GB2454551A

GB2454551A - Protective case for video game console

Info

Publication number: GB2454551A
Application number: GB0815865A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Liddle; Alain Falc; Yannick Allaert
Original assignee: Bigben Interactive SA
Current assignee: Bigben Interactive SA
Priority date: 2007-11-08
Filing date: 2008-09-01
Publication date: 2009-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-01
Also published as: GB0815865D0; ITRM20080171U1; ES1068403Y; DE202008002161U1; GB2464583B; GB0914175D0; GB2464583A; FR2923647A1; FR2923647B1; GB2454551B; ES1068403U

Abstract

A protective pouch or case 1 for a video game console 8, said pouch comprising an upper face 2 and a lower face 3 pivoting relative to one another at the rear zone 4. The lower face has console holding members in the form of clips 14 having tapered pawls that locate in the groove 19 formed between the hinge and the lower part 9 of the console, which act against stop members 15 to retain the console. The pouch can be provided with case or pocket (27, Fig.4b) at the hinge portion for an accessory such as a stylus, and also a notch (24, Fig.3c) on the lower face to facilitate access to a pen or stylus stored in housing 20 even when pouch is closed.

Description

PROTECTIVE POUCH FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a protective pouch for a video game console and more particularly a protective pouch which can be opened in two parts for using the game console in its pouch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

All sorts of pouch or protective case for a video game console for easily and securely transporting portable consoles are known from the prior art. It is actually known to provide the pouch with a padded interior for maximal protection of the console. Such a protective pouch according to the prior art is illustrated in Figures Ia and lb. Figure Ia illustrates the empty protective pouch and Figure lb illustrates this same protective pouch containing a console.

With reference to Figure la, the protective pouch 1 is specially provided to contain a video game console, as will be explained in detail with reference to Figure lb. The pouch I comprises an upper face 2 and a lower face 3 pivoting relative to one another at the level of a rear zone 4. The two upper and lower faces define a closed position when they are superposed on one another and an open position, as illustrated here, when the two faces are juxtaposed. A holding element 5 of the console is fixed on the lower face 3 inside the pouch. This holding element is in the form of a transparent plastic sleeve 5 comprising openings 6 allowing access to the controls of the console. Closing means 7 of the pouch are provided, in the form of a zipper provided on the periphery of the upper faces 2 and lower faces 3 so a to keep it in the closed position.

Figure lb shows the pouch 1 in an open position. The game console 8 illustrated in this figure comprises a lower part 9 and an upper part 10 which can be folded over by means of a hinge 12. The lower part of the console has been slid into the plastic sleeve 5 such that the control elements of the console 11 are accessible via the openings 6 made in the sleeve 5. In this way, it is possible to use the console 8 directly in its pouch 1 without having to withdraw it therefrom, which has a number of advantages, especially for use in public transportation, at the same time ensuring a certain playing and safety comfort in case the console is dropped, the latter thus being protected by the pouch.

Even though such a protective pouch is convenient and useful it does have some drawbacks. In fact, the plastic sleeve acting as holding element of the console in the pouch needs to be adjusted very precisely to the size of the console so as to guarantee proper holding and thus avoid a random fall. The counterpart to this precise adjustment is the difficulty for the user in sliding the console into the sleeve and then brings it back out.

Also, by its very constitution, such a plastic sleeve fitted with numerous openings for freeing up access to the controls of the console is relatively complex in its form and is constituted by numerous plasticised bands rapidly wearing out with use. Finally, the plastic sleeve envelops the lower part of the console so as to cover certain parts of it, preventing complete of the upper part of the console from fully folding over on the lower part into a closed state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to respond to the different disadvantages mentioned hereinabove. For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a protective pouch for a video game console, said pouch comprising an upper face and a lower face pivoting relative to one another at the level of a rear zone and defining a first so-called closed position when the upper face is superposed on the lower face and a second so-called open position when the upper and lower faces are juxtaposed.

The pouch comprises also a holding element of the console, fixed on the lower face inside the pouch; comprising access means to the controls of the console and closing means of the upper face with the lower face to keep it in the closed position. The pouch is characterised in that the holding element of the console is a system for attaching the console by clipping.

Such a system for attaching the console by clipping allows the user to easily place and withdraw the console in and from the pouch while ensuring a secure hold. Such a system for attaching by clipping also keeps the console without covering it, allowing easier use of the console when it is in the pouch.

