Abstract:
A gaming machine comprising a user interface and a wrist support and hand grip. The wrist support and hand grip are useable in a first position while griping the hand grip, and in a second position while gripping the wrist support, while facilitating manipulation of one or more input devices at either position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to peripheral input devices for computers and video game consoles. More particularly the invention is concerned with the ergonomics of the user interface of gaming machines, in the form of wrist support and hand grip. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The ever growing popularity and use of computer and console video games (gaming machines and consoles), requires attention to design and functionality of the game controllers themselves with specific care to the human interface, i.e. ergonomics. 
         [0003]    Much has been written about user interface which fail to meet the variety of needs associated with the video gaming public. For example, the stresses and fatigue placed upon gaming machine users may result in dissatisfaction, short sessions at the gaming arena and prolonged use may even results in Carpal tunnel syndrome and related health risks. Stress to the joints and ligaments and tendons of the shoulder, arm, forearm, hands and wrists are common. 
         [0004]    Thus, there is a definite need for improved ergonomics in relationship to gaming machines. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    According to the present invention there is provided an ergonomic grip and support assembly useful for various user interfaces. According to one particular application, there is provided a wrist support and hand grip for a gaming machine. 
         [0006]    The invention provides, according to one of its aspects, a gaming machine comprising a user interface and a wrist support and hand grip; said wrist support and hand grip useable in a first position while griping the hand grip, and in a second position while gripping the wrist support; while facilitating manipulation of one or more input devices at either position. 
         [0007]    It is appreciated that the term input device, as used herein the specification and claims denotes any form of input device, such as push buttons, knobs of different types (push/rotate, etc.) touch screen, and the like. 
         [0008]    Any one or more of the following features and designs may be incorporated in the present invention:
       the user interface is a plurality of push-buttons;   the input device is thumb or finger operated;   the hand grip is in the form of a bent bar having at least a first bar portion extending substantially horizontally;   the first bar portion extends substantially parallel to the wrist support;   the first bar portion extends substantially parallel to a display of the gaming machine;   the first bar portion has a length at least corresponding with the width of an average individual&#39;s palm;   the hand grip has a second bar portion extending from the first bar portion in a direction away from wrist support;   a cavity extends under the wrist support, to facilitate griping thereof;   the wrist support is positioned such that while gripping at the hand grip the individual&#39;s wrist rests over said wrist support;   the hand grip is positioned so that the first bar portion extends adjacent a first thumb operated knob, for use at the first position;   the wrist support is positioned adjacent a second thumb operated knob, for use at the second position;   the hand grip is positioned such that it may be used in a third position while an index finger of the user manipulates the second thumb operated knob and the thumb manipulates the first thumb operated knob, whilst the remaining fingers grip the hand grip;   the wrist support is made of a hard material or is cushioned;   one or both of the wrist support and hand grip are detachably attachable to the gaming machine.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a right side isometric view of a gaming machine fitted with an arm wrist and support according to the present example; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric representation of the user interface of the gaming machine of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of the user interface of the gaming machine of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2C  is the same as  FIG. 2A , illustrated with the wrist support removed; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2D  is the same as  FIG. 2A , illustrated with the hand grip removed; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3A  is an isometric view illustrating a first operating position while gripping the wrist support; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3C  is a top view of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4A  is an isometric view illustrating a second operating position while gripping the hand grip; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4C  is a top view of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5A  is an isometric view illustrating a third operating position while gripping the wrist support; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5B  is a front view of  FIG. 5A ; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 5C  is a top view of  FIG. 5A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0038]    Attention is first directed to  FIG. 1  of the drawings illustrating a gaming machine in accordance with an example of the present invention generally designated  10 . The gaming machine comprises a floor mounted main cabinet  12  fitted with a base unit  16  in the form of a lower door, and a main door  18  on the front of the machine, both being pivotally secured by hinges (not seen) to the main cabinet  12  and are openable to provide access to the interior of the machine. 
         [0039]    A pair of video display monitors  26  and  28  are provided (mounted on a separate pivotable door extending behind the main door  18 ) and a card slot  30  (e.g. a credit card reader). Fitted on the side wall  14  there are a key activated door lock  34  and key activated switches for administration purposes  36 , as well as a vent grate  38  for exhaustion of hot air from the machine&#39;s interior. 
         [0040]    Fitted on the main door  18  comprises a coin/slot scepter  40  and a coin/slot tray  42  as well as a pair of speakers  44 . Further mounted on the base unit  16  an operating panel generally designated  50  and comprises a plurality of push button  52  for use at user&#39;s choice. There is further provided an elongated wrist panel  46  to allow an individual to support his wrist and rest thereupon. 
         [0041]    As can further be seen in more detail in the remaining  FIGS. 2 to 4 , the base unit  16  is provided with a wrist support and hand grip collectively designated  50  positioned so as to interact with two main push buttons namely  52  and  54 . 
         [0042]    The wrist support and hand grip  50  comprise a wrist support in the form of a wrist support  60  extending at the edge of a depression  62  with a cavity  64  formed under the wrist support  60  to facilitate gripping thereof as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A to 3C  (in the so-called second position). Wrist support  60  may be made of hard material e.g. a molded plastic martial, metal, etc. or it may be cushioned and comprise at least a layer of soft material. 
         [0043]    A hand grip  70  extends in alignment with the wrist support  60 , said hand grip  70  being in the form of a bent bar having a first portion  72  extending substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the video displays ( FIG. 1 ), with a second bar portion  76  extending from the first bar portion  72  in the direction away from the wrist support  60 , suitable for serving as a sun rest. The hand grip  70  is used in accordance with the so-called first position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 4C ). 
         [0044]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 3A to 3C , the second position is used in conjunction with push button  52  easily engageable by the individual&#39;s thumb  59  whilst fingers grip the wrist support pad  60 . However, in the so-called first position ( FIGS. 4A-4C ), push button  54  is easily engageable by individual&#39;s thumb whilst gripping on a first bar portion  72  with the individual having the choice of resting his wrist over the cushioned wrist support  60 . While at the first position, the individual may opt to position his arm such that his wrist rests over the wrist support  60 . 
         [0045]    With further reference to  FIGS. 5A to 5C  there is illustrated a third operating position, wherein three fingers of the individual, namely the little finger, ring finger and middle finger grip the bar section  72  whilst the index finger  88  manipulates push button  54  and the thumb  59  manipulates push button  52  and the open palm portion rests over wrist support  60 . 
         [0046]    As can be seen in  FIG. 2C , the wrist support  60  is detachably attachable to the base unit  16 , at user&#39;s/operator&#39;s choice. Likewise, as illustrated in  FIG. 2D , the hand grip  70  is detachably attachable as well. 
         [0047]    Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Mutatis Mutandis.