Portable Console and Case with Storage Compartment and Customizable, Detachable Lid

Abstract

A device comprising a box member (18), a detachable lid (21) disposed in a contiguous configuration to said box member (18) or at least one pivoting lid (22) providing a storage compartment, a latch device (24) for releasing said pivoting lid (22) from said box member (18), thereby providing a pivoting means for said pivoting lid (22), devices to fasten (34) said detachable lid (21) to said pivoting lid (22) or box member (18), at least one member (30) providing a means for organization (26) in compartments (23) of said box member (18), and at least one member providing a means for disposing said pivoting lid in various positions (28). Box member (18) further comprises at least one beverage holder (20), at least one compartment (23), at least one handle (19), at least one member providing a means to stand upright (29), and at least one slot providing a means to insert a member for organization in compartments of said box member (26, 27). This embodiment is an accessory for furniture or other surfaces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/205,518 filed on Aug. 14, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND--PRIOR ART

[0002] The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

TABLE-US-00001 U.S. patents Pat. No. Kind Code Issue Date Patentee 8,807,051 B2 Aug. 19, 2014 Johnson 7,448,675 B1 Nov. 11, 2008 Lowery 7,334,838 B2 Feb. 26, 2008 Pope 6,964,179 B2 Nov. 15, 2005 Yoshida 6,343,835 B1 Feb. 5, 2002 Ledbetter 5,911,472 Jun. 15, 1999 Toth 5,979,337 Nov. 9, 1999 Clark et al. 5,246,269 Sep. 21, 1993 DeBoer et al. 3,909,092 Sep. 30, 1975 Kiernan 3,104,131 Sep. 17, 1963 Krone 3,061,370 Oct. 30, 1962 Murphy 2,160,282 May 30, 1939 Rehg U.S. Patent Application Publications Publication Nr. Kind Code Issue Date Applicant 2014/0041558 A1 Feb. 13, 2014 Lubotta 2013/0043200 A1 Feb. 21, 2013 Johnson 2008/0211362 A1 Sep. 4, 2008 Moll et al.

[0003] Furniture and other various types of objects and surfaces sometimes include a console or similar device, which may feature beverage holders or compartments for storing arbitrary items. Some of these devices are part of the furniture (or other arbitrary object) itself, and some of these devices are separate altogether and not necessarily part of another object. However, these devices have either a fixed lid or a lid that is not easily detachable, interchangeable, and customizable.

[0004] The problem that I have found is that the owner of the console device has been practically limited to using the lid that is included with the device. As an analogy, imagine that you have only one hat and could not easily remove it from your head. Also, imagine that the hat is a solid, neutral color and you have no options of whether the hat is imprinted with your favorite pattern or sports team. Furthermore, some hats provide better protection from rain and the elements, while other hats provide more warmth from cold weather.

[0005] In the same manner, I have found that some console lids are appropriate for certain situations, while other lids may be more appropriate in other scenarios. For example, a console device with a fixed lid can be used in the home with neutral or coordinating colors on a couch, but the owner cannot easily replace the lid with his or her favorite football team logo for use at a tailgate party. In the same example, the owner cannot easily interchange the lid with another to display his or her favorite basketball team logo while at a tournament watch party around friends. You can imagine several other functions, such as a business or company logo. A console device with a detachable, interchangeable lid can be customized for various occasions. In contrast, console devices with a fixed lid are not as customizable.

SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with one embodiment, a portable furniture device with at least one storage compartment and detachable/interchangeable lid comprises a box member providing at least one means in which to place one or more objects and a detachable body which may serve as an armrest and provides a means to place objects upon. The device also has at least one elongated member which may serve as a means to carry the device. There is a means to fasten each detachable body aforementioned. The aforementioned detachable body may be fastened to the device itself. The device may also comprise a means to separate and organize items. The device comprises a means to stand vertically, as well as horizontally. There may also be a means which provides a template for which customized covers for the aforementioned detachable body.

