Abstract:
Disclosed are a combination controller unit and a carrier device for handheld electronic devices. The device comprises a main section that removably attach to a handheld device around the perimeter thereof. The device further includes a first section opposite a second section, wherein each of the first and second sections folds and extends outward from the main section in a substantially wing-like fashion. Each of the first and second sections includes a plurality of control buttons for inputting commands to the handheld device. Embedded within the sections is a flex circuit that is configured to at least partially bend onto itself so as to manipulate the sections to and from an operating configuration and a storing configuration.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to controller systems and input devices. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a combination controller unit and carrier for handheld devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    With the advent of smartphones and other handheld devices, mobile games are becoming increasingly popular. Generally, control buttons that are integral to the handheld devices, or virtual buttons on the devices&#39; display screens are used with existing mobile games to provide input to the games, typically to control an object or character in the game. However, these control buttons are often difficult to use for gaming purposes and do not allow users accurate input. Thus, some users utilize external controllers or special purpose devices, such as joysticks for maneuvering games, steering wheels for driving games, and guns for shooting games. 
         [0003]    These external controllers and special purpose devices are usually connected to the handheld devices by means of a wire or cord, although some controllers are wireless. Accordingly, controllers are generally carried separately from handheld devices and are stowed away when not in use. Thus, having a separate controller unit can be inconvenient and cause annoyance to users. This can be disadvantageous for users who frequently play mobile games on the go. In this regard, the invention described herein addresses this problem. 
         [0004]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that claim controller accessories for handheld devices such as phones and tablet computers. These include control modules that have been patented and published in patent application publications. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which is herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
         [0005]    Specifically, King, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2013/0341214, discloses a phone case that comprises controllers that slide out from opposing ends of the case. The controllers are disposed on the sliding sections so that they are accessible from the front of the phone when they slide outward. In this regard, the sections do not fold and move in an ergonomic manner. 
         [0006]    Huang, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2007/0060216, and Hsu, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0328203, disclose controller sections that are swivably attached to a housing member of a phone case. More particularly, Huang discloses a first controller section that is disposed at the bottom of the phone and that can be secured at the back or at an angle; and a second controller section that is secured in place at the front of the phone. Similarly, Hsu discloses a controller section that can be secured to the back of the case and then moved towards the front of the screen. Thus, these devices also do not disclose sections that can fold into extended and storage configurations. 
         [0007]    Baschnagel, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2014/0228075, and Maus, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2013/0120258, disclose controllers that can attach to one side of a handheld device. Baschnagel discloses a controller unit that can removably attach to the lower end of the handheld device. Thus, Baschnagel is not configured to hold a handheld device therein. Maus discloses a case, but the controller unit is biased toward one side of the handheld device. However, Maus does not comprise any sections that fold out. 
         [0008]    Finally, Sano, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2007/012309, discloses a phone case with control buttons disposed thereon. In operation, the user can rotate the phone to orient it in a portrait or landscape configuration. In this regard, the controllers are not moved. Thus, Sano does not disclose any foldable sections comprising control buttons thereon. 
         [0009]    In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of controller accessories for handheld devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved controller unit having dynamic, foldable components, wherein the controller unit can be removably attached to various handheld devices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The following discloses a simplified summary of the specification in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the specification. This summary is not an extensive overview of the specification. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the specification nor delineate the scope of the specification. Its sole purpose is to disclose some concepts of the specification in a simplified form as to prelude to the more detailed description that is disclosed later. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a combination controller unit and a carrier device for handheld electronic devices, wherein the handheld electronic devices comprise smartphones, tablet computers, and the like. The controller unit and carrier device comprise a main section that is configured to removably attach to a handheld device. The device further comprises a first section opposite a second section, wherein each of the first and second sections folds and extends inward and outward from the main section in a substantially wing-like fashion. 
         [0012]    The sections further comprise a flex circuit or a flex printed circuit board (PCB) embedded therein. The flex circuit comprises a middle section having a first and second side sections extending therefrom. The middle section of the flex circuit is embedded within the main section of the device, and the first and second side sections of the flex circuit are embedded within the first section and the second section of the device, respectively. Each of the first and second side sections of the circuit is configured to bend away from and toward the middle section. In this y, the first and second sections can fold inward and outward from the main section via the flex circuit. 
