Patent Publication Number: US-2009218860-A1

Title: Multi-axis gaming chair assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a support assembly in the form of a chair movable by a participant based on his/her reaction to an observed video game or video simulation. A driver assembly and control assembly are cooperatively structured to accomplish movement of the chair about any one or all of a plurality of substantially transversely oriented axes in reaction to the participant&#39;s manipulation of a portion of the control assembly. A processor assembly includes Internet or other network communication capabilities operatively connected to the display monitor for determining the video content observed by the participant. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     With the major advancements in computer technology over the past few years, the popularity of video games has increased dramatically resulting in a multi-million dollar per year industry. Many commercially available video game platforms are used primarily on personal computers or game box in a home or other non-commercial environment. However, the expansion of the video game market has increased to the extent that public venues including competitions are also enjoying increased popularity. Traditionally, depending upon the environment in which a video game is played or demonstrated, an individual stands or sits at a stationary computer or gaming machine. Operation or participation in the content of the video game involves observing a video display as well as operating various control features. Such control features may include joysticks, levers, pedals, etc. In addition, motion directed video games involving the traveling of a vehicle also may include appropriately corresponding control mechanisms, such as steering wheels, steering yokes, etc. which are used to simulate the driving or operation of the vehicle being displayed. 
     In order to enhance the experience of a video game player, “gaming chairs” have been introduced which are structured to attempt to simulate movements of the vehicle involved in the video content being displayed. Similarly, movable seats or participant supporting devices are also structured to provide movement, feel, and other features which simulate the overall environment of the video content being displayed. 
     However, disadvantage and problems associated with the manufacture, operation and cost of known or conventional gaming seats are well recognized in the video game industry. Typically, the movement involved in such support assemblies is somewhat limited and frequently is not sufficiently versatile to provide a realistic simulation which corresponds to the content of the video game being observed. Also, conventional gaming chairs and like support assemblies may be structured to directly correspond to a specific video game or category of games thereby lacking sufficient versatility to be readily adapted to a variety of different categories of video content. Other problems and disadvantages associated with known gaming chairs involve the mechanical and operative components which serve to accomplish the intended simulated movement. Such components may be slow to respond to manipulation of a joystick or other controlling structure by the participant. Therefore, with such limited versatility of the type set forth above, gaming chairs, seats and like individual support assemblies do not adequately simulate movement of vehicles or other video content associated with many, if not a majority of the video games or like displayed video simulations. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the video gaming industry for a support assembly including a chair capable of being concurrently moved throughout a plurality of predetermined axes in direct and immediate response to corresponding movement of any one of a plurality of different type of control members including the aforementioned joystick, steering wheel, etc. Further, such an improved and proposed support assembly should be structured to provide a completely realistic “feel” to the participant involved in the video game or like simulated video display in order to increase the enjoyment of the participant. Moreover, such an improved support assembly should be relatively light in weight, efficiently constructed and operationally sound so as to be capable of repeated use over a long operable life and be readily adaptable to a variety of different video games or vide displays. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an assembly in the form of a chair and more commonly known as a “gaming chair” which is used to movably support a participant when viewing a video game or video simulation. As used herein the terms “video game” or “video simulation” are to be interpreted in the broadest sense. As such these terms are used herein to describe any type of video presentation or content, wherein an individual views and is expected to participate in the “action” of the displayed content by manipulating a control member. The operation of the control member thereby serves to move and/or position the chair in a manner which corresponds to the video content. 
     By way of example only, the video content may comprise travel of a vehicle, such as an airplane, automobile, boat, etc. wherein the participant manually operates a control member so as to coordinate movement of the support assembly or chair to the travel of the vehicle or other object represented in the video content. As such, the various operative components of the preferred embodiments of the present invention accomplish movements and/or positioning of the chair and a participant present thereon about any one or all of a plurality of axes. Moreover, the movement or positioning of the chair and supported participant about multiple axes will result in a more “real life” experience thereby allowing the participant to more closely realize or “feel” the action of the video content being displayed. 
