US20110247528A1

US20110247528A1 - Portable entertainment unit

Info

Publication number: US20110247528A1
Application number: US12/918,851
Authority: US
Inventors: Timothy L. Walker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-26
Filing date: 2009-02-26
Publication date: 2011-10-13
Also published as: WO2009108746A2; WO2009108746A3

Abstract

An entertainment unit includes a body having a frame structure, the frame structure having a plurality of substantially flat base portions for engaging a support surface. The entertainment stand further includes a first support structure for supporting at least one equipment and a second support structure for providing an area for at least one user to stand on at a level above the support surface. The first support structure is situated at a plane above the second support structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority from, and incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/031,655, filed on Feb. 26, 2008.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to entertainment units and, in particular, to a self-contained portable entertainment unit for supporting at least one equipment and providing a platform for at least one user to sit or stand on in order to access the equipment.

BACKGROUND

Stands for supporting entertainment equipment are commonly used by entertainers such as, for example, disc jockeys (D.J.s) to hold and support musical equipment and accessories. Many commercially available entertainment stands are rather complex and cumbersome. The complex nature of such stands requires the use of tools and other instruments to set up and/or assemble the stands, thus requiring the entertainers to haul the tools along with their instruments. Extra tools mean extra bulk and weight, making one's movement from performance to performance more time-consuming and frustrating. Losing a tool needed to assemble the stand may result in obstacles during the assembly process. Conventional stands tend to be bulky and non-collapsible, resulting in the stands being difficult to store and transport, while other conventional stands require substantial adjustment before use.
D.J.s and other users of such stands wish to be able to organize the entertainment equipment in a way that they can be easily accessed and are within reach of the user. The entertainment equipment may be, for example, speakers, microphones, fog machines, headphones, and the like. It is desirable to have a platform that permits the user to position themselves close enough to the entertainment equipment. Additionally, it is desirable to have a platform that positions the user at an elevated level above a support surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An entertainment unit includes a body having a frame structure, the frame structure having a plurality of substantially flat base portions for engaging a support surface. The entertainment stand further includes a first support structure for supporting at least one equipment and a second support structure for providing an area for at least one user to stand on at a level above the support surface. The first support structure is situated at a plane above the second support structure.
An entertainment unit includes a body having a frame structure, the frame structure having a plurality of substantially flat base portions for engaging a support surface. The entertainment stand further includes a first support structure for supporting at least one equipment, a second support structure for providing an area for at least one user to stand on at a level above the support surface, and a plurality of wheels. The plurality of wheels are not in contact with the support surface when the plurality of substantially flat base portions are engaging the support surface

