Video game disc changer

Abstract

A video game disc changer includes a box-like housing and an externally loaded video-disc cartridge containing a plurality of horizontal moveable disc-holding trays engageable in a removable manner within the housing. A mechanism within the box-like housing moves a selected disc to where the selected disc interfaces with a device for reading content. A USB cable connector links the video game disc changer and an existing video game console.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/836,012 filed Aug. 7, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to video game accessories and, more particularly, this invention relates to an electronic device for storing multiple video game discs and conveniently loading a selected game into a video game console for playing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, individuals playing video games must load the desired game disc into the console each time a game is changed. This entails taking out and storing the previous game, then finding the desired game, removing it from its case, and finally loading it into the game console. Some game systems, like the Microsoft Xbox, have some built-in storage capacity for loading games into, but modern games take up considerable memory; hence, it may be impractical to store multiple games within the game console. Also, there is risk of damaging the game discs by frequent loading and removal.

Multiple disc CD and DVD players have been commercially available for a few years. The mechanism for one example of this is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,961. Apparently, however, such devices have not been adapted for popular video gaming systems. Microsoft, with its Xbox® game system, has opted for a built-in hard drive to store multiple games as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,102. As video games move to high-definition graphics, the enormous amount of memory required is likely to make this approach impractical.

Some of the issues surrounding the use of multi-disc players and similar devices are presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,129, which discloses a computer-based system for controlling a plurality of media devices in a home audio/visual system, and which supports a number of different media types, such as CD's, DVD's, DAT tapes, and minidisks. However, there is no mention of video game discs or the like.

A system for storing and accessing a plurality of video games is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2004/0110566 for what is called a “Video Game Jukebox”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a video game disc changer and includes a box-like housing and an externally loaded video-disc cartridge containing a plurality of horizontal moveable disc-holding trays. A mechanism within the box-like housing moves a selected disc to where the selected disc interfaces with a device for reading content. A USB cable connector links the video game disc changer and an existing video game console. The disc holding and moving mechanism can be either a carousel or stacked trays accessed by a moveable base mechanism.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a device to externally store and rapidly change video game discs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient way to change between video games without the need to handle the discs.

Still another object of the present invention is to avoid the necessity of searching manually for a desired video game.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above, it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the game changing apparatus with the disc cartridge removed for loading.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the external game disc changer connected to a common video game console.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, the loading of discs into the video game apparatus 10 is shown in a perspective view. A multi-disc changer 12 is shown with its cartridge or magazine 14 removed for loading or unloading. A multitude of game discs 16 are loaded into trays 18 that fit into the magazine 14. After loading of the discs 16, the magazine 14 can be inserted back into the large slot 20. A multi-pin connection port 19 is built into the front of the disc changer 12. Additional details of the construction and operation of a similar device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,961, and is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the disc changer 12 connected to a popular video game console 30. The multi-disc magazine 14 has been loaded and inserted into place. A connector cable 24 plugs into the disc changer 12 with a multi-pin plug 26 and into the game console 30 with a USB adaptor 22.

While a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same, it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A video game disc changer, comprising:

a box-like housing made of a preselected material;

a video-disc cartridge removable from said box-like housing and containing a plurality of horizontal moveable disc-holding trays engageable in a removable manner within said housing;

a USB cable connector linking said video game disc changer and an existing video game console;

an electrical power supply connected to said disc changer;

a means within said box-like housing for reading content from a loaded disc; and

a means within said box-like housing for moving a selected disc to where said selected disc interfaces with said means for reading content.

2. The video game disc changer, according to claim 1, wherein said USB cable connector includes a multi-pin adaptor at end opposite said USB connector.

3. The video game disc changer, according to claim 1, wherein said means for reading content is a laser lens system.

4. The video game disc changer, according to claim 1, wherein said preselected material is a high-impact plastic.

5. The video game disc changer, according to claim 1, wherein said means for moving a selected disc is a carousel mechanism.

6. The video game disc changer, according to claim 1, wherein said means for moving a selected disc is a vertically moveable base mechanism.