     As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, one or more preferred embodiments of the support assembly and/or gaming chair of the present invention may also include a processor assembly comprising an appropriate computer or processor facility. The processor assembly has capability of communicating over the internet and/or other communication network, wherein the processor assembly is operatively interconnected to the display assembly, including the aforementioned monitor so as to control or at least determine the video content display thereon. Further, the processor assembly has the capability, through interactive, operational circuitry associated with both the processor assembly and the display assembly, to operate a variety of different console game systems which are well known and widely available on the commercial market. Also, additional software can be maintained within the processor facility or alternatively accessed over the Internet or other predetermined communication network to support the operation of the various embodiments of the present invention and/or the performance and operational characteristics of the video content being displayed. Further, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates a Windows-based control software which requires only Ethernet and updates which are available online. 
     Accordingly, at least one or more preferred embodiments of the support assembly of the present invention include a chair being movably supported on a support frame, wherein the support frame may include a base disposed on a supporting surface as well as a stanchion assembly serving to interconnect the base to the support frame and therefore to the chair. The chair, in order to provide control, comfort and overall operational efficiency to the participant, further includes additional structural features such as an adjustable foot assembly extending outwardly from the chair a variably spaced distance. Also, the display assembly includes a monitor as well as a monitor mount. In the various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the monitor amount includes an elongated configuration interconnected to the chair or to the base. When the monitor mount is connected to the chair, the monitor supported thereby is movable with the chair about a plurality of preferably transversely oriented axes. Alternatively, the elongated monitor mount may be secured to the base or other fixed portion of the assembly such that the position of the monitor and the monitor mount on which it is supported are disposed in a substantially fixed position relative to the multi-axis travel or positioning of the chair. 
     As at least generally set forth above, the control assembly includes both the operational circuitry serving to interconnect it to the processing assembly and/or a driver assembly as well as at least one control member. In somewhat typical fashion, the control member may assume a variety of structural characteristics such as those represented by a joystick, steering wheel, etc. Moreover, the control member is hand manipulated by the participant and is adjustably disposed in easily accessible relation to the participant when in the chair. The aforementioned control circuitry is operational, in addition to the cooperative structuring between the control assembly and the drive assembly, to determine the movement of the chair independent of the video content. More specifically, cooperative structuring and operative interconnection between the control assembly and the driver assembly accomplishes substantially corresponding movement of the chair to that of the movement of the control member of the control assembly. By way of example only, the participant may move the control member in a forward direction which will automatically and substantially concurrently move the chair in the corresponding forward direction. Similarly, movement of the control member by the participant along a somewhat complex path of travel will result in a chair being substantially concurrently moved about the plurality of transversely oriented axes so as to facilitate a substantially corresponding movement of the chair to that of the control member, as manipulated by the participant. 
     Further, it is recognized that the participant will attempt manual manipulation or movement of the control member based on the video content being viewed on the video display or the monitor. However, the video content per se does not control or regulate movement of the chair other than the participant&#39;s reaction to the displayed video content and his/her responsive manipulation of the control member. Further by way of example, if the video content comprises an automobile, race car, etc. traveling along a path of travel and encountering various turns, straight-a-ways, obstacles, etc., the chair will move into various positions which corresponds to the movement of the control member operated by the participant while viewing the video content. However, if the participant did not move the control member, the chair in turn will not move regardless of the simulated travel of the vehicle in the video content. 
     Movement of the chair about each of the plurality of transversely oriented axes is accomplished by interaction of the control member with a driver assembly comprising a plurality of driver members. The driver members are preferably in the form of air cylinders connected in fluid connection with a fluid or air source by appropriate conduits. In addition, operative control circuitry associated with the control assembly and/or control member will serve to facilitate operation of the fluid communication of the air issuing from the fluid source so as to accurately operate each of the driver members in a manner which will accomplish corresponding movement between the chair, about the plurality of axes as determined by the manipulation of the control member by the participant. 
     Additional structural and operative features of the support assembly of the present invention will be explained in greater detail hereinafter and include a speaker assembly mounted on or otherwise disposed relative to the chair so as to provide clear audio content to the participant. Also, adequate padding or cushioning material may be connected to various portions of the support frame and/or chair so as to facilitate comfort and safety of the participant during operation of the chair. In association therewith, an appropriate restraining assembly in the form of a lap belt or other more sophisticated torso harness may be connected to the chair to facilitate containment and comfort of the participant. In addition, various siding panels or enclosure components may be mounted on the support frame and/or chair structure so as to adequately enclose the chair during the multi-axis movement as well as provide an operationally realistic environment to the participant when disposed on the chair. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a participant supporting chair of the present invention and operative components associated therewith. 