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of various embodiments of the invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable entertainment unit according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a portable entertainment unit according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a portable entertainment unit according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a portable entertainment unit according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a portable entertainment unit according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portable entertainment unit according to an alternate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The above summary of the invention is intended to represent exemplary embodiments of the invention.
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-5 thereof, a novel portable entertainment unit embodying the principles and concepts of the invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 100 will be described. While the embodiments described herein are intended as an exemplary portable entertainment unit 100 for use by entertainers such as, for example, D.J.s, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited for use by entertainers, and may be used by individuals for presentations, lectures, and the like.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, perspective and front views of a portable entertainment unit 100 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described in detail. The portable entertainment unit 100 includes a substantially dolly-shaped body 101. For exemplary purposes, a substantially dolly-shaped body 101 is illustrated; however, in other embodiments of the invention, the body 101 may be other shapes such as, for example, square, rectangle, trapezoid, and the like. The body 101 of the portable entertainment unit 100 includes a hollow housing operable to provide a storage area for various components of the portable entertainment unit 100.
The body 101 comprises a frame structure 102. The frame structure 102 includes a plurality of substantially flat base portions 104. For exemplary purposes, only one substantially flat base portion 104 is illustrated in FIG. 1; however, an identical substantially flat base portion 104 is disposed (illustrated in FIG. 4) opposite the substantially flat base portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1. A plurality of substantially flat support members 106, 107 extend outwardly from opposite ends of front sides of the plurality of substantially flat base portions 104. The plurality of substantially flat base portions 104 and the plurality of support members 106, 107 are operable to engage a support surface. In a typical embodiment, the support surface may be, for example, a concrete floor, a wooden deck, a concrete patio, and the like. The body 101 further includes a front surface 108, left and right side surfaces 110, a horizontal surface 132, and a bottom surface (not explicitly shown). In a typical embodiment, the body 101 comprising the frame structure 102, the front surface 108, left and right side surfaces 110, the horizontal surface 132, and the bottom surface is made of a material which is light weight, malleable, sturdy, and cost-efficient such as, for example, aluminum.
The portable entertainment unit 100 further includes a plurality of wheels 112 and 114. In a typical embodiment, the plurality of wheels 112, 114 are rotatably secured to ends of a conventionally secured axle 134. The wheels 112, 114 facilitate moving the portable entertainment unit 100 from one location to another. The portable entertainment unit 100 further includes a plurality of support structures 116 and 118. In a typical embodiment, the body 101 and the plurality of support structures 116, 118 are made of a material which is light weight, malleable, sturdy, and cost-efficient such as, for example, aluminum.
In a typical embodiment, a first support structure 116 is operable to support at least one equipment. The at least one equipment may be, for example, a speaker, a microphone, a fog-machine, a laptop computer, a computer monitor, a projector and any other equipment required by a user of the portable entertainment unit 100. In a typical embodiment, the user of the portable entertainment unit 100 may be, for example, a disc jockey (D.J), a public speaker, a professor, and the like. For exemplary purposes, a substantially rectangular shaped first support structure 116 is illustrated; however, in other embodiments of the invention, the first support structure 116 may be other shapes such as, for example, square, circle, trapezoid, octagon, oval, and the like. The first support structure 116 includes a top surface 117. In a typical embodiment, the top surface 117 of the first support structure 116 is made of, for example, non-slip material to improve traction for the equipment. In a typical embodiment, the top surface 117 comprises non-slip material such as, for example, silicone, natural or synthetic rubber, or the like.
The first support structure 116 further includes a plurality of openings 126, 128, and 130. The plurality of openings 126, 130 are operable to receive a plurality of support arms 202, 204, respectively. In a typical embodiment, the plurality of openings 126, 130 are releasably attachable to the plurality of support arms 202, 204. The support arms 202, 204 are mounted in a vertical orientation with respect to the horizontal surface 132 of the body 101. The first support structure 116 is rigidly and securely affixed to the plurality of support arms 202, 204, providing a stable, secure, and safe surface to support the at least one equipment.
The plurality of support arms 202, 204 further include a height adjustment mechanism such as, for example, a vertical track, height adjustable holes or any other height adjustment mechanism (illustrated in FIG. 3) operable to adjust a height of the first support structure 116. The opening 128 is operable to receive at least one accessory. The at least one accessory may be, for example, a flash light for illumination purposes. For exemplary purposes, only three openings 126, 128, 130 are disclosed; however, in other embodiments of the invention, any number of openings may be present on the first support structure 116 for receiving multiple accessories. In alternate embodiments, the plurality of openings may be present on any location on the portable entertainment unit 100 such as, for example, the frame structure 102, the front surface 108, left and right side surfaces 110, the horizontal surface 132, and the bottom surface. In a typical embodiment, the portable entertainment unit includes an electrical outlet 124 on the left side surface 110. However, in alternate embodiments, a plurality of electrical outlets 124 may be present on any location of the body 101 as required.
