FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to protective cases. More specifically, the present invention is a mobile television station so that a television can be safely transported to any desired location and operated.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Televisions, monitors, and other flat panel displays are delicate and expensive electronic equipment that are generally placed and operated from a stationary location. For example, televisions are typically used at home, office, or in a limited number of locations. While there are some portable television models, those portable televisions lack size, lacks features, and still require significant care when transporting. Even if a user is able to transport a television or other flat panel display, these pieces of equipment require a protective cover to keep away rain and dust, a table to elevate, additional power panels and cables, and significant amount of time to setup and tear down.
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a mobile television station, which allows a user to transport a television safely and securely without damage. The present invention is able to safely store a television within a case as the case is integrated with necessary power cables and accessories that provide an easy setup. The present invention is further integrated with removable legs that provides an elevated point of view for the television. As a result, the user can simply attach the removable legs to the case, open the case, plug in an input power, and start utilizing their television.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a mobile television station which provides a protective case for a television and provides an all-in-one system that a user can quickly set up in almost any location. The preferred embodiment includes a case which not only provides a protective shell around the television but also provides the structure and mounting system needed to position and orient the television in the proper position for viewing. The present invention further comprises an internal padding to further protect the television screen during transportation. There is also an integrated input and output system to allow the user to easily plug inputs into and receive outputs out of the television. Overall, the present invention provides a convenient all in one television system which allows a user to transport a television safely and easily to a large number of locations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present invention in the closed configuration.
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention in the closed configuration.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention in the closed configuration.
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the present invention in the closed configuration.
FIG. 5 is a top-right-perspective view of the present invention in the opened configuration.
FIG. 6 is a top-left-perspective view of the present invention in the opened configuration.
FIG. 7 is a top-right-perspective view of the present invention in the opened configuration and showing the mounted television.
FIG. 8 is a front view of the present invention in the opened configuration and showing the at least one leg that is mounted to the lower half.
FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention in the opened configuration and showing the at least one leg that is mounted to the lower half.
FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the electrical and electronic connections of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a mobile television station which functions as a protective cover for a television. The present invention further allows a user to utilize the television in almost any location. The television is internally secured to the present invention and protected from accidental damage and excessive movement so that the television can be fully protected and operated within the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the present invention comprises a rigid television case 1, a plurality of quick release fasteners 9, a mounting bracket 13, a power input 16, at least one power output 17, at least one inner data port 18, and at least one outer data port 19.
In reference to the general configuration of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1-7 and FIG. 10, the rigid television case 1 functions as a protective outer shell and comprises an upper half 2, a lower half 3, and at least one hinge 6. The upper half 2 and the lower half 3 each comprise a main panel 4 and a lateral wall 5 as the lateral wall 5 is perimetrically connected to the main panel 4. Resultantly, the lateral wall 5 is able to delineate the depth of the upper half 2 and the lower half 3 as the main panel 4 functions as the base. The lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2 is hingedly connected to the lateral wall 5 of the lower half 3 through the at least one hinge 6 so that the rigid television case 1 can be configured between an opened configuration and a closed configuration via the at least one hinge 6. The plurality of quick release fasteners 9 is integrated into the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2 and the lateral wall 5 of the lower half 3 in order to maintain the closed configuration of the present invention and to prevent accidental opening of the rigid television case 1. The mounting bracket 13 is internally mounted to the upper half 2 and functions as a structural body so that the television can be mounted to the upper half 2. The power input 16 and the at least one outer data port 19 are externally mounted into the upper half 2. The power output 17 and the at least one inner data port 18 are internally mounted to the upper half 2. The power input 16 is electrically connected to the power output 17, wherein the power input 16 functions as the interface that supplies electrical power to the present invention, and the power output 17 functions as the interface that supplies electrical power from the present invention. The at least one inner data port 18 is electronically connected to the at least one outer data port 19 and function as interfaces for data cables such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) cables, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables, sound cables, or any other related data cables.
The rigidity and strength of the rigid television case 1 not only creates a strong protective element but also provides the structure required to mount, position, and orient all of the components of the present invention. In reference to the closed configuration, the upper half 2 and the lower half 3 form a box shaped structure so that the television can be enclosed as shown in FIGS. 1-4. In reference to the opened configuration, the upper half 2 and the lower half 3 are pivoted open about the at least one hinge 6 along the rear side of the rigid television case 1, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, similar to a clam shell or an opened briefcase. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper half 2 and the lower half 3 are configured as a flight panel type case as rigid flight panels are connected by a system of trim and corners held together via rivets. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the upper half 2 and the lower half 3 can be made of a hard injection molded plastic. Furthermore, the rigid television case 1 may be sized as needed to fit any size television, monitor, or other flat panel display.
