Patent Publication Number: US-11654351-B2

Title: Multi-function controller mount

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/177,344, filed Feb. 17, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/042,624, filed Jun. 23, 2020, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Personal and portable electronic devices are commonly used for communication, entertainment, gaming, and Internet access, as well as for a variety of other purposes. Examples of personal electronic devices include smartphones, tablet computers, gaming devices, audio players, video players, cameras, portable computers, two-way radios, GPS receivers, and/or other portable devices. As processing power, screen resolution, and other features increase, these electronic devices are being used for an increasingly wide range of purposes. In some situations, these types of electronic devices are used for gaming. Frequently, it is desirable to use an external game controller, keyboard, or other input or peripheral device rather than to provide input directly to the screen or buttons of the electronic device. In some situations, handheld game controllers are used with smartphones and improved mounts are desired for holding the controller and the smartphone. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a controller mount; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a side view of the controller mount of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates the controller mount of  FIG.  1    with a game controller and a smartphone installed; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates the side view of  FIG.  2    with a lock lever in an unlocked position; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a movable controller clip attached to the controller mount of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates the side view of  FIG.  2    with the arm in a partially extended position; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates the configuration of  FIG.  6    with the device tray in an extended position; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates the configuration of  FIG.  7    with the arm further extended; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates the configuration of  FIG.  7    with the lock lever in the locked position; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a rear perspective view of the configuration of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a rear perspective view of the configuration of  FIG.  3    and the removal of the arm from the controller receiver; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates the configuration of  FIG.  11    with the arm removed from the controller receiver; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates an alternate and close-up view of the configuration of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates the configuration of  FIG.  11    with the arm and device tray used as a stand separate from the controller receiver; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates an alternate view of the configuration of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a device mount for use with a controller mount; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a back view of the device mount of  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  18    illustrates an exploded view of the device mount of  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates an alternative controller mount including the device mount of  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  20    illustrates another view of the alternative controller mount of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  21    illustrates an alternative controller mount; and 
         FIG.  22    illustrates another view of the controller mount of  FIG.  21   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Electronic devices, such as smartphones, are frequently used with external peripherals such as an external game controller, keyboard, or other input device rather than providing input directly to the screen or buttons of the electronic device. In some situations, improved mounts are desired for simultaneously holding a game controller and the smartphone in a preferred and/or adjustable viewing position. In many situations, gamers wish to play games on a smartphone using the same game controller that they use when playing games on a game console, a full size computer, and/or when using a larger monitor. Therefore, it is desirable to have a controller mount which attaches to both the game controller and the smartphone and also offers multiple degrees of adjustment. It may also be desirable that the apparatus may be used as a stand for the smartphone. 
     While most of the examples discussed herein are discussed with respect to a smartphone, the apparatuses and techniques disclosed herein are not limited to smartphones and may be used with any processing or display device. While most of the examples discussed herein are explained with respect to a game controller, the apparatuses and techniques disclosed herein are not limited to game controllers and may be used with any type of input or peripheral device. 
     In one example, a multi-function controller mount is configured or adapted for use with a game controller or other peripheral device, as well as with a smartphone or other electronic device. The multi-function controller mount includes a controller receiver configured for removably attaching to the game controller, wherein controls of the game controller remain accessible and usable when the game controller is removably attached to the controller receiver. The multi-function controller mount also includes an arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the arm is pivotably attached to the controller receiver at a first pivot axis. The multi-function controller mount also includes a device tray, mount, carrier, or receptacle that is pivotably attached to the second end of the arm at a second pivot axis. The device tray is configured for holding the smartphone at an adjustable height and an adjustable viewing angle relative to the controller receiver. The height and the viewing angle are adjustable through movement or the arm at the first pivot axis and movement of the device tray at the second pivot axis. The multi-function controller mount also includes a lock feature or lock lever attached to the arm. The lock lever or feature has a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock lever is configured to prevent movement of the arm relative to the controller receiver at the first pivot axis when the lock lever is in the locked position and configured to permit movement of the arm relative to the controller receiver at the first pivot axis when the lock lever is in the unlocked position The arm and device tray may also optionally be removed and used as a stand for the smartphone separate from the controller receiver. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a controller mount  100 . In  FIG.  100   , controller mount  100  is in a stowed position. Controller mount  100  includes a controller receiver  120 , an arm  130 , a lock lever  140 , and a device tray  150 . Controller receiver  120  includes a clip  122  for removably attaching controller receiver  120  to a game controller. Clip  122  may be any kind of structure to flexibly engage a ledge, edge, lip, ridge, edge, recess, hole, or other feature of the game controller to hold the game controller. One example is illustrated in  FIG.  3   . Clip  122  may rely on an interference fit, a friction fit, a resilient characteristic, and/or a springing behavior. Clip  122  may include a tab  125  for flexing or springing clip  122 . Controller receiver  120  may also removably attach to the game controller using a fastener, a snap, a tab, an adhesive, and/or a temporary adhesive. Controller receiver  120  may also include another clip, such as movable clip  124  also for removably attaching to the game controller. Movable clip  124  is adjustable to different positions through movement along a track  127 . This movement enables controller mount  100  to fit game controllers of different sizes and/or shapes. 
