WO2000070923A2

WO2000070923A2 - Field-configurable sidecar and topcar modules

Info

Publication number: WO2000070923A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/012709
Authority: WO
Inventors: John A. Vigna; John W. Houriet; Marek Baranowski
Original assignee: Merit Industries Inc
Current assignee: Merit Industries Inc
Priority date: 1999-05-12
Filing date: 2000-05-10
Publication date: 2000-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 2001-11-12
Also published as: TW506244B; AU4997900A; WO2000070923A3

Abstract

A modular system (10) having a primary unit housing (12) having two lateral ends (14) and enclosing a processor. The modular system (10) includes at least one sidecar module (16) which includes a case (18) and an individual electronic system enclosed in the case (18) that is adapted to be electrically connected with the processor. The at least one sidecar module (16) is adapted to be successively stackable on either one of the two lateral ends (14) of the primary unit housing (12) and to be attached thereto. The modular system (10) may alternately include at least one sidecar module (16) which includes a case (18) and an individual electronic system that is enclosed in the case (18). The individual electronic system being adapted to be electrically connected with the processor and performing a function different from that performed by the processor. The at least one sidecar module (16) is adapted to be successively stackable on one of the two lateral ends (20) of the primary unit housing (12) and to be attached thereon.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION Field-Configurable Sidecar and Topcar Modules

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to modular components and, more specifically, relates to field configurable sidecar modules for use with primary modular units.

The use of modular electronic components allows an increased range of options for users seeking to customize or expand personal electronic systems. With the proliferation of electronic devices such as computers, game machines, smart appliances, etc., the use of modular components has become increasingly popular. Modular components enhance the use of a primary modular unit and may allow the modular system to be updated with more recent technology without the need to purchase an entirely new system.

Numerous examples of modular systems may be found in the prior art and further research continues to be directed toward increasing the flexibility and functionality of modular units for modular systems. Some prior art examples of modular systems of the contemporary art are as follows.

U.S. Patent No. 5,541,810 (Don Hauser), et al. discloses an expandable programmable controller. The expansion units used with the modular programmable controller are successively stackable, but are attachable to only one side of the programmable controller. The expansion units are only intended to increase the computing power of the original programmable module and are not intended to add additional functions to the original module. The expansion units are designed to allow a user to initially use a relatively less powerful programmable controller and, as greater computing power is needed, to add additional expansion units that may be connected to the original programmable controller to increase computing power. Another example of a contemporary modular electrical system is illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 4,729,375 (Jegers, et al.) discloses a modular electrical system which includes modular timer assembly for controlling tanning beds. Additional timer units are attachable to the main timer module to increase the number of tanning beds that may be controlled by the modular timer assembly. The first end panel of the main timer module is permanently attached to the power supply case. Due to the permanent attachment, which results in the main timer module only accepts additional timer modules on one end of the main timer module. A second end panel of the main timer module is detachable. Initially, the second end panel is attached to the main timer module on an end opposite from the first end panel. The second end panel is detached from the main timer module to attach additional timer units to the main timer module. After the additional timer units have been attached to the main timer module, the second end panel is re- attached to the exposed end of the last modular timer unit that is attached to the main timer module. The additional timer units only increase the number of tanning beds that may be controlled, but the additional timer modules do not perform any functions that are different from that of the main timer module.

While not provided for in the above prior art, it would be desirable to have a modular electrical system that could be expanded using additional field configurable modules which are successively stacked on either side of the main module. It would also be desirable to have a modular electrical system that is expandable using additional timer modules that are successively stacked on one side of the main module. These modules would increase the functional capabilities of the main module by providing functions other than those of the main module. Thus, these modules provide new functions or peripheral capabilities, such as those provided by internet appliances, to the modular electrical system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a modular system having a primary unit housing having two lateral ends and enclosing a processor. The modular system includes at least one sidecar module which includes a case and an individual electronic system enclosed in the case that is adapted to be electrically connected with the processor. The at least one sidecar module is adapted to be successively stackable on either one of the two lateral ends of the primary unit housing and to be attached thereto.

The present invention is also directed to a modular system having a primary unit housing having two lateral ends and enclosing a processor. The modular system includes at least one sidecar module which includes a case and an individual electronic system that is enclosed in the case. The individual electronic system is adapted to be electrically connected with the processor and to perform a function different from that performed by the processor. The at least one sidecar module is adapted to be successively stackable on one of the two lateral ends of the primary unit housing and to be attached thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentality shown. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a modular system according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a primary unit housing and a sidecar module case of the modular system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an elevational perspective view of the sidecar module case of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of the sidecar module case of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional broken away view of a divider connecting the primary unit housing and the sidecar module case; and

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the modular system of Fig. 1 illustrating successively stacked sidecar modules and successively stacked topcar modules.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "lower," and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the modular system and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Additionally, the word "a," as used in the specification and in the claims, means "at least one."