According to an advantageous variant and in the case of a video game console comprising a lower part and a folding upper part, the pouch is characterised in that the system for attaching by clipping is applied on the front and rear of the lower part of the console so as to allow it to be held without preventing its being used.

According to an advantageous variant and in the case of a video game console whereof the upper part is connected to the lower part by a hinge, the pouch is characterised in that the system for attaching by clipping comprises at least one fixing tab arranged to be fixed in a groove formed by the hinge of the console, in its clipped position. The advantage of such a solution is to fix the console without covering its lower part and without preventing complete closing of the console after the upper part has been folded onto the lower part. Preferably, the fixing tab comprises at its free end a pin of tapering thickness enabling perfect insertion in the groove of the hinge.

According to an advantageous variant, the attachment system comprises at least one stop element arranged opposite said fixing tab.

Preferably, the attachment system comprises two stop elements each forming an angle and placed at two angles of the console, opposite the hinge of the console, thus ensuring a very precise positioning of the console in the pouch while ensuring easy placing of the console.

One of the advantages in using such stop and fixing elements, separated from each other, is to make the placing and withdrawal of the console very easy to the extent where the user makes numerous contacts directly on the console.

According to an advantageous variant, the system for attaching by clipping is formed by a filling made of plastic material. On the one hand, using a fitting ensures solidity of the attachment system, and on the other hand plastic material ensures certain flexibility necessary for placing it on and extracting it from the console.

According to an advantageous variant, the pouch has side openings.

A notch is provided on one of the upper or lower faces of the pouch at the level of the side openings in a zone corresponding to the outer end of a housing provided in the console for containing accessories, for example a stylus. This notch enables the stylus stowed with the console to be placed and withdrawn in the two closed or open positions of the pouch.

According to an advantageous variant, a case for an added accessory, such as a stylus, is arranged in the rear zone of the pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the attached diagrams, in which: -Figures Ia and Ib, already described, illustrate a protective pouch for a video game console according to the prior art in an open position without console (Figure la), respectively containing a console (Figure Ib); -Figure 2 illustrates a protective pouch for a video game console in an open position according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; -Figure 3a illustrates a protective pouch for a video game console in an open position containing a console in an unfolded position, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; -Figure 3b illustrates the pouch of Figure 3a, the console being in a folded position; -Figure 3c illustrates the pouch according to Figure 3a in a closed position; -Figures 4a and 4b illustrate an enlarged view of an additional housing for a stylus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be described hereinafter solely by way of non-limiting example in relation to Figures 2 to 4b, Figures Ia and lb having already been described in relation to the prior art.

The protective pouch for a video game console of the Figure 2 is illustrated in a semi-open position according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The pouch 1 comprises an upper face 2 and a lower face 3 mobile relative to each other, preferably by pivoting, at the level of a rear zone 4 and defining a first so-called closed position when the upper face is superposed on the lower face and a second so-called open position when the upper and lower faces are juxtaposed. A holding element 5 of the console is fixed on the lower face 3 inside the pouch. This holding element is advantageously made in the form of an attachment system on the front and the back of the console. The attachment system retains the console by clipping the latter as will be explained hereinbelow in relation to Figures 3a and 3b. In this way, this system for attaching by clipping retains the console without covering it and thus clearly makes it easier to place the console in the holding element as well as extract it from the holding element.

The system for attaching by clipping comprises on the back of the console at least one, and preferably two, fixing tabs 14 arranged to be clipped on the rear edge of the console. On the front of the console the attachment system comprises at least one and preferably two stop elements 15 arranged opposite the fixing tabs 14. Advantageously, the stop elements 15 each form an angle and are placed at the two angles located on the front of the console, so as to also act as precise positioning elements of the console. It is well understood that it is likewise possible to provide an attachment system whereof the stop elements and the fixing tabs are not located on the front and the back of the console, but rather on the two sides of the latter. In all practicality, such a solution nevertheless proves less convenient for the user.

It is also noted that the attachment system is advantageously formed by a fitting 16 made of plastic material. The fitting is constituted for example by a quadrilateral of plastic material fixed on the lower face of the pouch, with the fixing tabs and stop and positioning elements extending out from this quadrilateral.