[0007] In accordance with an additional embodiment a portable furniture device with at least one storage compartment and detachable/interchangeable lid comprises a box member providing at least one means in which to place one or more objects and a detachable body which may serve as an armrest and provides a means to place objects upon. The device also has at least one elongated member which may serve as a means to carry the device. There is a means to fasten each detachable body aforementioned. The aforementioned detachable body may be fastened to at least one pivoting body. There may be at least one cavity in the device, which the aforementioned pivoting body covers. There is a means for the pivoting body to pivot. There is a means to fasten and release the pivoting body from the cavity. There may also be a means to temporarily position the aforementioned pivoting body. The device may also comprise a means to separate and organize items. The device comprises a means to stand vertically, as well as horizontally. There may also be a means which provides a template for which customized covers for the aforementioned detachable body.

DRAWINGS--FIGURES

[0008] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device according to an embodiment of the device showing the handle, three cup holders, a compartment for arbitrary items, organizing compartment slots in said compartment, and a detachable lid.

[0009] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 with the detachable lid in a detached configuration.

[0010] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 with separators that may be positioned within a compartment for arbitrary items, using the compartment slots as guides for positioning.

[0011] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 with a template that may be used as a guide to create custom coverings for a detachable lid.

[0012] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device show in FIG. 1 in a vertical or standing position from the bottom surface.

[0013] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device according to an alternate embodiment showing the device with a pivoting, detachable lid that is in a closed position.

[0014] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 2 with the pivoting and detachable lid in an open position, a lid latch, lid fasteners, members which "prop" said lid in an open position, a location for a member to provide a mechanism for the lid to pivot from the device, inner compartment for arbitrary items, slots in inner compartment providing mechanisms for organization, and a lid latch receiver providing a mechanism for securing the lid in a closed position.

[0015] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 7 from a front-top view.

[0016] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 8 with a separator that may be positioned within the inner compartment for arbitrary items, using the inner compartment slots as guides for positioning.

[0017] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 2 standing upright in a vertical position.

[0018] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a perspective view from the front of the device shown in FIG. 10 with the pivoting lid in an open position.

[0019] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a perspective view from the back of the device shown in FIG. 6.

[0020] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates the same view of the device as shown in FIG. 12 with straps to serve as a means to secure the device to a surface.

[0021] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a perspective view from the front of the device shown in FIG. 6.

[0022] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a perspective view from the side of the device shown in FIG. 6, showing the lid latch positioned such that it is contiguous to the lid latch receiver, providing a means to secure the lid in a closed configuration until the lid latch is positioned in a manner such that it is not contiguous to the lid latch receiver.

[0023] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 6 as it could appear on the tailgate of a truck, with straps to serve as a means to secure the device to the tailgate for additional stability.

[0024] FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 6 as it could appear in use on a piece of furniture.

TABLE-US-00002

[0025] Drawings--Reference Numerals 18 box member 19 handle 20 beverage/item holder 21 detachable/interchangeable lid 22 pivoting lid base 23 remote/item holder 24 lid latch 25 lid latch receiver 26 separator/organizer slots 27 separator/organizer slots in in sides bottom 28 axle/hinging mechanism 29 box member feet 30 separator/divider plate 31 securing strap 32 lid prop 33 detachable/interchangeable lid 34 lid fastener template

DETAILED DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1-5--FIRST EMBODIMENT

[0026] One embodiment of the device is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. In FIG. 1, the device has a box member 18 consisting of a handle 19, three beverage/item holders 20, a remote/item holder 23, separator/organizer slots 26 in the remote/item holder, and a detachable/interchangeable lid 21. The detachable/interchangeable lid 21 is positioned on top of the box member 18.

[0027] The same embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 with the detachable/interchangeable lid 21 in a detached position from the box member 18. Two separator/divider plates 30 are shown in FIG. 3 for usage in the remote/item holder 23.