         FIG. 1A  is a detailed perspective view in partial cutaway of a display monitor and control member associated at least with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a different embodiment of a control member and a user interface both associated at least with the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic representation in block diagram form of interactive operative components of at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as represented in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic representation representing a multi-axis display of movement about which the gaming chair assembly of the present invention may be positioned. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the opposite side the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a front view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a detailed view of an operative component associated with the display assembly and the display monitor associated therewith. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view in partial schematic of a multi-device controller assembly associated with one or more of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 through 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view in partial schematic representing a modification of the multi-device controller assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 13  and further incorporating an axis selection assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view in partial schematic representing yet another modification of the multi-device controller assembly of the embodiment of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a support assembly generally indicated as  10  including a chair or “gaming chair”  12  movably supported on a support frame generally indicated as  14 . The support frame  14  includes a base  16  fixedly or securely connected to or mounted on an appropriate support surface and a stanchion assembly  18 . The stanchion assembly  18  includes at least one stanchion member extending upwardly and somewhat outwardly from the base  16  into supporting interconnection with one or more portions such as at  20  of the support frame  14 . In addition, the chair  12  is movably connected to the support frame  14 ,  20  by a chair mount generally indicated as  22 . It is emphasized that the specific structural features of the support frame  14 ,  20  as well as the chair mount  22  may assume a variety of different structures and/or configurations which are appropriate to facilitate movement of the chair  12  about a “multi-axis” path of travel. 
     The multi-axis movement of the chair  12  will be described in greater detail with primary reference to the schematic representations of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Accordingly, the various structural components of the assembly  10  facilitate selective and controlled movement of the chair  12  as well as a participant supported thereon preferably about a plurality of axes, which are preferably transversely oriented, as schematically represented in  FIG. 3 . 
     Other structural features associated with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , as well as others of the plurality of preferred embodiments set forth in the additional figures, include a display assembly  24  including a monitor  26  supported by a monitor mount  28 . The monitor  26  may include a flat screen, LCD display or other appropriate monitor facility connected to or otherwise supported on a platform  27  connected to an outer or distal end of the monitor mount  28 . Further, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the monitor mount  28  includes an elongated configuration interconnected to the chair  12  or the chair mount  22  in a manner which accomplishes movement of the monitor  26  along with the chair  12 , as the chair  12  travels through its multi-axis path of travel. Therefore, the monitor mount  28  extends outwardly from a frontal portion of the chair  12  a predetermined distance such that the monitor  26  is disposed in facing relation to the frontal portion of the chair  12  in a readily observable location relative to a participant on or within the chair  12 . 
     With primary reference to the embodiments of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , additional structural features associated with these embodiments include the monitor mount, generally indicated as  28 ′, having an elongated configuration. The monitor  26  is connected to and/or supported in a suspended relation at the distal end of the monitor mount  28 ′ as clearly represented. The opposite end or other appropriate portion of the monitor mount  28 ′ is interconnected to the chair mount  22  or other structure associated with the chair  12 . As such, the monitor  26  will be disposed in overlying relation to the chair  12  and move with the chair  12 , as it travels about one or all of the plurality of preferably transversely oriented axes. 
     Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is represented in  FIG. 6  wherein the monitor mount  28 ″ also has an elongated configuration with the platform  27  or other appropriate support structure secured to an outer or distal end thereof in supporting relation to the monitor  26 . However, in this embodiment the proximal or inner end of the monitor mount  28 ″ is secured to the base  16 . As such, this embodiment of the monitor mount  28 ″ disposes or supports the monitor  26  in a substantially fixed position, wherein the monitor  26  does not travel or move with the chair  12 . 
     Further with regards to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , as well as other embodiments of the assembly  10  shown throughout the accompanying Figures, the assembly  10  also includes a footrest assembly generally indicated as  30 . The footrest  30  also includes an elongated configuration including at least a single elongated arm or bar member  32  having a foot engaging portion  34  at an outer or distal end thereof. Further, the footrest assembly  30  is adjustably connected to the arm  32  at a distal end thereof. Accordingly, the foot engaging portion  34  may be adjustably positioned and therefore variably spaced relative to the chair  12  so as to accommodate participants of various sizes, ages, etc. The adjustable structure associated with the arm  32  and the foot engaging portion  34  may comprise a plurality of apertures  32 ′ formed in the bar  32  and a locking pin or like structure associated with the footrest assembly  34 . The foot engaging portion will thereby be removably locked or maintained in a preferred and variable spaced distance from the chair  12 . 