     Controller mount  100  also includes arm  130  which is pivotably attached to controller receiver  120  at arm pivot axis  129 , which may include a hinge. Device tray  150  is pivotably attached to arm  130  at tray pivot  159 , which may also be described as a tray pivot axis. Device tray may also be referred to as a device mount. Tray pivot  159  may be or include a hinge. Tray pivot  159  may have a locking feature and/or may be a friction hinge having a specified amount of inherent resistance or stiction which requires a specified amount of torque to overcome. The discussion of subsequent figures will explain the relative movement of these elements in greater detail. 
     Device tray  150  may include one or more arms, such as device arm  152  and device arm  154  for temporarily and removably holding the smartphone, or other electronic device, on device tray  150 . Device arms  152  and  154  may be spring loaded, ratcheting, and/or may have a frictional behavior. The position and size of device arms  152  and  154  may be chosen to support a variety of sizes of smartphones and/or accommodate smartphones both with and without protective cases or covers. Controller mount  100  may also include a locking feature, such as lock lever  140 , for selectively locking or prohibiting the movement of arm  130  relative to controller receiver  130 . More or fewer device arms are possible. In other examples, a smartphone or a smartphone case may be attached to device tray  150  using an attachment mechanism or a magnet on a back surface of the smartphone or smartphone case.  FIG.  2    illustrates a side view of controller mount  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
     In some examples, device tray  150  may be telescoping or extendable in one or more directions to accommodate a larger range of device sizes. In some examples, the telescoping or extending feature may be spring-loaded to more readily hold a range of devices of different sizes and/or devices in protective cases. In some examples, a constant force spring may be used. In other examples, device tray  150  may include a tacky, grippy, or non-slip surface to reduce chances of movement of the smartphone on device tray  150 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates controller mount  100  with a game controller  70  and smartphone  90  removably mounted or attached. Smartphone  90  may be any type of phone, tablet computer, gaming device, video player, camera, portable computer, and/or display device for displaying information related to the use of game controller  70 . Game controller  70  may be any type of input device used with video games or entertainment systems to provide input to a video game, typically to control an object or character in the game. Game controller  70  may be any type of controller, such as an XBOX controller, that may also be used with a console system, a full size computer, a full sized display, a television, and/or any other gaming device or display. 
     Game controller  70  may communicate with smartphone  90  through a wireless and/or a wired connection. As described in further detail below, controller mount  100  can be adjusted to provide a preferred viewing angle and position for smartphone  90  when game controller  100  is held. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a side view of controller mount  100  similar to  FIG.  2   , but with lock lever  140  moved upward into an unlocked position. While a particular implementation of lock lever  140  is discussed herein, the improvements disclosed herein are not limited to any particular type, shape, or implementation of locking mechanism. In this example, lock lever  140  pivots from arm  130  and is moved into the unlocked position illustrated in  FIG.  4    when it is desired to move arm  130  to a different position. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a movable clip  124  on controller mount  100  enabling controller mount  100  to alternately hold controllers other than game controller  70  which may have different shapes and/or sizes. In other examples, controller mount  100  may be used with one or more other types of peripheral or input devices. An additional adapter may be attached to controller mount  100  to accommodate other devices. Movable clip  124  moves to different positions along a track  127  as illustrated by the arrow in  FIG.  5   . Clip  122  may also have adjustable features in place of, or in addition to, movable clip  124 . Movable clip  124  may also adjust to accommodate a protective case, covering, or shell which may be installed on game controller  70 . 