[0028] The same embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 with the detachable/interchangeable lid template 33 just above the detachable/interchangeable lid 21 and the box member 18.

[0029] The same embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 standing upright in a vertical position by means of the box member feet 29, which are part of the box member 18. The same figure also shows one visible lid fastener 34 functioning to secure the detachable/interchangeable lid 21 in place contiguous with the box member 18.

Operation--FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5

[0030] The manner of using the device to serve as an armrest, beverage holder and item holder is much like that for similar devices in present use. Namely, one first places the device on a surface next to where he or she will be sitting. Next, one may place beverages or various arbitrary items in the beverage/item holder(s) 20. Also, one may place remote controls or arbitrary items in the remote/item holder 23. The key difference here is regarding the detachable/interchangeable lid 21. To remove the detachable/interchangeable lid 21, one first removes the lid fastener(s) 34. Then, one may remove the detachable/interchangeable lid 21 from the box member 18 in a manner similar to that which is shown in FIG. 2. Attaching the detachable/interchangeable lid 21 (or an alternate, different lid) to the box member 18 is the reverse process just described.

[0031] To provide more organization in the remote/item holder 23, one may insert the separator/divider plate(s) 30 into the separator/organizer slots 26 of the remote/item holder 23, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0032] For storage or other purposes, one may position the device upright by standing it vertically with the box member feet 29 positioned contiguous to the ground, floor or other surface, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0033] To carry or transport the item, one may grip the handle 19, lift it and navigate to the location where the device will come to rest. The device is carried or transported in a similar manner as a briefcase or purse.

[0034] To secure the device to a surface (such as a couch or tailgate), one may use securing straps 31 as shown in FIGS. 13, 16 and 17. Although these figures are for an alternate embodiment, the manner of operation described here for securing the device to a surface is identical.

FIGS. 6-17--Additional Embodiment

[0035] An additional embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6-17. In FIG. 6, the embodiment is shown with the box member 18 consisting of a handle 19, three beverage/item holders 20, one remote/item holder 23, separator/organizer slots 26 in the remote/item holder, a pivoting lid base 22, and a detachable/interchangeable lid 21. The pivoting lid base 22 is shown in a closed position on top of the box member 18. The detachable/interchangeable lid 21 is positioned on top of the pivoting lid base 22. The lid latch 24 is shown with the pivoting lid base 22 closed to the box member 18. The axle/hinging mechanism 28 is shown enclosed within the box member 18 such that it passes through the pivoting lid base 22.

[0036] The same embodiment is shown in FIG. 7 with the pivoting lid base 22 in an open position. The separator/organizer slots 26 are shown inside the compartment of the box member 18. Another perspective view of the lid latch 24 is illustrated, and two lid props 32 can be seen positioned in such a way to hold the pivoting lid base 22 upright in an open position. The lid fasteners 34 are shown in a detached position. Once the lid fasteners 34 are secured, they will hold the detachable/interchangeable lid 21 in place contiguous with the pivoting lid base 22. The lid latch receiver 25 is revealed, as the lid is open, and disconnected from the lid latch 24. A cutout view from the side of the same embodiment is shown in FIG. 15, where the lid latch 24 is interlocked with the lid latch receiver 25, securing the pivoting lid base 22 and detachable/interchangeable lid 21 in a closed position contiguous with the box member 18.

[0037] A front view of the same embodiment is shown in FIG. 8, displaying the movement and alternate positions of the lid props 32. A larger separator/divider plate 30 is shown in FIG. 9, which may be inserted into the separator/organizer slots 26, located inside the compartment of the box member 18. This allows for separation and better organization of items within the enclosed compartment of the box member 18.

[0038] The same embodiment is able to stand upright in a vertical position by using the box member feet 29 as a platform, as shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the box member feet 29 are part of the box member 18. The pivoting lid base 22 and detachable/interchangeable lid 21 are able to open and close by means of the axle/hinging mechanism 28, as is also shown in FIG. 11.