Figure 3a illustrates a protective pouch I for a video game console in an open position containing a console in a folded-out position, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Throughout the present description, reference will be made to a game console 8 comprising a lower part 9 and an upper folding part 10 connected to the lower part by a hinge 12. Such a console has a first so-called unfolded position, in which the console is found when a user is playing with it, and a second so-called stowed position when the upper part is previously folded over on the lower part 9. However, it is understood that the invention could likewise apply to a monobloc video game console.

Such a game console generally comprises control elements 11 placed on the lower part 9 of the console as well as one or more liquid crystal screens 13 arranged on the upper and lower parts of the console.

As is evident from Figure 3a, the system for attaching by clipping, whereof only the stop elements 15 are visible, holds the lower part 9 of the console without covering the control elements 11 or preventing the upper part 10 of the console from folding over. The console can thus easily be utilised from its position in the pouch 1 without its having to be withdrawn or fully stowed. This provides the advantages of easy use during mass transit, thus ensuring a certain level of playing and safety comfort in case the console is dropped, the latter then being protected by the pouch 1.

It is also evident that the latter has a rapid closing system constituted for example by a flexible lug 17, for example made of leather, extending from the lower face and intended to close on the upper face. This flexible lug 17 is provided with a first clasp element 18 cooperating with a second clasp element (not shown here) placed on the upper face of the pouch.

These two clasp elements can for example be magnets effecting a magnetic closing or a scratch closing system or even a press-button.

Figure 3b illustrates the pouch of Figure 3a, the console 8 being in its stowed position. Contrary to the solution of the prior art, the present solution of a system for attaching by clipping does not cover over the lower part of the console and thus allows the upper part 10 of the console to completely fold over on the lower part 9. As is evident, the stop elements 15 abut against the edge of the lower part 9 of the console and the fixing tabs 14 clip onto the rim only of the lower part of the console.

It will be apparent that according to the advantageous variant illustrated each fixing tab 14, which ensures the clipping effect, has a general incurved shape whereof the free end comprises a pin 22 making contact with the upper ridge, i.e. the rim, of the lower part 9 of the console as the attachment system is being put in place. In the event of a console 8 comprising a lower part 9 and an upper folding part 10 connected to one another by a hinge 12, it is cleverly provided that the pin 22 of each tab 14 latches in the groove 19 formed by the hinge with the lower part. To ensure proper clipping, this pin 22 is preferably dimensioned with a thickness tapering towards the interior of the groove 19 to penetrate it further without as such impeding the functioning of the hinge 12. In the case of a monobloc console it is noted that the pin, i.e. the protruding part, comes into contact with the upper ridge, i.e. the rim, of the console.

This type of game console 8 can comprise a housing 20 for accessories, such as for example a stylus 21, generally placed on one of the side faces of the lower part of the console.

Figure 3c illustrates the pouch according to Figure 3a in a closed position. Compared to classic protective pouches provided for fully enveloping the console and intended for a young public, according to a particularly aesthetic embodiment the aim is to make a protective pouch having the general appearance of a personal organiser to appeal to an older, female public. Apart form the undeniably aesthetic appearance of such a protective pouch 1, it is noted that such a protective pouch has side openings 23 for leaving fee access to the sides of the console and to the stylus optionally inserted in the side housing 20. Advantageously, the aim is to make a cut-out in the form of a notch 24 on the corresponding face of the pouch, here the lower face 2, to access the housing 20 and the stylus (not shown here) which it contains. Accordingly, the user can easily insert or pull out the stylus from the housing provided for this effect in one of the sides of the console, irrespective of the position, open or closed, of the pouch 1.

Figure 4a illustrates an enlarged view of the space 25 between the back of the console and the rear zone 4 of the pouch. The size of the pouch is preferably adapted to that of the console with the aim of reducing to the maximum the added bulk of the pouch. All the same, for reasons of smooth functioning the rear zone 4 connecting the upper and lower faces of the pouch creates lost space 25 located at the back of the console. So as to optimise use of this lost space 25, an additional housing for a stylus 26 is provided at the level of the rear zone 4 of the pouch.

Figure 4b illustrates an enlarged view of a stylus placed in a case provided for this effect. The stylus case 27, delimited in the form of dots, has an opening 28 cut out inside the rear zone 4 of the pouch. It is evident that using a case as storage space ensures that the stylus 26 is properly held, thus avoiding any accidental fall of the stylus during transport of the pouch.