     With primary reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A and  1 B, additional structural and operative features associated with the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and other preferred embodiments as represented in accompanying figures include a control assembly  38 . The control assembly  38  includes a control member  40  in the form of a joystick, as at  40 ′, a steering wheel as at  40 ″ or other appropriately structured control members. Regardless of the specific structural features of the control member  40 , it is connected to a support platform  42  which is adjustably and/or movably connected to a monitor mount or otherwise interconnected to the chair  12 . The control member is movable with the chair through the aforementioned multi-axis range of movement. In addition, the platform  42  is further structured to contain or support a user interface  44  as represented in  FIG. 1B  in the form of a keyboard or other operative component. The user interface  44  facilitates interaction between the participant and the control assembly  38  and/or a processing assembly generally indicated as  60  schematically represented in  FIG. 2  and described in greater detail hereinafter. As such, the platform  42  includes provisions for securing both the control member  40  associated with the control assembly  38  as well as the interface  44  so that the position of either or both can be adjustable relative to the position of the participant within the chair  12 . Also, activation, adjustment or operation may be controlled through manipulation of the interface  44  by the participant or other personnel which may be in charge of operation of the assembly  10 , such as when it is used in a commercial environment. 
     Yet additional structural and operative features of the assembly  10  include the provision of a driver assembly generally and schematically represented as  50  in  FIG. 2 . More specifically, the driver assembly  50  comprises a plurality of driver members such as, but not limited to,  52  and  53  and in certain additional embodiments a third driver member  54 , as represented in  FIGS. 4 and 4A . Each of the driver members  52 ,  53  and  54  are preferably in the form of an air cylinder as represented throughout the Figures, wherein each of the plurality of air cylinders, defining the driver members  52 ,  53  and  54  are connected in fluid communication with an air or fluid source generally indicated as  56 . 
     The fluid source  56  may be an air compressor, air pump or other appropriate facility which generates a sufficient pressure and quantity of air so as to accurately and responsively operate the plurality of driver members  52  through  54 . Fluid communication between the fluid supply or source  56  and each of the air cylinders defining the driver members  52  through  54  are not shown in detail. However, with primary reference to  FIG. 8 , flexible tubing  55  in supported relation on the frame  14  and/or portions of the monitor mount  28  and/or chair mount  22  are provided. The flexible tubing  55  serve to house and interconnect the needed air containing conduits between each of the driver members  52  through  54  and the fluid source  56 . In addition, an inlet or connection module  57  should be connected to or be considered a part of a housing assembly generally indicated as  58  serving to contain the fluid source  56 . The housing  58  and the inlet module  57  connected thereto may be associated with a stand or like supporting structure associated with the base  16  as also represented in  FIG. 7 . 
     As represented, the driver members  52  and  53  are disposed in interconnecting relation between the support frame  14 ,  20  and the chair  12  and/or chair mount  22 . As such, each of at least two of the driver members  52  and  53  are disposed and structured to selectively move and/or position the chair  12  about different ones of a plurality of preferably transversely oriented axes. As represented in  FIG. 2 , driver member  52  is disposed and structured to rotate or otherwise move the chair  12  about transverse axis  52 ′. In cooperation therewith, driver member  53  is disposed and structured to rotate or otherwise move the chair  12  about the transverse axis  53 ′ as schematically represented in  FIG. 3 . With reference to  FIG. 4 , a third driver member  54  may be interconnected between the base  16  and a stanchion assembly  18  which defines part of the support frame  14 . 
     More specifically, structural features represented in  FIG. 4  include the stanchion assembly  18  being rotatbly or otherwise movably connected to the base  16  such that the stanchion assembly  18  is movable about yet a third axis  54 ′ also schematically represented in  FIG. 3 . The movable interconnection  19  serving to connect the base  16  and the stanchion assembly  18  may include a bearing assembly (not shown for purposes of clarity) or other appropriate movable interconnection or joint structure. Moreover, the movable joint or interconnection  19  serves to facilitate effective rotation in opposite directions, as indicated by directional arrows  19 ′ and  19 ″ about the transverse axis  54 ′ defining at least one of the plurality of transversely oriented axes  52 ′,  53 ′,  54 ′. As such, the driver member  54  is interconnected between the base  16  and the support frame  14  and more specifically, the stanchion assembly  18 . Accordingly, the third driver member  54  can be said to be disposed in driving relation to the chair  12  by virtue of the driver member  54  being connected in driving relation to the stanchion assembly  18  of the support frame  14 . 
