Patent Abstract:
A game controller accessory is provided herein, which interacts with existing game controller buttons and/or actuators to provide novel mechanisms for activating those buttons and/or actuators.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority from co-pending Provisional Patent Application No. 61/452,902, filed on Mar. 15, 2011 and entitled “GAME CONTROLLER ACCESSORY”, and is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/782,089, filed on May 18, 2010, entitled “DEVICE FOR ENHANCING OPERATION OF A GAME CONTROLLER AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME”, which claimed priority from Provisional Patent Application No. 61/179,551, filed on May 19, 2009 and 61/306,211, filed on Feb. 19, 2010; all of the foregoing applications being incorporated herein, by reference, in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a game controller accessory, and more particularly, to a game controller accessory that can be used with existing game controllers to more easily facilitate actuation of the various game controller buttons and interfaces. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A joystick adapter for a directional keypad on a game controller is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,690 (the &#39;690 patent). The joystick adapter of the &#39;690 patent is provided for mounting over the depressible buttons of a directional keypad on a video game controller in order to convert manually depressible keys to a joystick controller that is manipulated by the user&#39;s thumb. See, for example, col. 4 of the &#39;690 patent, lines 14-20. 
         [0006]    A key-operating device for a hand-held video game apparatus is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,933,861 to Wang (the &#39;861 patent). The &#39;861 patent discloses a key operating device, to which the hand-held video game apparatus is mounted thereon. See, for example, col. 2 of the &#39;861 patent, lines 56-59. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a game controller accessory that provides other configurations of use and other mechanisms for actuating buttons on existing game controllers. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A game controller accessory is provided herein, which interacts with existing game controller buttons and/or actuators to provide novel mechanisms for activating those buttons and/or actuators. 
         [0009]    Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the drawings and the appended claim. 
         [0010]    Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a game controller accessory, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. 
         [0011]    The construction of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiment when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an accessory for a game controller, in accordance with one particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an accessory for a game controller, having a game controller received therein, but wherein the accessory is open, in accordance with one particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an accessory for a game controller, the portions of which are closed around the game controller received therein, in accordance with one particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of an accessory for a game controller, the portions of which are closed around the game controller received therein, in accordance with one particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 5A-5B  are side perspective views of an accessory for a game controller having a game controller received therein, in accordance with another particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6A-6B  are side perspective views of an accessory for a game controller having a game controller received therein, in accordance with a further particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a front plan view of an accessory for a game controller having a game controller received therein, in accordance with one particular embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of an accessory for a game controller having a game controller received therein, in accordance with another particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8A  is an enlarged view of a portion of the accessory and game controller of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B,  9 C and  10  illustrate certain different embodiments of an accessory for a game controller and game controller, wherein a control loop is provided; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 11A-11C  and  15 - 16  illustrate detachable or retrofit control loops for use with a game controller in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show a control loop carrying advertising in accordance with one particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  shows a portion of a game controller including a stick accessory in accordance with one particular embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 17 and 18  show two views of a game controller including a foot control strap or loop, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  shows an alternate gearing arrangement for use with a gaming accessory, in accordance with another particular embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown a game controller skin or shell  10  including a top portion  20 , a bottom portion  30  and a stand  40 . In the present embodiment, the top portion  20  and bottom portion  30  are hinged together at one end, so as to receive a game controller  60 , therebetween (i.e., within a clam shell configuration formed by the top portion  20  and bottom portion  30 ). A free end  20   a  of the top portion  20  can swing away from the free end of the bottom portion  30 , in the direction of arrow “A”, in order to open the shell  10  to receive or remove the game controller  60 . 
         [0029]    The shell  10  can then be closed by moving the free end  20   a  of the top portion  20  towards the bottom portion  30 , in the direction of arrow “B”, to engage a button  16  on one portion  20 ,  30 , with a hole or catch  17  on the other portion  20 ,  30 , in order to latch or secure the shell  10  in the closed position, thus forming the game controller and shell combination  10 ′, when the game controller  60  is received inside of the shell  10 . The latching of the top and bottom portions  12 ,  14  around the game controller  60  additionally ensures that the actuable portions of the game controller (i.e., buttons, joysticks, controllers, etc.) are maintained in their desired positions relative to the corresponding portions of the shell  10 , as shown more particularly in  FIG. 3 . The shell  10  can be in accordance with those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0298053, which is the publication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/782,089, from which application the present application claims priority, that application being incorporated herein, by reference. 
