, the monitor is mounted to the lid inside the monitor compartment and pivots with the lid. In an alternative embodiment, the monitor is mounted on a mounting bracket that is pivotally attached to the base. In either embodiment, the monitor is controllably pivots to allow the user to select the desired viewing angle.
In the preferred embodiment, the insert of the base also defines a compartment for storing the wires, cables and other periphery items, including headphones or the like, and the insert of the lid also defines a speaker area that contains one or more speakers. A hinge at the back side of the case can be utilized to interconnect the base and lid and pivot the lid relative to the base. The case can comprise one or more handles for ease in transporting the case from one location to another. In a preferred embodiment, the case has a fixed handle on one side and a telescoping handle on one end with a pair of wheels on the opposite end to roll the case across the floor or other surface. The case also comprises a locking mechanism, such as one or more latches, for locking the case in its closed position and a mounting mechanism for mounting at least the lid on a vertical surface, such as a wall or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting mechanism comprises a cavity in the lid that is received on a post attached to the vertical surface. The system can include a bracket that allows the user to hang the base from the mounted lid with the hinge disconnected so as to separate the base and the lid.
The system of the present invention provides a much safer and easier means for a gamer to utilize a game console in a “community” or network environment with friends and/or family who may be competing against him or her at a game. With the system of the present invention, the gamers will not have to share a television or monitor by utilizing split screen technology, which results in small screens placed side-by-side. Instead, with the system of the present invention, the gamers will each have their own full screen monitor. In addition to gamers, the system of the present invention will allow businesses to provide an all inclusive gaming and multimedia unit for entertaining customers, employees and others in an easy to store package that can be freely moved. If desired, the system could be modified to include a keyboard and other computer functionality. If desired, the system could also be utilized for non-gaming or entertainment purposes, such as technical field service and/or marketing.
Accordingly, the primary aspect of the present invention is to provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that has the advantages discussed above and which overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with presently available systems for transporting and playing games and/or movies on a game console or the like.
It is an important aspect of the present invention to provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that allows the user to easily, safely and conveniently transport a game console and its associated video and audio devices from one location to another for use to play games, watch movies and/or for other entertainment uses.
It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that allows the user to play games or watch movies on his or her game console at virtually any location with a minimum amount of onsite configuration and/or setup.
It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that is configured to allow the user to connect the game console to the Internet or to a network system so he or she may compete against other players utilizing their game console systems no matter where those players are located.
It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that generally comprises an easily transportable case which safely and conveniently houses a game console, video device, one or more audio devices, a pair of game controllers, one or more game or movie disks and the various wires and/or cables necessary to utilize the game console for playing games or watching movies in a manner that protects these components while being moved and played.
It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a portable gaming and entertainment system that is adaptable for a wide variety of different types of game consoles, video devices and audio devices.
The above and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of the above presently described and understood by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable gaming and entertainment system that is configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown with the case thereof in its open position;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 showing the game console removed from the case;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the system of FIG. 1 with the game consoles and a disk stored in the case;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the system of FIG. 1 shown with the case in its closed position;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1 shown with the upper section hanging on a wall mount and the lower section supported by a counter or other horizontal surface;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1 shown with the upper section supported a wall mount located on a wall or other vertical surface and the lower section hanging from the upper section; and