     Further with regard to the schematic representation of  FIG. 3 , the plurality of substantially transversely oriented axes  52 ′,  53 ′ and  54 ′ collectively define a multi-axis range of movement of the chair  54  upon activation of the plurality of driver members  52  through  54 . While the plurality of transversely oriented axes  52 ′ through  54 ′ are indicated as intersecting in perpendicular relation to one another, this schematic representation is presented for purposes of clarity only. More specifically, the actual multi-axis of rotation or movement about which the driver members  52  through  54  move or position the chair  12  may in fact not be intersecting as schematically represented in  53 . However, such axes  52 ′ through  54 ′ can be accurately described as being substantially transversely oriented while still not intersecting with one another as schematically represented in  FIG. 3 . 
     With further regard to the schematic representation of  FIG. 2 , the processing assembly  60  may be defined by a personal computer or other appropriate computer facilities which may also be structured to include communication capabilities with one or more predetermined communication networks such as, but not limited to, the Internet as at  62 . Further, the processing assembly  60  may be interconnected to the control assembly  38  for operative interaction therewith through interface  34 . Further, the processing assembly  60  is electronically connected either through hardwire or wireless connection to the display assembly  24  as well as the monitor  26 . Such operative interconnection may be further facilitated by the inclusion of the user interface  44  operable by a participant to further regulate operational control of the display assembly  24  and monitor assembly  26 . 
     The Internet or other communication network  62  is accessible through the processing assembly  60  by means of the personal computer or other processor facility associated therewith. By virtue of such access, downloading of appropriate software applications is facilitated in order to further accomplish the intended operation and control. Also, the processing assembly  60  through its interconnection with the Internet or other communication network  62  is adapted for direct operative interconnection with a plurality of gaming platforms or applications which are commercially available. 
     With further reference to the schematic representation of  FIG. 2 , the control assembly  38  is operatively connected to the driver assembly  50  so as to accurately and substantially concurrently control the activation of the various driver members  52 ,  53 ,  54 . Instantaneous or concurrent movement of the chair  12  about the plurality of preferably transversely oriented axes  52 ′ through  54 ′ is thereby efficiently accomplished. As such, the control assembly  38  includes the aforementioned control member  40  in the form of joystick  40 ′, steering wheel  40 ″ or appropriate structure serving to activate and operate the driver members  52  through  54  of the driver assembly  50 . As such, control circuitry  49  serves to interconnect operative components of the control assembly  38 , including the control member  40  with the operative components of the driver assembly  50  so as to actuate the fluid supply or source  56 . Activation of the fluid source  56  serves to activate each of the driver members  52 ,  53 ,  54 , etc. concurrently or independently and thereby accomplish the almost universal movement of the chair  12  about any one or concurrently all of the substantially transversely oriented axes  52 ′ through  54 ′. 
     Yet additional structural features of one or more of the preferred embodiments of the assembly  10  of the present invention included in  FIGS. 9 and 9A  through  12 . More specifically, with primary reference to  FIGS. 9 and 9A , an input port or like module  70  is mounted in spaced but accessible relation to the frontal portion of the chair  12 , such as on the support platform  27  of the monitor mount  24 . As such, this device is used as a storage and input facility for connecting cables or conductors serving to interconnect the various components of the assembly  10 . Such input facilities include, but may not be limited to, a USB port, audio port, s-video port, VGA, card reader and interconnection to the control member  40 . As with the flexible tubing  55  represented in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , an equivalent flexible tubing  55  may be utilized to house interconnecting cables, electrical conductors or the like between the intended operative device and the input module  70 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , yet additional structural features associated with one or more of the preferred embodiments of the assembly  10  may include a restraining assembly generally indicated as  74 . The restraining assembly  74  is mounted on or connected to the chair  12  in an appropriate fashion so as to comfortably secure a participant in or on the chair  12 . The restraining assembly  74  may take the form of an upper chest or torso harness as indicated and/or a lap strap, not shown for purposes of clarity. 