It is understood that various modifications and / or improvements familiar to the expert can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the attached claims.

To this effect, it is understood that the system for attaching by clipping could be made in different ways, in particular, the stop elements can be replaced by additional fixing tabs, the fitting can be replaced by insulated, positioning and fixing stop elements, or even any material having minimum flexibility for placing and withdrawing the console can be employed in place of plastic material. -10-

Claims

1. A protective pouch (1) for a video game console (8), said pouch comprising: an upper face (2) and a lower face (3) pivoting relative to one another at the level of a rear zone (4) and defining a first so-called closed position when the upper face is superposed on the lower face and a second so-called open position when the upper and lower faces are juxtaposed; a holding element (5) of the console, fixed on the lower face inside the pouch; comprising access means to the controls (11) of the console, and closing means (17, 18) of the upper face with the lower face to keep it in the closed position; characterised in that the holding element (5) of the console is an attachment system (14, 15) of the console by clipping.

2. The protective pouch according to claim 1, for a video game console comprising a lower part (9) and an upper part (10) folding characterised in that the system for attaching by clipping is applied on the lower part of the console.

3. The protective pouch according to claim 2, for a video game console whereof the upper part is connected to the lower part by a hinge (12), characterised in that the system for attaching by clipping comprises at least one fixing tab (14) arranged to latch in a groove (19) formed between the hinge and the lower part.

4. The protective pouch according to claim 3, characterised in that the fixing tab comprises at its free end a pin (22) of tapering thickness.

5. The protective pouch according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the attachment system comprises at least one stop element (15) opposite said at least one fixing tab.

6. The protective pouch according to claim 5, characterised in that the system comprises two stop elements each forming an angle and placed at two angles of the console, opposite the hinge of the console.

7. The protective pouch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the system for attaching by clipping is formed by a fitting (16) made of plastic material.

8. The protective pouch according to any of the preceding claims, : characterised in that a case (27) for accessories (26) is arranged in the rear zone. * * **. * S. * .

S S...

S

8. The protective pouch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closing means (17, 18) are magnetic.

9. The protective pouch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pouch has side openings (23).

10. The protective pouch according to claim 9, for a video game console comprising a housing (20) for accessories (21), characterised in that a notch (24) is provided on one of the upper or lower faces of the pouch at the level of the side openings in a zone corresponding to the outer end of the housing.

11. The protective pouch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a case (27) for accessories (26) is arranged in the rear zone.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

IL

1. A protective pouch (1) for a video game console (8), said pouch comprising: an upper face (2) and a lower face (3) pivoting relative to one another at the level of a rear zone (4) and defining a first so-called closed position when the upper face is superposed on the lower face and a second so-called open position when the upper and lower faces are juxtaposed; a holding element (5) of the console, fixed on the lower face inside the pouch; comprising access means to the controls (11) of the console, closing means (17, 18) of the upper face with the lower face to keep it in the closed position; the holding element (5) of the console being an attachment system (14, 15) of the console by clipping; the video game console comprising a lower part (9) and an upper part (10) folding whereof the upper part is connected to the lower part by a hinge (12), the system for attaching by clipping being applied on the lower part of the console, characterised in that the system for attaching by clipping comprises at least one fixing tab (14) arranged to latch in a groove (19) formed between the hinge and the lower part and one or more stop elements (15), each only abutting without clipping the lower part of the console, and opposite said at least one fixing tab.

2. The protective pouch according to claim 1, characterised in that the fixing tab comprises at its free end a pin (22) of tapering thickness.

3. The protective pouch according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the system comprises two stop elements each forming an angle and placed at two angles of the console, opposite the hinge of the console.

4. The protective pouch according to any of the preceding claims, charactensed in that the system for attaching by clipping is formed by a fitting (16) made of plastic material.

5. The protective pouch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closing means (17, 18) are magnetic.

6. The protective pouch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pouch has side openings (23).

7. The protective pouch according to claim 6, for a video game console comprising a housing (20) for accessories (21), characterised in that a notch (24) is provided on one of the upper or lower faces of the pouch at the level of the side openings in a zone corresponding to the outer end of the housing.