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-6 a preferred embodiment of a modular system according to the present invention, generally designated as element 10. Briefly speaking, the modular system 10 may include multiple sidecar modules 16 that are successively stackable on either or both of the lateral ends 14 of the primary unit housing 12, as shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, sidecar modules 16 that perform a function different from that performed by the processor may be successively attached on one lateral end 20 of the primary unit housing 12.

Referring to Fig. 1, the modular system 10 has a primary unit housing 12 having two lateral ends 14 and encloses a processor. The base 34 of the primary unit housing 12 is generally rectangular and the two lateral ends 14 have a substantially trapezoidal-like shape. While the preferred embodiment of the primary unit housing has lateral ends 14 that are substantially trapezoidal-shaped, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the particular shape of the lateral ends 14 and the specific shape of the primary unit housing 12 may be altered without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the particular shape of the primary unit housing 12 may be adjusted depending upon consumer desires and manufacturing preferences. One important aspect of the primary unit housing 12 is that it has two sides 14 onto which sidecar modules 12 may be attached.

Referring to Fig. 2, the front side of the primary unit housing 12 bears a screen 36 for interaction with the processor inside the primary unit housing 12. The preferred embodiment of the primary unit housing 12 incorporates a touch sensitive screen 36. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the primary unit housing 12 may be formed with tactile controls on the front side 38 to allow interaction with the processor inside of the primary unit housing instead of using a touch-sensitive screen 36. Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, a border piece 40 is attachable to the front side 38 of the primary unit housing 12 and has an opening 42 through which the touch-sensitive screen 36 may be viewed and manipulated.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, an end panel 22 must be removed from the appropriate lateral end 14 of the primary unit housing 12 before adding a sidecar module 16 to the primary unit housing 12. Each lateral end 14 of the primary unit housing 12 has an end panel 22 attached thereto. The end panels 22 are preferably shaped to completely cover one of the lateral ends 14 of the primary unit housing 12. The end panels 22 are detachably engaged with the primary unit housing 12 to facilitate easy removal therefrom.

The preferred embodiment of the primary unit housing 12 comprises a game machine. More specifically, the primary unit housing 12 and the enclosed processor together comprise a game machine. Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 1 and 6, speakers 13 are preferably integrated with the primary housing 12. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the modular system 10 may serve a function other than that of a game machine without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the modular system 10 may be used for information gathering in which case the primary unit housing 12 would enclose a kiosk. Thus, by interacting with that kiosk-like primary unit housing 12, one could obtain directions, information, or purchase goods of interest.

The at least one sidecar module 16 includes a case 18 and an individual electronic system enclosed in the case 18 and adapted to be electrically connected with the processor. Referring to Figs. 1-4, the sidecar module 16 has a base 30 that is substantially rectangular. The two lateral ends 20 of the case 18 have a substantially trapezoidal-like shape that is meant to conform with that of the lateral ends 14 of the primary unit housing 12. While the preferred embodiment of the sidecar module 16 has a generally trapezoidal-like shape, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the lateral ends 20 of the case 18 may have any shape without departing from the scope of the present invention. One important aspect of the lateral ends 20 of the sidecar module 16 is that they are capable of connecting to at least a portion of the lateral ends 14 of the primary unit housing 12. While it is preferable that the lateral ends 20 of the sidecar module 16 have the same size as the lateral ends 14 of the primary unit housing 12, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the relative sizes between the lateral ends 20 of the sidecar module 16 and the lateral ends 14 of the primary unit housing 12 may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 6, multiple topcar modules 70ι-70₄ are successively stackable on the top of the primary unit housing 12. The topcar module 70 is preferably attachable to the top side of the primary unit housing 12. The topcar modules 70ι-70 shown in Figs. 1 and 6 have a camera, either video or picture, 72 built in. Dividers 76p76₃ are preferably positioned between each of the topcar modules 70ι-70₄ as shown in Fig. 6. The dividers 76ι-76₃, the topcar modules 70ι- 70 , and the top surface of the primary unit housing 12 each preferably have fastener holes 74 to facilitate the attachment of the topcar modules 70ι-70₄ to the primary unit housing 12. In addition to the fastener holes 74, cut-outs may be placed in placed in the top and bottom surfaces of the topcar modules 70ι-70₄ to facilitate the connection of the individual electronic system within a respective topcar module 70 to either another individual electronic system contained in another topcar module 70 or to the processor within the primary unit housing 12. The holes 74 in the top 28 of the primary unit housing are preferable when it is desired to be able to add topcar modules 70j-70₄ to the existing primary unit housing 12. Additionally, an end panel 78 may be attached to either the uppermost surface of any of the topcar modules 70ι-70 or the top 28 of the primary unit housing 12 depending on the number of topcar modules 70ι-70₄ being used with the primary unit housing 12. When mounting one or more topcar modules 70ι-70 to the primary unit housing 12, it is preferable to mount the first topcar module 70ι onto the primary unit housing 12 with the top 28 interposed. Alternatively, the top 28 can be removed and the respective topcar module(s) 70 mounted directly to the primary unit housing 12. The topcar modules 70ι-70 are preferably stacked and attached to either the top of the primary unit housing 12 or another topcar module 70 in a manner similar to that described below with respect to the sidecar modules 16. While four topcar modules 70ι-70₄ are shown in Fig. 6 (two of which are shown in phantom lines) those of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of topcar modules, e.g., one, two, or six, can be used with the primary unit housing 12 of the present invention.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the preferred method of attaching a sidecar module 16]-16₈ to the wall, or lateral end, 54 of either another sidecar module 16ι-16₈ or the primary unit housing 12 uses a spacer 24 to eliminate portions of the modular system 10 that may be pried open by vandals. The spacers 24 are interposed between the lateral end 20 of one of the additional sidecar modules 16ι-16₈ and the opposing wall 54 (which may be either the lateral end 20 of another sidecar module 16 or the lateral end 14 of the primary unit housing 12). Then, the lateral end 20 of the respective sidecar module 16ι-16₈ and the other wall, or lateral end, 54 are inserted into recesses 56 that are located in the spacer 24.