       FIG. 11  represents yet another structural modification and embodiment associated with the assembly  10  and more specifically associated with and/or in surrounding relation to the chair  12 . Such modification includes side and/or other enclosure panels  76  mounted on the support frame  14 ,  20  and/or the chair mount  22 .  FIG. 12  represents yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising a plurality of cushioning members  78  disposed on a plurality of the parts associated with the frame  14 , foot assembly  30 , monitor mount  28  and/or other structural members associated with the seat  12 . As such, the cushioning or protective member  78  may be in the form of sleeves or like structures which at least partially surround or cover exposed portions of the aforementioned components in order to protect the participant supported on the chair  12  from injury. The cushioning members  78  may comprise various resilient and/or cushioning type materials in order to prevent any direct contact by the participant. 
     Yet additional structural and operative features which could be incorporated in the present invention are represented in  FIGS. 13 through 15  and include a controller assembly generally indicated as  100 . The controller assembly  100  is used for the purpose of controlling console game systems  102 , while substantially concurrently being able to control one or more additional devices. Such additional devices include, but are not limited to, a game chair  12  as represented in  FIGS. 1 through 12 , the control board  108  associated therewith or a computer system  110 . As such the computer system  110  can control the game chair  12  or any one or more additional devices. 
     As represented in  FIG. 13 , two connecting cables  104  and  106  are connected to the control assembly  100 , wherein cable  104  represents a USB or other cable type that interconnects the controller assembly  100  and the game system  102 . The other of the two cables,  106 , connects to an auxiliary device such as the game chair control board  108  or alternatively to the computer assembly  110 . As set forth above, the computer assembly  110  may be operative to control one or more additional devices, such as the game chair  12 . The other end of the cable  106  is connected inside the controller assembly  100  to operating circuitry associated therewith (not shown for purposes of clarity). Moreover, the wires are attached to the pointmeter leads on any of the controls of the various joysticks  112  associated with the operative electronic circuitry inside the controller assembly  100 . Further, the cable  106  can also be wired to controller button leads, as at  114 . 
     Accordingly, by accomplishing such electrical interconnections, the resistance of the joystick  112 , etc. or the state of the control buttons, as at  114 , can be transferred to other devices such as the game control board  108 , computer assembly  110 , etc. As a result, the input from the joystick(s)  112  and/or controls can be used to mimic the motion appearing on the console game screen  26  as represented in  FIGS. 1 through 12  with corresponding motions to the game chair  12 . Further, all of the above can be accomplished without having to run or apply specific software applications on the game console, which in most cases is not possible from third parties without a lengthy approval process. 
     With primary reference to  FIG. 14 , a variation of the control assembly as represented in  FIG. 13  is disclosed in  FIG. 14  and is operatively structured to perform in substantially the same manner. However, in the modified embodiment of  FIG. 14 , a switch box controller  116  is disposed between the game controller and any other device that is being controlled. This switch box assembly  116  has a series of buttons for each access that the game chair  12  or other controlled device will be associated with. This will allow an individual or a user to select joystick  112 ,  112 ′,  112 ″, etc. to be used to correspond to the movement of the chair  12  about a selected axis. By way of example only, if the user presses or otherwise activates the first button ( 1 ) under the X axis on the switch box controller  16 , as well as button ( 3 ) under the Y axis of the switch box controller  116 , the result will be a side to side motion of the game chair  12 , which can be controlled by a selected one of the joysticks, as at  112 . Further, the up and down motion of the chair  12  could be controlled by the joystick, as at  112 ″. As such, the controller assembly  100  will make it easy and efficient for a user to customize the control of the chair  12  to a specific or selected performance characteristic. 
     With primary reference to  FIG. 15 , another alternate embodiment and operative configuration of the controller assembly  100  represents the addition of an electronic control repeater board  120 . Accordingly, instead of adding an additional cable, as at  106  to the controller assembly  100 , as represented in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The existing or other single cable  104  is plugged into the electronic control repeater board  120 . The signal is then split and sent to both the game console  102  and the other devices, such as the game chair control board  108 , computer assembly  110 , etc. Accordingly, the concurrent splitting of the signal creates a simultaneous and equivalent input to the receiving components as clearly represented. Further, this interconnection does not have to be limited to two devices, as indicated in  FIG. 15 , but can be expanded to associate a larger number of devices concurrently. This solution and operable configuration of  FIG. 14  is electronically controlled by the same switch box device  116  described. Alternatively, it may be integrated into the repeater board  120  thereby rendering the X, Y axis selectively available to the user. This solution works efficiently since it does not require the game controller assembly  100  to be opened and manipulated in any way in that all operative signaling and circuitry performance takes place on the electronic board associated with the control assembly  100 . 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Now that the invention has been described,