     After lock lever  140  is moved to the unlocked position illustrated in  FIG.  4   , arm  130  may be pivoted upward, extended, or partially extended as illustrated in  FIG.  6   .  FIG.  7    illustrates device tray  150  pivoted to an extended or use position after arm  130  has been pivoted upward. This occurs based on relative movement between device tray  150  and arm  130  at tray pivot  159 .  FIG.  7    also illustrates lock lever  140  returned to the lock position to temporarily hold arm  130  in the illustrated position.  FIG.  8    illustrates lock lever  140  having been unlocked or released again and arm  130  moved to an alternate viewing position or angle.  FIG.  9    illustrates the return of arm  130  to a position similar to the position of  FIG.  7    with lock lever  140  returned to the lock position.  FIG.  10    illustrates a rear perspective view of the configuration of  FIG.  9   . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates removal of arm  130  from controller receiver  120  when lock lever  140  is in the unlocked position. As illustrated by the arrows in  FIG.  11   , arm extensions  132 A and  1328  are squeezed, bent, or flexed toward each other by applying an external force. Once arm extensions  132 A and  1328  are deflected a sufficient amount, the sub assembly including arm  130  and device tray  150  can be separated from the controller receiver  120 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a rear view of controller receiver  120  with arm  130  removed. As illustrated, conical hubs  133 A and  133 B are attached to arm extensions  132 A and  1328 , respectively, and have conical or tapered shapes. As discussed in further detail with respect to  FIG.  13   , controller receiver  120  includes hub receiver  123 A and  123 B for receiving conical hubs  133 A and  133 B, respectively. Hub receivers  123 A and  123 B may also be conically shaped to receive and mate with conical hubs  133 A and  133 B, respectively. In some examples, the hubs and hub receivers may be reversed. Other engagement mechanisms are possible. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates an alternate close-up view of a portion of the configuration illustrated in  FIG.  12   . Each of conical hubs  133 A and  1338  includes a plurality of splines or protrusions  138 . Each of hub receiver  123 A and  123 B include a plurality of splines or recesses  128  that correspond, mate, and/or engage with splines  138  of conical hubs  133 A and  133 B, respectively. When the splines are engaged, arm  130  cannot rotate relative to controller receiver  120 . Since conical hubs  133 A and  133 B and receivers  123 A and  123 B are conically shaped, arm extensions  132 A and  132 B must be flexed or squeezed together a specified distance before the splines are sufficiently disengaged to rotate arm  130 . 
     The configuration illustrated in  FIG.  13    forms discrete detents or steps to which arm  130  can be moved or rotated. This configuration also provides that arm  130  does not readily move of fall as soon as lock lever  140  is moved to the unlocked position. The assembly may also be described as having a ratcheting behavior when lock lever  140  is in the unlocked position and a sufficient force is applied to arm  130 . When lock lever  140  is in the locked position, splines  128  of hubs  133 A and  133 B are engaged with receivers  123 A and  123 B and cannot be flexed toward each a sufficient distance for disengagement, thereby keeping arm  130  in place. Other spline layouts and configurations are possible. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates the configuration of  FIG.  11    with the sub-assembly including arm  130  and device tray  150  used as a stand separate from controller receiver  120 . In other words, the sub-assembly that includes arm  130  and device tray  150  can be used as an adjustable stand for smartphone  90  when they are placed on a table or other substantially horizontal surface. When a user desires to again use the devices in another configuration, such as while holding the game controller, arm  130  can simply be reattached to controller receiver  120  and game controller  70  to return to the original configuration.  FIG.  15    illustrates an alternate view of the configuration illustrated in  FIG.  14   . 
       FIG.  16    illustrates a device mount  200  for use with any of the controller adapters or controller mounts disclosed herein. Device mount  200  may be used as an alternative to or in place of device tray  150  as a means for holding or temporarily retaining an electronic device, a tablet computer, or a display device.  FIG.  17    illustrates a back view of device mount  200 . Device mount  200  includes attachment points  201  which may be used to attach device mount  200  to arm  130  at tray pivot  159  in a manner similar to that used for device tray  150 . Other attachment and/or pivot configurations are possible. 
       FIG.  18    illustrates an exploded view of an assembly that makes up device mount  200 . Device mount  200  includes cap  210  rotational body top  220 , ring magnet  232 , alignment magnet  234 , rotational body bottom, and base  250 . When assembled, ring magnet  232  and alignment magnet  234  are captured or enclosed when rotational body top  220  is attached to rotational body bottom  240 . Rotational body top  220  may be attached to rotational body bottom  240  using one or more known methods including using a snap fit, a friction fit, an interference fit, clips, tabs, screws, threads, and/or an adhesive. 