When viewed in cross-section, one leg of the panel 24 preferably has a shape which includes a domed section 58 that is adjacent to a rectangular section 59. The dome section 58 extends upwards from the rectangular section 59 to form recesses 56 on the underside of the portions of the dome section 58 that extend over the rectangular section 59 as viewed in Fig. 5. The size of the recesses 56 is preferably selected so that the domed portion 58 of the spacer 24 completely covers the top side of the lateral end 20 of the sidecar module 16 and the other wall 54. This makes it more difficult for vandals to insert objects between the lateral end 20 and the sidecar module 16 and the other wall 54 to pry open the modular system 10.

While it is preferable that the domed portion 58 of the spacer 24 extend completely over the upper ends of the lateral wall 20 of the sidecar 16 and the other wall 54, those of skill in the art will appreciate through this disclosure that the amount of overlap of the domed portion 58 and the lateral end 20 and/or the other wall 54 may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. While it is preferable that a spacer 24 be used to connect a sidecar module 16 to the modular system 10, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the sidecar module 16 may be connected to the modular system 10 without the use of a spacer without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is prefened that both the primary unit housing 12 and the sidecar module 16 use z-channels 52 along the peripheral portions of the respective housings to engage lids 60. The z-channels 52 have a lower portion 62 that is attached to the inner surface of the lateral end of both the sidecar module 16 and the other wall 54 (which may belong to either another sidecar module 16 or the primary unit housing 12). Referring to Fig. 5, an upper portion 64 of the z-channels 52 forms, in combination with the lateral end 20, 54 of the modular component, a U- shaped channel that may receive ridges 66 that project inwardly from the lid 60 of each modular component. The z-channels 52 reduce the ability of vandals to pry open the lids 60 and form a gutter 68 which may catch fluids that are spilled onto the outer surface of the modular system 10 to protect the electronics contained inside the modular system 10.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, the front side 44 of the sidecar module case 18 bears first and second cutouts 32A, 32B to allow portions of the individual electronic system to be manipulated by controls 46 that protrude through the first and second cutouts 32A, 32B. The controls 46 may be any one of various dispensing units, power switches, control pads, card swipe devices, controls for Internet appliances, and money, card or ticket receptacles or the like.

The individual electronic system of either the sidecar module 16 or the topcar module 70 may be any one of a camera, a printer, a card swipe device, a smart card recognition device, a coin machine, a bill validator, a microphone, a communication system, a communication device, or an Internet appliance. While it is preferred that the topcar module 70 and the sidecar module 16 each contain at least one of the above devices, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the at least one sidecar module 16 or the at least one topcar module may be any peripheral device or combination of devices. Alternatively, the at least one sidecar module 16 (or the at least one topcar module 70) may be a processor. The at least one sidecar module 16 is adapted to be successively stackable on either one of the two lateral ends 14 of the primary unit housing 12 and to be attached thereto. Referring to Fig. 1, when attaching a sidecar module 16 to a lateral end 14 of the primary unit housing 12, the sidecar module 16 is placed adjacent to the primary unit housing 12 with the front side 44 of the sidecar module 16 being aligned with the front side 38 of the primary unit housing 12. Then, a divider 24 having a similar shape to that of the lateral end 20 of the sidecar module 16 is preferably interposed between the lateral end 14 of the primary unit housing 12 and the lateral end 20 of the sidecar module 16. Once the divider 24 is properly positioned, one of the lateral ends 20 of the sidecar module 16 is fastenably secured to the adjacent lateral end 14 of the primary unit housing 12.