In reference to FIG. 4, the at least one hinge 6 may comprise a first leaf 7 and a second leaf 8, wherein the first leaf 7 and the second leaf 8 are hingedly mounted to each other. In order to mount the at least one hinge 6 to the upper half 2, the first leaf 7 is mounted to the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2. In order to mount the at least one hinge 6 to the lower half 3, the second leaf 8 is mounted to the lateral wall 5 of the lower half 3. Preferably, the present invention utilizes a pair of hinges so that the rigid television case 1 can be stably opened and closed. However, the present invention can use any number of hinges to hingedly mount the upper half 2 to the lower half 3 without deviating from the scope of the functionality.
In reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, each of the plurality of quick release fasteners 9 may comprise a first interlocking fastener 10 and a second interlocking fastener 11 to maintain the closed configuration. The first interlocking fastener 10 and the second interlocking fastener 11 are positioned opposite of the at least one hinge 6 and along the front side of the rigid television case 1. More specifically, the first interlocking fastener 10 is mounted to the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2. The second interlocking fastener 11 is mounted to the lateral wall 5 of the lower half 3. Then, the first interlocking fastener 10 and the second interlocking fastener 11 are able to engage with each other or disengage from each other about the front side of the rigid television case 1. For example, when the first interlocking fastener 10 is engaged with the second interlocking fastener 11, the rigid television case 1 maintains the closed configuration and cannot be opened.
When the first interlocking fastener 10 is disengaged from the second interlocking fastener 11, the rigid television case 1 does not maintain the closed configuration and can be opened. Preferably, the present invention utilizes a pair of latch fasteners as the plurality of quick release fasteners 9. However, the present invention can use any other fasteners, including but not limited to, clamp fasteners, button fasteners, and spring-loaded fasteners.
The mounting bracket 13 functions similar to television wall-mount within the industry that the television can be easily mounted to the upper half 2. More specifically, the mounting bracket 13 may comprise a back plate 14 and at least one television brace 15 as shown in FIGS. 5-7. The back plate 14 is centrally positioned within the upper half 2 and mounted to the main panel 4 of the upper half 2. The at least one television brace 15 is mounted to the backside of the television so that the at least one television brace 15 can be removably engaged with the back plate 14. In other words, the at least one television brace 15 is bolted to the backside of the television using the standard threaded holes created by the television manufacturer. As a result, the television can be removably mounted to the upper half 2 via the mounting bracket 13.
In reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the power input 16 is externally mounted onto the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2. The power output 17 is internally mounted onto the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2. More specifically, an external power source can be plugged into the power input 16 so that the electrical power of the external power source can be transferred from the power input 16 to the power output 17 that is positioned within the rigid television case 1. Then, the television can be plugged into the power output 17. Additionally, other related equipment such as soundbars, DVD players, and streaming devices can be plugged directly into the power output 17 or indirectly plugged into the power output 17 via a power distribution strip. The external power source can be any suitable means for providing electrical power including but not limited to an alternating current (AC) power source, batteries, or AC power inverted from a direct current (DC) power source. The at least one outer data port 19 is externally mounted onto the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2. The at least one inner data port 18 is internally mounted onto the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2. More specifically, the at least one inner data port 18 is designed to receive audio/video data from the television as the at least one inner data port 18 is compatible with any industry standard data cables that extend from the television. The received audio/video data from the television is then transferred to the at least one outer data port 19 as the at least one outer data port 19 is also compatible with any industry standard data cables. The at least one outer data port 19 and the at least one inner data port 18 can include HDMI connector ports, USB connector ports, audio connector ports, video connector ports, or any other plugs or connector ports.
The present invention may further comprise a power button so that the electrical power to the power input 16 can be switched on and off. In order for the power button to be functional, the power input 16 is electrically connected to the power output 17 through the power button. As a result, the power button allows the user to switch-on and switch-off the electrical power to the power input 16. Preferably, the power button is externally integrated onto the upper half 2 and position adjacent to the power input 16 so that the user can easily access the power button.
In reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the present invention may further comprise a protective padding 12 and provides a cushioning that improves the protective nature of the present invention. More specifically, the protective padding 12 is positioned within the lower half 3 and connected to the main panel 4 and the lateral wall 5 of the lower half 3. The protective padding 12 may be constructed of any suitable material such as air cushions or foam. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective padding 12 is constructed out of foam. When the rigid television case 1 is in the closed configuration, the protective padding 12 provides shock absorbing surface for the television screen to be rest upon and protects the television from shock or dynamic loads.