         [0013]    The first and second sections include a user interface navigation device thereon, wherein the user interface navigation comprises a plurality of control buttons, joystick buttons, touchpad, and/or other pointing instruments. The buttons can be used to provide user input to the handheld device on which the device is installed. In this regard, it is contemplated that the present invention utilizes direct connection, Bluetooth®, NFC, or similar means to connect to the handheld device. 
         [0014]    In operation, the first and second sections lift and bend away from the main section in opposite directions, and then fold partially around the handheld device such that the terminal ends of the first and second sections frame the display screen (i.e., the front side) of the handheld device. In storage, the first and second sections are moved in the reverse direction and toward the main section (i.e., the back side) of the handheld device so that the first and second sections lie flat adjacent to each other and directly against the main section. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the present invention is shaped and dimensioned so that it is not bulky and can resemble a conventional handheld device carrier or case when not in use. Accordingly, the present invention is highly advantageous in that it provides a fully functional controller system while adding minimum girth and weight to the handheld device. 
         [0016]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a combination controller unit and carrier device that can be retrofitted to existing handheld devices. 
         [0017]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a combination controller unit and carrier device that can be used as a case for a handheld electronic device on which it is installed. 
         [0018]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a combination controller unit and carrier device that can flex and bend to and from an extended configuration and a storage configuration. 
         [0019]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a combination controller unit and carrier device that comprises a slim, low-profile so as to increase portability and ease of use thereof. 
         [0020]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a combination controller unit and carrier device that can establish a connection to a handheld electronic device via Bluetooth®, NFC, or other suitable methods. 
         [0021]    A final object of the present invention to provide a combination controller unit and carrier device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and commensurate with durability. 
         [0022]    In the light of the foregoing, these and other objects are accomplished in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein the novelty of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying exemplary drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a top down view of the flex PCB frame structure of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  shows a close-up view how the flex PCB frame structure jogs. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a close-up view of how the flex PCB frame structure bends. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the flex PCB in a stowed position. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show perspective views of the flex PCB in an extended position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  shows a close-up side cross-sectional view of the present invention as used with a mobile phone. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  shows a top down view of the present invention in an extended position as used with a mobile phone. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  shows a side elevational view of the present invention in an extended position as used with a mobile phone. 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  shows a side elevational view of the present invention in a stowed position as installed on a mobile phone. 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  shows a bottom-up view of the present invention in a stowed position as installed on a mobile phone. 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    The present invention is directed towards a combination controller unit and carrier device. For purposes of clarity, and not by way of limitation, illustrative views of the present invention are described with references made to the above-identified figures. Various modifications obvious to one skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0036]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to disclose concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” Additionally, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” or “at least one” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Finally, the terms “flex printed circuit(s),” “flexible printed circuit(s),” “flex printed circuit board(s),” “flexible printed circuit board(s),” “flex circuit(s),” and “flexible circuit(s),” are used interchangeably unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a top down view of the flex PCB frame structure of the present invention. The flex PCB frame structure is embedded within the carrier device of the present invention. The flex PCB frame structure  121  comprises a middle section  130  having a first side section  133 A and a second side section  133 B perpendicularly extending from opposing ends thereof, forming an elbow or a corner where the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B join the middle section  130 . The middle section  130  further comprises a first leg  132 A, a second leg  131 , and a third leg  132 B extending perpendicularly therefrom, wherein the first leg  132 A and the third leg  132 B are substantially equal in length, and the second leg  131  extends beyond the first leg  132 A and the third leg  132 B. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs  132 A,  131 ,  132 B point away from the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B. 
         [0038]    Each of the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B comprises a rounded portion at terminal ends  134 A,  134 B thereof, wherein the rounded portions are configured to align with control buttons, bumpers, and/or joystick buttons. Additionally, the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B include an inward facing protrusion member  135 A,  135 B at its substantial midlength thereof. The first side section  133 A and the first leg  132 A are substantially mirror images of the second side section  133 B and the third leg  132 B. In this way, the flex PCB  121  is substantially symmetrical when viewed from the top. 
         [0039]    The first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B comprises a first folding line  122 A,  122 B and a second folding line  123 A,  123 B. The first folding line  122 A,  122 B is located at a substantial midpoint between the inward facing protrusion member  135 A,  135 B and the elbow where the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B join the middle section  130 . The second folding line  123 A,  123 B is located near or at the elbow where the side sections  133 A,  133 B join the middle section  130 . Each of the first folding line  122 A,  122 B and the second folding line  123 A,  123 B is parallel to the middle section  130 . 