The portable entertainment unit 100 further includes a second support structure 118. In a typical embodiment, the second support structure 118 includes an elevated platform operable to allow the user to sit or stand on in order to conveniently access the at least one equipment placed on the first support structure 116. For exemplary purposes, a substantially rectangular shaped second support structure 118 is illustrated; however, in other embodiments of the invention, the second support structure 118 may be other shapes such as, for example, square, circle, trapezoid, octagon, oval, and any other shape required by the user. In a typical embodiment, a top surface 119 of the second support structure 118 is made of, for example, a non-slip material to improve traction of the user when standing on the top surface 119 of the second support structure 118. In a typical embodiment, the top surface 119 comprises non-slip material such as, for example, silicone, natural or synthetic rubber, or the like.
In a typical embodiment, the elevated platform of the second support structure 118 is supported by a plurality of support legs 120, 122 along a first edge 136. The plurality of support legs 120, 122 further include a plurality of stability members 124, 125 attached to a bottom surface of the plurality of support legs 120, 122. In a typical embodiment, the plurality of stability members 124, 125 are made of a non-slip material and possess sufficient surface contact area to adequately grip the support surfaces to avoid slippage of the portable entertainment unit 100. The plurality of stability members 124, 125 also are capable of frictionally adhering to the support surface with sufficient drag or gripping ability to prevent sliding or slipping of the portable entertainment unit 100. In a typical embodiment, the plurality of stability members 124, 125 are molded with a flexible material, such as plastics, polyolefines e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene, silicone, vinyls, or natural or synthetic rubber.
The elevated platform of the second support structure 118 is further supported by a plurality of support feet 138, 140 along a second edge 142. In a typical embodiment, the plurality of support feet 138, 140 are releaseably connected to a pair of receptacles (not explicitly shown) along interior sides of the left and right surfaces 110 of the body 101 for conveniently sliding the elevated platform of the second support structure 118 within the hollow housing for storage. In other embodiments, the plurality of support feet 138, 140 may include hinges (not explicitly shown) for allowing the elevated platform of the second support structure 118 to be readily and conveniently folded within the hollow housing for storage. In other alternate embodiments, the plurality of support feet 138, 140 may be replaced by pantograph linkages (not explicitly shown) for allowing the elevated platform of the second support structure 118 to be readily and conveniently stored within the hollow housing.
The second support structure 118 is rigidly and securely affixed to the plurality of support legs 120, 122 along the first edge 136 and to the plurality of support feet 138, 140 along the second edge 142, providing a stable, secure, and safe platform to elevate the user above the support surface. In a typical embodiment, the height of the second support structure 118 is preferably in the range of approximately 12 to 18 inches above the support surface allowing users to be boosted to a position where they enjoy a suitable elevated view. In a typical embodiment, entertainers such as, for example, D.J.s standing on the second support structure 118 during a performance will find themselves at an elevated position from other individuals on the support surface.
The first support structure 116 is situated above the second support structure 118. In a typical embodiment, the first support structure 116 is situated at a plane above the second support structure 118, such that the first support structure 116 can serve to support the at least one equipment, while the second support structure 118 can serve as a platform for the user to sit or stand on. In a typical embodiment, the first and second support structures 116, 118 are situated relative to one another in a manner that permits the user to sit or stand on the second support structure 118 allowing the user to be boosted to a position where they enjoy a suitable elevated view above the support surface, while conveniently being able to access the at least one equipment situated on the first support structure 116.
In a typical embodiment, the frame structure 102 forming the body 101 of the portable entertainment unit 100 is hollow. The hollow frame structure 102 is operable to allow wires and cables to pass therethrough providing an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment. In a typical embodiment, the wires and cables may include, for example, power cords, audio/video cords and other specialized speaker cables or other communication cables such as, for example, audio cables, video cables, alternating current cables, direct current cables, or low voltage electrical connections cables, and the like.
FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a portable entertainment unit 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of support arms 202, 204 for releasably receiving a first support structure 116. The plurality of support arms 202, 204 are mounted in a vertical orientation with respect to a horizontal surface 132 of the portable entertainment unit 100. The first support structure 116 is rigidly and securely affixed to the plurality of support arms 202, 204, providing a stable, secure, and safe surface to support the at least one equipment. FIG. 3 further illustrates a height adjustment mechanism 302. In a typical embodiment, the height adjustable mechanism 302 may be, for example, a vertical track 302 extending longitudinally along an interior portion of the left and right surfaces 110. The vertical track 302 include's a plurality of pins (not explicitly shown) operable to engage, at a desired height, at least one of a plurality of height adjustment holes 402 (FIG. 4) present on the plurality of support arms 202, 204. The height adjustment mechanism 302 as disclosed above is exemplary and any other height adjustment mechanism may be utilized in alternate embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 3 further illustrates an elevated platform of a second support structure 118. The elevated platform of the second support structure 118 is supported by a plurality of support legs 120, 122 along a first edge 136. The plurality of support legs 120, 122 further include a plurality of stability members 124, 125 attached to a bottom surface of the plurality of support legs 120, 122. In a typical embodiment, the plurality of stability members 124, 125 are made of a non-slip material and possess sufficient surface contact area to adequately grip a support surface to avoid slippage of the portable entertainment unit 100. The plurality of stability members 124, 125 also are capable of frictionally adhering to the contact surfaces with sufficient drag or gripping ability to prevent sliding or slipping of the portable entertainment unit 100. In a typical embodiment, the plurality of stability members 124, 125 are molded with a flexible material, such as plastics, polyolefines e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene, silicone, vinyls, or natural or synthetic rubber.
The second support structure 118 is rigidly and securely affixed to the plurality of support legs 120, 122, providing an elevated, stable, secure, and safe surface for the user to stand or sit on. The height of the second support structure 118 is adjustable. In a typical embodiment, the plurality of support legs 120, 122 include at least one, and preferably a plurality of height adjustment holes 304 positioned along an entire length of each of the plurality of support legs 120, 122. The second support structure 118 also includes a plurality of attachment holes 306 on an exterior region of the first edge 136 on opposite corners. In a typical embodiment, the height of the second support structure 118 is adjusted by aligning the plurality of height adjustment holes 304 with the plurality of attachment holes 306 corresponding to a desired height followed by insertion of a locking pin 308 within the aligned holes. The use of the plurality of height adjustment holes 304 and the plurality of attachment holes 306 for adjusting the height of the second support structure 118 is exemplary, and any other suitable mechanism may be utilized for adjusting the height of the second support structure 118.
FIG. 3 further illustrates a plurality of brackets 310. In a typical embodiment, the plurality of brackets 310 are operable to releasably retain the first support structure 116 within the hollow housing of the body 101. For exemplary purposes, only two brackets 310 are illustrated; however, in other embodiments of the invention, any number of brackets 310 may be utilized for storing a plurality of components of the portable entertainment unit 100 and the at least one equipment within the hollow housing of the body 101. The use of brackets 310 as illustrated above is exemplary and any other suitable mechanism may be utilized for storing the plurality of components of the portable entertainment unit 100 and the at least one equipment.
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a portable entertainment unit 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 further illustrates a typical in-use position of the portable entertainment unit 100. The plurality of substantially flat base portions 104 and the plurality of support members 106, 107 are operable to engage the support surface when the portable entertainment unit 100 is being used. In such a position, the plurality of wheels 112, 114 of the entertainment unit 100 are not in contact with the support surface and are slightly elevated from the support surface. Such a configuration prevents sliding or slipping of the portable entertainment unit 100 and provides a stable, secure, and safe platform for the user.
FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a portable entertainment unit according to an exemplary embodiment.
According to embodiments of the invention, the body 101 of the portable entertainment unit 100 comprising the frame structure 102, the front surface 108, left and right side surfaces 110, the horizontal surface 132, and the bottom surface may be covered with a coating of paint in a conventional manner for enhancing the appearance of the portable entertainment unit 100. In alternate embodiments, the body 101 of the portable entertainment unit 100 may be used for advertising purposes by depicting information such as, for example, a user's contact information, product information, a company's information, and any other information for advertising purposes. In another alternate embodiment, the front surface 108 and the left and right side surfaces 110 may include at least one hook member operable to support an advertising medium such as, for example, posters, flyers, banners, and the like.
As an exemplary embodiment, a variation of a portable entertainment unit 600 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The portable entertainment unit 600 as depicted in FIG. 6 is similar to the one disclosed earlier with respect to FIGS. 1-5; however, the portable entertainment unit 600 is approximately twice the size. More specifically, the portable entertainment unit 600 is sized such that a second support structure 618 is operable to accommodate a plurality of users. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, first and second support structures 616, 618 are required to be disassembled prior to moving the portable entertainment unit 600 from one location to another.
Although various embodiments of the apparatus of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth herein.