FIG. 8 is a left side view of an alternative embodiment of the system of the present invention showing the monitor pivotally attached to the lower section of the case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed text and drawings are merely illustrative of one or more preferred embodiments and, as such, disclose one or more different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although the figures and description provided herein show a certain game console and configurations for the components of utilized with the game console, those skilled in the art will readily understand that this is merely for purposes of simplifying the present disclosure and that the present invention is not so limited.
A portable gaming and entertainment system that is configured pursuant to one embodiment of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in the figure. The system 10 of the present invention generally comprises a game console 12 disposed in a case 14 which also houses a video device, such as the monitor 16 and one or more audio devices, such as the pair of speakers 18. In a preferred embodiment, the case 14 comprises a lower section or base 20 which houses the game console 12 and an upper section or lid 22 that houses the video device 16 and audio devices 18. As set forth above, the game console 12 can be any one of various commercially available game consoles, including Microsoft's Xbox®, Sony's Play Station 3®, Nintendo's WHO and others. Although game consoles 12 typically allow multiple players with split screens, most gamers and other players do not particularly like playing with split screens due to the small view available on the screens, visual/audio interference from the play of other players, cheating that results from seeing other player's screens and other issues. Presently, the gamers are usually unable to get together in a single room or like environment to play against each other with their own video 16 and audio 18 devices due to the difficulty and impracticability of transporting all of the required components to the meeting place and concerns with damaging one or more of the components, particularly the video 16 device (i.e., a monitor or the like). In addition, it is also well known that it is generally impractical to have sufficient game playing resources (i.e., monitors, speakers, etc.) available at the meeting place so the gamers do not have to transport their components. As set forth in more detail below, the system 10 of the present invention allows gamers and others to easily, safely and conveniently transport their game console 12, monitor 16, speakers 18 and other components to any location, including a meeting place where they can play against other gamers by using the online or network gaming capabilities of the game console 12. In addition, the system 10 of the present invention allows a user to transport the game console 12 and related components to any location for where he or she may want to play games and/or watch movies, with or without joining others.
As shown in the figures, in a preferred embodiment the lid 22 of case 14 is hingedly connected to the base 20 with one or more hinges 24 so the user may move the case 14 between its closed position 26, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and its open position 28, shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 and 6 through 7. The case 14 has a front side 30, a back side 32, a first or left end 34 and a second or right end 36, as best shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. The side walls 38, top wall 40 and bottom wall 42 of the base 20 and lid 22 of case 14 define an inner chamber 44 in which are disposed the game console 12, monitor 16, speakers 18 and other components necessary to play games on or watch movies with game console 12 so that these components may be easily, safely and conveniently moved from one location to another. When case 14 is in its closed position 26, the walls 38, 40 and 42 enclose the game console 12, monitor 16, speakers 18 and other components. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, case 14 can be made out of a wide variety of materials, including aluminum or other metals, various plastic or composite materials, leather and other “soft” materials, which are commonly used for cases. In the preferred embodiment of the system 10 of the present invention, the case 14 is made out of a relatively hard material that is selected for its durability, toughness and being of reasonable weight so case 14 can protect the game console 12, monitor 16, speakers 18 and other components inside the case 14 and, preferably, result in a system 10 that does not weigh so much that it is difficult for a person to move.
The inner chamber 44 of case 14 has a plurality of compartments and mounting apparatuses that receive and secure the game console 12, monitor 16, speakers 18 and other components that are utilized with the game console 12. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner chamber 44 of case 14 has an insert 46 that defines a console compartment 48, a monitor compartment 50, a pair of speaker areas 52, a power unit compartment 54, a component tray 56 and a wire/cable compartment 58. The purpose and configuration of the various compartments and areas are set forth below. In a preferred embodiment, the insert 46, which is also utilized in the speaker area 52, is a vacuuform material that is selected to be able to safely hold and protect the components of system 10 and to dissipate heat from those components which generate heat. Preferably, the side walls 38 of lid 22 of the case 14 are sized larger than the side walls 38 of the base 20 such that the insert 46 in lower section/base 20 of case 14 protrudes above the side walls 38 of base 20 in a manner that provides a sufficient amount of air circulation to satisfy the “breathing” requirements of the game console 12 in order to avoid overheating game console 12. In addition, preferably the console compartment 48 has a support surface 60 that slopes upwardly toward the front side 30 of case 14, as shown in FIG. 2. The upward sloping support surface 60 disposes game console 12 in an upward angled position such that the console face 62 thereof is sufficiently above the level of insert 46, as shown in FIG. 1, to provide the user of system 10 easy access to the controls, plugs and other devices on the console face 62 of game console 12.
In the preferred embodiment of system 10, the game console 12 is removably received inside of console compartment 48 so the user thereof can take it out of case 14 and attach it to a standard (e.g., generally non-movable) television, monitor or other video device at his or her home or other location for playing games or watching movies on game console 12. Preferably, one or more console securing means, such as the two straps 64 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are utilized to secure the game console 12 to support surface 60 inside console compartment 48 to better protect it during movement of case 14. The straps 64 or other securing means should be configured to aid, in conjunction with the insert 46 and any other cushioning material, in buffering shock to game console 12 in the event the case 14 is dropped.