In reference to FIG. 3, the present invention may further comprise a locking mechanism 20 which holds the rigid television case 1 securely shut when in the closed configuration. The locking mechanism 20 is integrated into the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2 and the lateral wall 5 of the lower half 3 to prevent unauthorized access without a key, combination lock-code, digital code, or other unlocking features within the industry.
In reference to FIG. 3, the present invention may further comprise at least one handle 21 so that the rigid television case 1 can be easily carried or transported. More specifically, the at least one handle 21 is externally positioned to the upper half 2 and foldably mounted to the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2. Preferably, the at least one handle 21 is centrally mounted to the front side of the rigid television case 1 when a single handle 21 is utilized within the present invention. However, it is also possible that the at least one handle 21 can be a pair of handles as each handle is mounted to the left end and the right end of the rigid television case 1.
In reference to FIG. 9, the present invention may further comprise a storage compartment 22 so that the user can store equipment, cables, extension cord, or other related items of the present invention. The storage compartment 22 is externally integrated into the main panel 4 of the lower half 3 so that the user can easily access the stored items. The storage compartment 22 is enclosed with a removable lid to prevent falling out of the stored items and to keep out unwanted elements such as dust and debris.
The rigid television case 1 is designed to sit upon a flat surface such as a table, a truck bed, or other elevated platform as the main panel 4 of the lower half 3 functions a stable base. However, the rigid television case 1 can be elevated without the abovementioned elevated platforms as the present invention may further comprise at least one leg 23 as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. The at least one leg 23 is externally positioned and removably mounted to the main panel 4 of the lower half 3 so that the rigid television case 1 can be elevated for the preferred viewing position. The at least one leg 23 may preferably comprise a plurality of legs as all four corners of the lower half 3 can be elevated via the plurality of legs. Each of the plurality of legs is attached to a corresponding slot or opening of the lower half 3 so that the rigid television can be elevated to the preferred viewing position. Furthermore, the plurality of legs can be stored within the storage compartment 22 when the plurality of legs is not utilized within the lower half 3. The plurality of legs may be attached to the lower half 3 by any suitable mechanisms such snap-fit fastening system, screw fastening system, magnetic fastening system, or any other related fastening systems. It is also possible that the at least one leg 23 can be configured as a folding leg or frame, a collapsing leg or frame, an adjustable leg or frame.
In reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the present invention may further comprise a left gas strut 24 and a right gas strut 25 as the left gas strut 24 and the right gas strut 25 each comprise a rod 26 and a piston 27. The left gas strut 24 and the right gas strut 25 are configured with a predetermined amount of force that is applied to assist in opening of the rigid television case 1. Furthermore, the predetermined amount of force is set or adjusted via the left gas strut 24 and the right gas strut 25. Furthermore, the left gas strut 24 and the right gas strut 25 are configured to stop and maintain the extended-position when the upper half 2 is at the full opened position. More specifically, the left gas strut 24 and the right gas strut 25 are oppositely positioned of each other about the mounting bracket 13 to equally distribute the weight of the upper half 2. The piston 27 of the left gas strut 24 is internally and rotatably mounted to the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2. The rod 26 of the left gas strut 24 is internally and rotatably mounted to the lateral wall 5 of the lower half 3. The piston 27 of the right gas strut 25 is internally and rotatably mounted to the lateral wall 5 of the upper half 2. The rod 26 of the right gas strut 25 is internally and rotatably mounted to the lateral wall 5 of the lower half 3. Even though the present invention is explained in relation of the left gas strut 24 and the right gas strut 25, the present invention can utilize springs, spring hinges, gas springs, electric motors, or any other opening systems which provide force to assist in the opening of the upper half 2 or the lower half 3 and for maintaining the rigid television case 1 in the opened configuration. Furthermore, the left gas strut 24 and the right gas strut 25 may be equipped with a safety mechanism to lock the upper half 2 in the opened configuration. With the safety mechanism in place, the upper half 2 would be held the opened configuration in case of events such as wind gusts or a user bumping into the rigid television case 1.
Optionally, the lower half 3 would provide a flat table like surface with reference to the opened configuration so that sales flyer, marketing material, and snacks can be placed. Furthermore, cup holders or other storage compartments can be installed or integrated into the protective padding 12. Furthermore, a plurality of wheels can be installed to the rear side of the rigid television case 1 to ease transportation.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Patent Application
20240260748