Referring to Fig. 3, the fastener holes 48 are used to attach the sidecar module 16 to the primary unit housing 12. Furthermore, each lateral end 20 of the sidecar module 16 has fastener holes 48 to allow additional sidecar modules 16 to be successively stacked one upon the other onto one lateral end 14 of the primary unit housing 12. While it is preferable that a divider 24 is positioned between each sidecar module 16 and adjacent sidecar module 16 or the primary unit housing 12, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the elimination of the divider 24 is not outside of the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the at least one sidecar module 16 is adapted to be successively stackable on either one of the two lateral ends of the primary unit housing 12 and may be attached thereto. Furthermore, it is preferable that the individual electronic system of the sidecar module 16 is adapted to perform a function different from that performed by the processor of the primary unit housing 12.

Alternatively, the sidecar modules 16 may be adapted to be successively stackable on one of the two lateral ends 14 of the primary unit housing 12 and to be attached thereon and to include individual electronic systems that are adapted to perform a function different from that performed by the processor.

Referring to Fig. 3, the fastener holes 48 are of different sizes and may be used to run cable or other signal and/or power transferring cords between the various modules of the modular system. Furthermore, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that additional cutouts (not shown) may be placed in the lateral ends 14, 20 of the primary unit housing 12 and the sidecar module 16, respectively, to simplify the connection of the processor (contained in the primary unit housing 12) and the individual electronic system (contained in a multiply stacked sidecar module 16) without departing from the scope of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, an alternate embodiment of the lid 26 of the sidecar module 16 and an alternate embodiment of the lid 28 of the primary unit housing 12 combine to form an outer shell that encloses modular system 10. The lids 26, 28 of an alternate embodiment do not have inwardly extending ridges 66 (which are included in the preferred lids 60 shown in Fig. 5). and, accordingly, are cunently less preferred. Additionally, a topcar module 70 having a shape conforming to the top surface 50 of the primary unit housing 12 may be attached in a similar fashion to that of the sidecar modules 16. The topcar module preferably contains individual electronic systems performing functions different from that performed by either the processor or the sidecar module 16.

It is recognized by those skilled in the art, that changes may be made to the above-described embodiment of the invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim the following:

1. A modular system having a primary unit housing having two lateral ends and enclosing a processor, comprising: at least one sidecar module comprising: a case; an individual electronic system enclosed in the case and adapted to be electrically connected with the processor; and the at least one sidecar module being adapted to be successively stackable on either one of the two lateral ends of the primary unit housing and to be attached thereto.

2. The modular system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one topcar module that is successively stackable on a top side of the primary unit housing.

3. The modular system of claim 1 , wherein the individual electronic system is adapted to perform a function different from that performed by the processor.

4. The modular system of claim 1 , wherein the primary unit housing and the processor together comprise a game machine.

5. The modular system of claim 4, wherein the individual electronic system is any one of a camera, a printer, a card swipe device, a smart card recognition device, a coin machine, a bill validator, a microphone, or a module housing a communication system.

6. The modular system of claim 1, wherein the at least one side module is a processor.

7. The modular system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of successively stacked sidecar modules.

8. A modular system having a primary unit housing having two lateral ends and enclosing a processor, comprising: at least one sidecar module comprising: a case; and an individual electronic system enclosed in the case, the individual electronic system adapted to be electrically connected with the processor and to perform a function different from that performed by the processor; and the at least one sidecar module adapted to be successively stackable on one of the two lateral ends of the primary unit housing and to be attached thereon.

9. The modular system of claim 8, further comprising: at least one topcar module that is successively stackable on a top side of the primary unit housing.

10. The modular system of claim 8, wherein the primary unit housing and the processor together comprise a game machine.

11. The modular system of claim 10, wherein the individual electronic system is any one of a camera, a printer, a card swipe device, a smart card recognition device, a coin machine, a bill validator, a microphone, or a module housing a communication system.

12. The modular system of claim 7, wherein the at least one sidecar module is a peripheral device.

13. The modular system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of successively stacked sidecar modules.