In the preferred embodiment, monitor 16 is secured to lid 22 inside the monitor compartment 50 with a monitor mounting means, not shown, that comprises a shock proof bracket or the like that will reduce the likelihood of damage to monitor 16 from movement of case 14. In a preferred embodiment, the monitor mounting means is configured to securely and safely mount a 19″ or 21″ HDTC or HD LCD monitor 16. Various other sizes and types of monitors 16 can be utilized with the system 10 of the present invention. Preferably, monitor 16 is selected to provide HDTV or like video for the games and/or movies signals from game console 12. The monitor mounting means can be configured to allow the user to remove monitor 16 from lid 22 so that he or she may replace, repair or upgrade the monitor 16 as desired or necessary. The hinge 24 should be of the type that allows the user to selectively adjust the viewing angle of monitor 16 by fixedly adjusting the angle of the lid 22. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge 24 is a spring-loaded hinge that has sufficient resistence to hold the weight of lid 22, which includes monitor 16, speakers 18 and insert 46, at the desired angle (e.g., similar to laptop computers and the like).
As best shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the system 10 of the present invention includes a power unit 66 that is configured as a central power source having a power cord 68 that attaches to a source of power, such as an electrical outlet or the like. Preferably, the various components that require electrical power, such as the game module 12, monitor 16 and speakers 18, plug directly into the power unit 66 and the power unit 66 is plugged into the outlet, thereby eliminating the need for the user to separately plug each of these components into wall outlets or other power sources. Preferably, power unit 66 also comprises an on/off switch 70 that allows the user to power on or turn off the game module 12, monitor 16 and speakers 18 with the on/off switch 70. In a preferred embodiment, power unit 66 also has an extra outlet, shown as 72, in which the user can plug other peripheral devices as desired or needed. A flexible ribbon cable 74 is utilized to deliver power from the power unit 66 to the monitor 16 and speakers 18. In the preferred embodiment of system 10, the power unit 66 also comprises an AV/audio patch panel, not shown but well known in the art, that connects the game module 12 to the monitor 16 and speakers 18.
The component tray 56 of base 20 is utilized to store components which are utilized with the game module 10. In the preferred embodiment, the component tray 56 comprises one or more controller compartments 76, two are shown, that are each configured to receive and store one or more controllers 78, and a game compartment 80 configured to receive and store one or more game disks 82, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In the preferred embodiment, the game compartment 80 comprises a plurality of slots, best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, that are each sized to receive a single game disk 82. Preferably, the user will remove the game disk(s) 82 from their respective disk folders or plastic cases and store just the disk 82 in the slots to reduce the space requirements and the weight of the system 10. The controller compartment 76 and game compartment 80 should be cooperatively configured with the lid 22 so the controllers 78 and game disks 82 are securely retained in their respective compartments when the case 14 is placed in its closed position 26 for moving game controller 12 and its related components.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 22 also includes an A/V panel 84 that contains a variety of audio and visual ports that can be utilized with the game controller 12, monitor 16 and speakers 18 in case 14. For instance, the A/V panel 84 can comprise one or more headphone jacks that are utilized by the player while playing a game or movie on the game controller 12 to avoid noise for persons around him or her who are not playing or to prevent the game play audio from other gamers from interfering with his or her play. The A/V panel 84 can also include HDMI and component ports that can be utilized to connect other peripheral devices to the system 10 of the present invention. As well known in the art, a wide variety of ports or connection devices can be utilized with A/V panel 84 to provide increased functionality for system 10.
The wire/cable compartment 58 can be utilized to store the various wires, cables and the like, shown as 86, that are necessary or useful to connect and/or use the game controller 12, monitor 16 and speakers 18 together or with any other device. The wire/cable compartment 58 can also be utilized to store any other peripheral equipment or devices that the user wants to transport in case 14 with game controller 12.
In a preferred embodiment of the system 10 of the present invention, the case 14 includes a variety of handles, wheels and latches that improve the transportability thereof. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the case 14 has a fixed handle 88 on the front side 30 of lid 22. Fixed handle 88, best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, can be of the type that are commonly utilized with a briefcases, luggage and other carrying devices that facilitate the user transporting case 14.
The fixed handle 88 should be configured to allow the user to move case 14 when in its closed position 26. The embodiment shown in the figures also include a telescoping handle 90 at the right end 36 of case 14 and a pair of wheels 92 at the left end 34 of case 14, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Telescoping handle 90 and wheels 92 are preferably of the type commonly utilized with luggage and which allow the user to extend the handle 90 and pull the case 14 across a floor or other surface with the wheels 92 rolling across the surface. In the preferred embodiment, the telescoping handle 90 collapses inside the base 20 of case 14 and the wheels 92 can fold up into the bottom wall 42 of base 20 so they can be out of the way when not needed and the case 14 can lay with bottom wall 14 flat against a support surface, such as a floor, table or the like. If desired, the wheels 92 can be fixed in their downward position and the opposite end, such as the right end 36, can be provided with one or more support posts (not shown) that support the right end 36 of case 14 in a manner that results in the base 20 thereof being substantially level when placed on a substantially level floor, table or other surface. To secure the lid 22 to the base 20 when case 14 is moved from one location to another, the case preferably comprises a locking means that locks the lid 22 and base 20 together in the closed position 26 of case 14. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprises one or more latches 94, such as the pair shown best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5. The locking means should be of the type that securely locks the lid 22 and base 20 together so the user will not have to be concerned with accidental opening of case 14 during movement thereof.