Claims

1. An entertainment unit comprising:

a body comprising a frame structure, the frame structure having a plurality of substantially flat base portions for engaging a support surface;

a first support structure for supporting at least one equipment;

a second support structure for providing an area for at least one user to stand on at a level above the support surface; and

wherein the first support structure is situated at a plane above the second support structure.

2. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the frame structure further comprises a plurality of substantially flat support members extending outwardly from opposite ends of front sides of the plurality of substantially flat base portions for engaging the support surface.

3. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the support surface comprises a concrete floor.

4. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprising:

a front surface;

a left-side surface;

a right-side surface;

a horizontal surface;

a bottom surface; and

wherein the front surface, the left-side surface, the right-side surface, the horizontal surface, and the bottom surface are connected to the frame structure to form a hollow housing.

5. The entertainment unit according to claim 4, further comprising:

a plurality of support arms mounted in a vertical orientation with respect to the horizontal surface; and

wherein the plurality of support arms are releasably inserted within a plurality of openings of the first support structure.

6. The entertainment unit according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of support arms comprise a vertical track for height adjustment.

7. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the first support structure further comprises a top surface, the top surface having a non-slip material to improve traction for the at least one equipment.

8. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the first support structure is made from aluminum.

9. The entertainment unit according to claim 4, wherein the first support structure is stored within the hollow housing.

10. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the second support structure comprises an elevated platform.

11. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the second support structure further comprising:

a plurality of support legs along a first edge;

a plurality of support feet along a second edge; and

a top surface, the top surface having a non-slip material to improve traction for the at least one user.

12. The entertainment unit according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of support legs further comprise a plurality of stability members attached to a bottom surface of the plurality of support legs.

13. The entertainment unit according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of stability members are made of non-slip material and are operable to grip the support surface to avoid slippage of the entertainment unit.

14. The entertainment unit according to claim 11, comprising:

a plurality of height adjustment holes positioned along an entire length of each of the plurality of support legs;

a plurality of attachment holes positioned along an exterior region of the first edge on opposite corners; and

wherein a height of the second support structure is adjusted by aligning the plurality of height adjustment holes with the plurality of attachments holes corresponding to a desired height and inserting a locking pin within the aligned holes.

15. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the second support structure is made from aluminum.

16. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, the second support structure is folded within a hollow housing.

17. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the second support structure is operable to slide within a hollow housing.

18. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the first support structure and the second support structure are substantially rectangular.

19. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of wheels rotatably secured to ends of an axle; and

wherein the plurality of wheels are not in contact with the support surface when the plurality of substantially flat base portions are engaging the support surface.

20. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the entertainment unit is made of aluminum.

21. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the body is operable to function as an advertising medium by depicting information.

22. The entertainment unit according to claim 1, wherein the entertainment unit is portable.

23. An entertainment unit comprising:

a first support structure for supporting at least one equipment;

a second support structure for providing an area for at least one user to stand on at a level above the support surface;

a plurality of wheels; and