         [0040]    The middle section  130  comprises a pair of first folding lines  126 A,  126 B and a pair of second folding lines  124 A,  124 B. The first folding lines  126 A,  126 B are located where the first leg  132 A and the third leg  132 B join the middle section  130 , respectively. The first folding lines  126 A,  126 B are substantially diagonal (e.g., 45°) relative to the middle section  130 . The second folding lines  124 A,  124 B are located at a substantial midpoint between the first leg  132 A and the second leg  131  and the third leg  132 B and the second leg  131 . The second folding lines  124 A,  124 B are parallel to the legs  132 A,  131 ,  132 B. 
         [0041]    The first leg  132 A and the third leg  132 B comprises a pair of third folding lines  125 A,  125 B. The third folding lines  125 A,  125 B are located near where the first leg  132 A and the third leg  132 B join the middle section  130 . The third folding lines  125 A,  125 B are parallel to the middle section  130 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , there are shown close-up views of how the flex PCB frame structure jogs and bends. As used herein, the terms “jog” or “jogs” mean two bends that change the plane of the flex PCB, as depicted in  FIG. 2 . More specifically, each jog comprises a first bend  127  and a second bend  128 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first bend  127  is positioned above the second bend  128  such that the portion of the PCB adjacent to the first bend  127  is above the portion of the PCB adjacent to the second bend  128 . For example, the second folding lines  124 A,  124 B of the middle section  130  are configured to jog such that the plane of the middle section  130  is not completely coplanar throughout its length. Similarly, the third folding lines  125 A,  125 B are configured to jog such that the plane of the first leg  132 A and the third leg  132 B is not completely coplanar throughout its length. 
         [0043]    Additionally, the terms “bend” or “bends” mean a single bend that changes the direction of the PCB, as depicted in  FIG. 3 . The first folding line  122 A,  122 B and the second folding line  123 A,  123 B of the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B are configured to bend. The first folding lines  126 A,  126 B of the middle section  130  are configured to bend diagonally. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 through 6 , there are shown various views of the flex PCB frame structure  121 . In a stowed or stored position, the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B are folded at the first folding lines  126 A,  126 B of the middle section  130  such that the terminal ends  134 A,  134 B of the side sections  133 A,  133 B are facing the second leg  131  and toward each other. 
         [0045]    In an extended position, the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B are folded at the second folding line  123 A,  123 B so that the terminal ends  134 A,  134 B of the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B are facing away from each other and away from the legs. Additionally, the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B can fold at the first folding line  122 A,  122 B so that the terminal ends  134 A,  134 B of the first side section  133 A and the second side section  133 B extend perpendicularly upward. Said another way, the plane of the middle section is perpendicular to the plane of the first and second side sections  133 A,  133 B. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a cross-sectional side view of the combination controller unit and carrier device  142  of the present invention. The flex PCB  121  is embedded within the carrier device comprising a main section  137  having first and second sections extending therefrom. The main section  137  is configured to removably attach to a handheld electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the main section  137  is removably attached to a phone  136 . 
         [0047]    The main section  137  comprises the middle section of the PCB  121  embedded therein, and each of the first and second sections comprises the first side section and the second side section of the PCB  121  embedded therein, respectfully. Because the flex PCB is embedded within the carrier device, the carrier device is configured to bend with the flex PCB in use. More specifically, each of the first section and the second section is configured to bend at the first folding line and the second folding line of the first and second side sections so as to define a first subsection  138 , a second subsection  139 , and a third subsection  140 . The sides of the subsections  138 ,  139 ,  140  at the first and second folding lines are beveled  141  so that the subsections  138 ,  139 ,  140  can fold and unfold easily. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8 through 11 , there are shown various views of the present invention as used with a smartphone. In other embodiments, however, it is contemplated that the device is shaped and configured for use with various types of handheld electronic devices, such as computer tablets, e-readers, MP3 players, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the main section  137  comprises a substantially frame-like structure so as to hold the phone  136  therein, providing an unobstructed access to the display screen or the front of the phone  136 . It is contemplated that the main section  137  is configured to hold the perimeter of the phone  136  via press-fit, snap fit, or similar means, similar to a conventional phone carrier or case. In this regard, the edges of the main section  137  may be configured to hug or partially wrap around the perimeter of the phone  136 . When attached, the middle of the main section  137  sits flush against the back surface of the phone  136 . In some embodiments, the main section  137  comprises an open configuration such that it comprises a perimeter and an open middle portion. In some embodiments, the main section  137  comprises a closed configuration such that it comprises a substantially rectangular structure with a flanged perimeter and a recessed portion for holding the phone  136  therein. 