In one embodiment of the system 10 of the present invention, the case 14 comprises a means for mounting at least the lid 22 on a vertical surface, such as a wall 100, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting means comprises a post-receiving cavity 96 in the top wall 40 of lid 22 that is sized and configured to securely receive a mounting post 98 that can be mounted on the vertical surface 100 (i.e., wall). In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the post 98 is received inside the cavity 96 such that lid 22 is mounted in a generally upright position on wall 100 with the bottom wall 42 of base 20 supported on a table, counter or like surface, shown as 102. If desired, the top wall 40 of lid 22 can include a sliding or pivoting door-like cover, not shown, that covers cavity 96 when it is not needed to support lid 22 on the vertical surface 100. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment where the entire case 14 is suspended on post 98, which is received inside of cavity 96. In this embodiment, the hinge 24 is configured such that the base 20 can be disconnected from the lid 22 at hinge 24 so the base 20 may hang against wall 100. A separate supporting bracket, shown as 104, is used to interconnect the base 20 and lid 22 such that base 20 is suspended from lid 22 and, in turn, supported on post 98. In either embodiment, the cavity 96 and post 98 must be configured to support the weight of the system 10, including game console 12, case 14, monitor 16, speakers 18 and all other components thereof. Various cavity 96 and post 98 combinations suitable for accomplishing the above are well known in the art. In use, the user would disconnect the base 20 from the lid 22 at hinge 24, connect supporting bracket 104 to the base 20 and lid 22 and then place cavity 96 over a previously provided post 98 to engage the cavity 96 with post 98.
An alternative embodiment of the system 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the monitor 16 is pivotally attached to the base 20 of the case 14 behind the game console 12 utilizing a pivoting monitor mounting bracket 106 that extends upward from the base 20. The mounting bracket 106 is configured to allow the user to tilt the monitor 16 as necessary to obtain the best or preferred viewing angle when case 14 is in its open position 28, as shown, and to lower the monitor 16 down towards the game console 12 to place case 14 in its closed position 26. Preferably, the mounting bracket 106 is configured to place the monitor 16 slightly above the game console 12 so as to not damage the monitor 16 during movement of case 14 or a cushioning material or device is positioned between the monitor 16 and the game console 12 to prevent any scratches or other damage to monitor 16. Such materials and devices are well known in the art.
Various modifications can be made to the system 10 of the present invention. For instance, the various compartments defined by the insert 46 inside the case 14 can be modified to be different sizes and shapes than those shown in the figures. Console compartment 48 can be configured to receive and protect different sizes and configurations of game console 12. In one embodiment, the console compartment 48 is sized for a specific model of game console 12. In another embodiment, the console compartment 48 is adjustable in size to fit different models of game console 12 so that a single model of case 14 can fit a variety of game consoles 12. If desired, the speakers 18 can be located in the base 20 instead of or in addition to being located in the lid 22. If located in base 20, the speakers 18 can be pivotally mounted therein so the user can tilt them forward toward him or her when playing a game or movie on game console 12 to better direct the sound to him or her. The walls 38, 40 and 42 of case 14 can be shaped in configuration desired by the manufacturer of system 10 and be made of one or more materials, including hard or soft shell materials. The front side 30 and/or back side 32 can have front or rear, respectively, panel access doors that allow the user to access the bottom of base 20 below game console 12 and/or the back of lid 22 behind monitor 16 and speakers 18 as may be necessary for or desired by the user of system 10. If the game console 12 does not have WiFi or other Internet or networking capability, the necessary equipment to connect to the Internet or other networks can be included in the case 14 so the user can access the Internet or join others on a network for competitive play.
In use, the case 14 will typically be supplied to the user without the game console 12 so that he or she may utilize his or her own game console 12 and upgrade or replace it as desired. The case 14 can be supplied with the monitor 16 and/or the speakers 18 already installed or the user can also supply these components. When the user desires to move his or her game console 12 to a different location for single or group play, he or she places the game console 12 on the support surface 60 with the console face 62 facing toward the front side 30 and secures the game console 12 to the base 20 with straps 64 and/or other securing means. The controllers 78 are placed in the controller compartments 76 and the games disks 82, which may be CDs, DVDs, Blue Ray or the like having a game or movie thereon, are placed in the slotted game compartments 80. The various wires/cables 86 necessary to play or beneficially play game console 12 are placed in the wire/cable compartment 58. Any headphones or other devices may also be placed in the wire/cable compartment 58. Once loaded, the user pivots lid 22 downward against the base 20 and engages the locking means, such as latches 94, to lock the case 14 in its closed position 26. The user then can move the case 14, having all of the components therein, by using the fixed handle 88 to carry case 14 or by pulling out the telescoping handle 90 and rolling case 14 on the wheels 92. When the user gets to his or her desired location, he or she only has to disengage the locking means 94, fold up the lid 22 to the desired viewing angle for to view monitor 16, attach the power cord 68 to the power unit 66 (if not already connected), plug the power cord 68 into an outlet, connect the controllers 78 and any other necessary wires/cables for the game console 12, turn on all the powered components with the on/off switch 70 on the power unit 66 and insert the desired game disk 82 into the game console 12. The user will have his or her own game console 12, monitor 16 and speakers 18 to play the game or watch a movie.
While there are shown and described herein a specific form of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape and use. For instance, there are numerous components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable gaming and entertainment system, comprising:

a case having a base and a lid with a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls defining an inner chamber of said case;

an insert disposed inside each of said base and said lid, said insert of said base defining at least a console compartment, a component tray and a power unit compartment, said insert of said lid defining at least a monitor compartment, said console compartment configured to receive and protect a game console on a support surface thereof, said component tray configured to receive one or more controllers and/or one or more game disks, said monitor compartment configured to protect a monitor; and

a power unit in said power unit compartment, said power unit electrically connected to at least said game console and said monitor.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said insert of said lid further defines a speaker area having one or more speakers, said speakers operatively connected to said game console.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said speakers are electrically connected to said power unit.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a hinge interconnecting said base and said lid, said hinge configured to pivot said lid relative to said base to dispose said case in an open position.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said hinge is configured to support said lid so as to dispose said monitor towards a front side of said case and angle said lid for beneficial viewing of said monitor.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said support surface is angled upwardly towards a front side of said case so as to dispose a console face of said game console at least partially above said insert in said base.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said case further comprises a fixed handle on at least one of said base and said lid.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said case further comprises a telescoping handle and one or more wheels on at least one of said base and said lid.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said component tray comprises one or more controller compartments and one or more game compartments, each of said controller compartments configured to removably receive one or more of said controllers and each of said game compartments configured to removably receive one or more of said game disks.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said case further comprises a locking means for locking said case in a closed position.

11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a mounting means associated with said lid of said case for mounting at least said lid on a vertical surface.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said mounting means comprises a post-receiving cavity in said lid and a post mounted on said vertical surface, said cavity configured to receive said post and support at least said lid of said case on said post.

13. A portable gaming and entertainment system, comprising:

a hinge interconnecting said base and said lid, said hinge configured to pivot said lid relative to said base to dispose said case in an open position;

an insert disposed inside each of said base and said lid, said insert of said base defining at least a console compartment, a component tray and a power unit compartment, said insert of said lid defining at least a monitor compartment and a speaker area, said console compartment configured to receive and protect a game console on a support surface thereof, said component tray having at least a controller compartment configured to receive one or more controllers, said monitor compartment configured to protect a monitor, said speaker area having one or more speakers; and

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said hinge is configured to support said lid so as to dispose said monitor towards a front side of said case and angle said lid for beneficial viewing of said monitor.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein said support surface is angled upwardly towards a front side of said case so as to dispose a console face of said game console at least partially above said insert in said base.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein said monitor is attached to a monitor mounting bracket interconnecting said monitor and said base, said bracket configured to pivot said monitor upward for viewing and downward for transporting said case.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein said case further comprises a locking means for locking said case in a closed position.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein said case further comprises a post-receiving cavity configured to receive a post mounted on a vertical surface and support at least said lid of said case on said post.

19. A portable gaming and entertainment system, comprising:

one or more handles on at least one of said base and said lid of said case;

means interconnecting said base and said lid for locking said case in a closed position;

an insert disposed inside each of said base and said lid, said insert of said base defining at least a console compartment, a component tray and a power unit compartment, said insert of said lid defining at least a monitor compartment and a speaker area, said console compartment configured to receive and protect a game console on an angled support surface thereof, said component tray having at least a controller compartment configured to receive one or more controllers and a game compartment to receive one or more game disks, said monitor compartment configured to receive and protect a monitor, said speaker area having one or more speakers;

a hinge interconnecting said base and said lid, said hinge configured to pivot said lid relative to said base to dispose said case in an open position and to support said lid so as to dispose said monitor towards a front side of said case and angle said lid for viewing said monitor; and

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said case further comprises a post-receiving cavity configured to receive a post mounted on a vertical surface and support at least said lid of said case on said post.