[0039] The box member feet 29 are shown in further detail in this embodiment in FIG. 12, which is a rear-view of this embodiment. While the box member feet 29 are part of the box member 18, there are cavities in the box member feet 29. These cavities allow the box member feet 29 to serve as anchors to secure the device to a surface when used with an arbitrary fastening means, such as securing straps 31, as is shown in FIG. 13. The securing strap(s) 31 (or other arbitrary fastening means) can also be used with the handle 19 in order to secure the device to a surface. Examples of this are shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, where this embodiment is shown secured to a couch and truck tailgate, respectively.

Operation--FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17

[0040] The manner of using the device shown in the additional embodiment is based on the same manner of operation for using the device shown in the first embodiment. The key difference here is this embodiment has an opening and closing (pivoting) lid base 22 on which the detachable/interchangeable lid 21 is fastened, whereas in the first embodiment, the detachable/interchangeable lid 21 was fastened to the box member 18. One may open and close the pivoting lid base 22 and detachable/interchangeable lid 21 by pivoting and releasing the lid latch 24 from the lid latch receiver 25 and lifting away from the box member 18. The position of the lid prop(s) 32 can be adjusted (as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9) in such a way to suspend the pivoting lid base 22 and detachable/interchangeable lid 21 in an open position. The axle/hinging mechanism 28 allows the pivoting lid base 22 to pivot, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0041] To provide more organization in the inner compartment of the box member 18, one may insert the separator/divider plate(s) 30 into the separator/organizer slots 26 and 27 of the inner compartment of the box member 18, as shown in FIG. 9.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0042] Accordingly, the reader will see that console case of the various embodiments can be used to enhance one's relaxation experience in a more personalized, customized manner by attaching a lid appropriate for an occasion at hand. Think of arriving at a super bowl party carrying this device by its ergonomic handle with your favorite team logo displayed on the lid!Once back home, one could replace that lid with a lid that matches the couch it rests on, or even store it away upright in a nearby closet.

[0043] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of the several embodiments.

[0044] Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A portable furniture device comprising: a. a box member having two ends comprising a first end and a second end, b. said box member further comprising of top surface and a bottom surface wherein the said bottom surface of said box member is disposed on an arbitrary surface, c. said box member further comprising at least one means for disposing at least one object on or in the first end of said box member, and d. a detachable member providing a means for objects to be disposed.

2. A portable furniture device according to claim 1 wherein: a. said box member in claim 1 further comprises at least one member providing a means for said box member to be transported by.

3. A portable furniture device according to claim 2 further comprising: a. at least one detachable member providing a means to fasten and release said detachable member in claim 1 from said box member in claim 1.

4. A portable furniture device according to claim 2 further comprising: a. at least one of said means for disposing an object on or in the first end of said box member in claim 1 further comprises at least one slot or cavity member providing a means for separation and organization, and b. at least one member providing a means to separate and organize objects in said slot or cavity member(s).

5. A portable furniture device according to claim 2 further comprising: a. at least one member providing a means for disposing said box member in claim 1 in a vertical position.

6. A portable furniture device according to claim 2 further comprising: a. at least one pivoting member, thereby providing additional configurations for storage and organization, b. said box member in claim 1 further comprises at least one cavity, thereby providing a means for storage and organization, c. said detachable member in claim 1 disposed in contiguous configuration to each said pivoting member, d. a device for releasing said pivoting member from said box member in claim 1, thereby providing a means for said pivoting member to pivot, and e. at least one detachable member providing a means to fasten and release said detachable member in claim 1 from said pivoting member.

7. A portable furniture device according to claim 2 further comprising: a. at least one member providing a means to consistently produce custom covers to be disposed contiguously to said detachable member in claim 1.

8. A portable furniture device according to claim 6 further comprising: a. at least one member providing a means for disposing said pivoting member in claim 6 in at least one configuration or position.