         [0049]    In operation, the first subsection  138  of each of the first  145  and second sections  146  are folded outward and then the third subsection  140  are folded toward the front of the phone in a wing-like fashion. The second subsection  139  is substantially perpendicular to the first and second subsections  138 ,  140  and the subsections  140  frame the display screen of the phone  136 . In this regard, the subsections  140  do not obstruct the display screen of the phone  136 . 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, the third subsections  140  comprises a plurality of buttons (e.g., control buttons, joystick buttons, bumpers) thereon. More specifically, the buttons are disposed on the surface of the third subsections  140  that face upward when the device is in an extended configuration. Thus, the buttons are biased toward the back surface of the phone when the first and second sections are in a stowed position. This prevents the users from accidentally activating the buttons when the device is not in use as a controller. 
         [0051]    When stowed, the first  145  and second sections  146 , and hence the first subsection  138 , the second subsection  139 , and the third subsection  140  are positioned flat against the main section  137 . The subsections  138 ,  139 ,  140  can be substantially coplanar to one another when the first and second sections are in a stowed position. The beveled edges of the subsections  138 ,  139 ,  140  at the bend lines allow the PCB  121  embedded within the subsections  138 ,  139 ,  140  to bend and flex easily. The present invention is shaped and dimensioned to minimize bulkiness when attached to the phone  136 . In this way, the carrier device comprises a low-profile and does not substantially increase the girth of the phone  136 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, one or more of the subsections  138 ,  139 ,  140  of the first  145  and second sections  146  further comprise cutouts  143 ,  144  to prevent the sections from obstructing the phone&#39;s camera and flash, thereby allowing the phone&#39;s camera and flash to operate properly. Additionally, the main section  137  can comprise one or more cutouts that are aligned with the cutouts  143 ,  144  of the first and second sections. It is noted that the sections can comprise additional cutouts for other buttons disposed on the exterior of the phone, depending upon embodiments. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a circuit connection  110  of the present invention. The present invention comprises a flex PCB having a middle section having a first side section and a second side section extending therefrom. The middle section comprises a microcontroller (MCU)  112 , wherein the MCU  112  is operatively connected to a USB mini interface  111 . 
         [0054]    The MCU  112  is further connected to a right CapSense® button  113  and a left CapSense® button  114 . Each of the CapSense® button  113 ,  114  is connected to a bumper  115 ,  118 , buttons  116 ,  119 , and a joystick  117 ,  120 . In some embodiments, the CapSense® buttons  113 ,  114  are further connected to other control buttons, such as pause and start/stop buttons, back/forward buttons, trigger buttons, and the like. Each of the bumper  115 ,  118 , buttons  116 ,  119 , and the joystick  117 ,  120  is located on the first side section and second side section of the flex PCB, and therefore accessible on the first and second sections of the carrier device. Said another way, the first side section comprises a first set of control buttons comprising the bumper  118 , the buttons  119 , and the joystick  120 . Similarly, the second side section comprises a second set of control buttons comprising the bumper  115 , the buttons  116 , and the joystick  117 . The control buttons can be used to provide user input to the phone or another electronic device on which the carrier device is installed. In some embodiments, each of the first and second sections, and hence the first and second set of control buttons, is connected to its own power source and/or a wireless power charger operatively connected to the flex PCB. Alternatively, the first and second sections are connected to a common power source (e.g., the phone) and/or a wireless power operatively connected to the flex PCB. 
         [0055]    The present invention utilizes direct connection, Bluetooth®, NFC, or similar means to connect to the phone to which it is attached, thereby allowing for user input via the device. In operation, the signals are brought along the middle section of the flex circuit. The transmission of the signals is not impeded despite the foldable configuration of the device due to the use of flex. The configuration of the circuit allows the signal to reach the first and second side sections of the PCB, and hence, the first and second sections of the device where the control buttons are accessible while still allowing for freedom of movement of the first and second sections. 
         [0056]    It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0057]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.