     The illustrated shape, size, configuration, and orientation of ring magnet  232  and alignment magnet  234  are compatible with a standard magnetic interface, such as APPLE MAGSAFE. However, other shapes, sizes, configurations, quantities, and/or orientations are possible in order to be compatible with other devices or systems. Ring magnet  232  and alignment magnet  234  are configured or adapted to magnetically attract one or more magnets or metallic elements in a smartphone, a tablet computer, an electronic device, and/or a case for one of these items. The purpose is to provide a convenient mounting system which temporarily retains the device. The attraction of alignment magnet  234  to a corresponding element provides a repeatable and consistent orientation of the electronic device on device mount  200 . 
     The assembly including rotational body top  220 , rotational body bottom  240 , ring magnet  232 , and alignment magnet  234  is rotatably captured when cap  210  is attached to base  250 . Cap  210  is attached when clips  212  and  214  engage clip receivers  252  and  254 , respectively. Cap  210  and/or base  250  may include flexible elements which contact the assembly such that the assembly is rotatable relative to base  250  but tends to stay in place unless a sufficient force is applied. Cap  210  and/or base  250  may also include one or more dimples, protrusions, raised surfaces, channels, recesses, or detents which further tend to keep the assembly in particular preferred rotational positions. In one example, the one or more dimples, protrusions, raised surfaces, channels, recesses, or detents may establish preferred rotational locations which have a 90 degree relationship to one or more other preferred rotational locations. Device mount  200  enables the rotational assembly, and possibly also a magnetically attached electronic device, to be rotated relative to base  250 . Other configurations are possible. 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a controller mount  300  which includes device mount  200 . The other components of controller mount  300  may be any of the same components as those of controller mount  100 . Controller mount  300  may be manipulated, positioned, oriented, and/or utilized in any of the ways described with respect to controller mount  100 . In other words, after substituting device mount  200  for device tray  150 , controller mount  300  may be configured or used in any of the manners illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 15   .  FIG.  20    illustrates a side view of controller mount  300 . 
       FIG.  21    illustrates an alternate controller mount  400 . Controller mount  400  may have any of the elements, features, functions, and/or characteristics of controller mount  100  and/or controller mount  300 . Controller mount  400  includes controller receiver  420 , which may have any of the elements, features, functions, and/or characteristics of controller receiver  420 . 
     Controller mount  400  also includes a retention strap  480 . Retention strap  480  may be comprised of a rigid material, a semi-rigid material, a stretchable material, a resilient material, and/or an elastic material. In one specific example, retention strap  480  comprises a stretchable silicon material. Retention strap  480  facilitates or assists with removably retaining or attaching controller mount  400  to a game controller. 
       FIG.  22    illustrates a bottom perspective view of controller mount  400  of  FIG.  21   . Retention strap  480  may be pivotably, rotatably, or hingedly attached to controller receiver  420  at a first end  481 . Retention strap  480  may also include a fastening feature, such as aperture  482 , at a second end which interfaces with a complementary fastening feature on controller receiver  420 , such as post  421 , for retaining retention strap  480  in a closed or attached position. The stretchability of retaining strap  480  may enable controller mount  400  to be used with two or more game controllers of different sizes or dimensions. In another example, the stretchability of retaining strap  480  may enable it to be used with a game controller with different accessories attached to it, such as with batteries of different sizes and/or capacities. In yet another example, a protective shell, cover, or case may be used with the game controller. The stretchability of retaining strap  480  may enable controller mount  400  to be used with the game controller, as well as with the game controller when the shell, cover, or case is present. In other words, the stretchability of retaining strap  480  may enable it to accommodate the increased dimension when the shell, cover, or case is present. 
     In some examples, any of the components described herein may be swapped or switch out for replacements of other sizes or configurations in order to accommodate a smartphone, computer, or game controller of another size or shape. 
     The elements, components, and steps described herein are meant to exemplify some types of possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned examples limit the scope of the invention, as they are only exemplary embodiments. 
     The phrases “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “in the embodiments shown,” “in other embodiments,” “in some examples,” “in other examples,” “in some cases,” “in some situations,” “in one configuration,” “in another configuration,” and the like generally mean that the particular technique, feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and/or may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or to different embodiments. 
     The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Other modifications and variations of the disclosed techniques may be possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments described in the foregoing disclosure were chosen to explain the principles of the concept and its practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. It is intended that the claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention, except as limited by the prior art.