         [0030]    In one particular embodiment, the stand  40  is an add-on flexible and/or rocker stand that can be removably engaged from the game controller skin  10 . As shown more particularly in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the stand  40  is designed to engage one or more adaptor hole pairs  32  on the game controller shell  10  that is overlaid on a game controller  60 . In another embodiment, the stand  40  can be used to engage one or more adaptor hole pairs provided in a game controller, itself. The flexible stand  40  is like a rocking chair for the controller  60 . In use, when standing up, laying down or sitting, the tips of the rocker stand  40  are arranged to rest on the abdomen of a user, ideally, right bellow the navel. If the user is lying on his or her stomach, the stand permits the game controller and shell combination  10 ′ to be used sniper-like, wherein the stand  40  can rest on the ground in front of the user to simulate a tripod. The rocker stand  40 , thus, provides steadiness, while the hands and wrist no longer have to support any weight from the controller  60 . It is unobtrusive enough that the user could use it during play when tired, or when needing that steady shot. On car trips it would also be most valuable. Additionally, if used in the sitting position, for example when on a recumbent bicycle, the stand can be used to steady/balance the controller/shell combination  10 ′ on the abdomen of the user, and can be used to absorb the shock of pedaling. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-5B , the stand  40  can additionally be engaged with one or more trigger levers  34  on the skin of the controller. For example, the controller skin  10  of the present embodiment overlays a controller having right and left end buttons ( 62 R and  62 L, respectively). The controller skin  10  includes the end button trigger levers  34 R and  34 L aligned with the end buttons  62 R and  62 L on the controller  60 . An adjustable tension strap  50  extends from each end button trigger lever  34 R,  34 L to a pair of closely set holes  45  in each leg  46 . More particularly, a first end of the strap  50  is pulled or threaded through the first hole of the pair  45  in each leg  46  of the stand  40  (see  FIG. 5A ). A tongue or leaf spring  47  in each leg  46  of the stand  40 , adjacent to the first hole, engages one of a plurality of projections on each adjustable tension strap  50 . The first end of the strap  50  is further threaded through the second hole of the pair  45 , to secure the strap to the leg  46  of the stand  40  (See, for example,  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5B ), much like going through a belt buckle. Thus, the stand  40  is designed for comfort, but also provides the function of holding the straps  50  (see, the tuck in of the straps in the  FIGS. 4 and 5B ), and the slitted leaf springs  47  allow the straps  50  to be retained by engaging a projection on the strap  50 . 
         [0032]    The length of each respective adjustable tension straps  50  can be adjusted, as desired, to apply a desired amount of tension on its respective end button trigger lever,  34 R,  34 L. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the straps  50  are tightened until the end button  62 R,  62 L activates, and then the strap is loosened by one notch (i.e., one projection is fed back through the first hole). When the combination  10 ′ is held in the hand of the user, the end button trigger levers  34 R,  34 L may be actuated by either pressing a leg  46  or legs  46  of the stand  40  against the floor or body of the user, or by squeezing the adjustable tension strap(s)  50  towards the body of the controller  60 , thus actuating the respective end button trigger lever(s)  62 R,  62 L, without actually having to touch the end button trigger lever(s)  34 R,  34 L. 
         [0033]    As can be appreciated, applying a force to one of the adjustable tension straps  50  in the direction of arrow “C”, even a light force, results in a relative force being applied in the direction of arrow “D” to the respective trigger lever  34 R,  34 L. Additionally, the straps  50  keep the levers  34 R,  34 L pressed against the end buttons  62 R,  62 L, or “preloaded”, just above the activation point, so as to require less button movement/travel when repeatedly actuating the end buttons  62 R,  62 L by applying a force to the levers  34 R,  34 L in the direction of arrow “D”. This permits the user to quickly activate the end buttons to rapidly fire and/or quickly zoom with the lightest touch. 
         [0034]    If desired, the tips of the legs  46  of the flexible rocker stand can be coated with, or otherwise provided with, a non-skid or anti-skid coating material  48 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Alternately, if desired, the ends of the legs  46  can be covered with a foam or other material for comfort and/or non-skid purposes. Similarly, if desired, different materials could also be provided on the levers  36  and/or other actuators on the game controller skin. For example, a rubber could be added that acts like a spring to store potential energy and pop the x y b button click. Such a material also follows the user&#39;s fingers more. It mimics the user&#39;s fingers to feel the click stronger, and is reminiscent of bouncing a ball in that it does a lot with just one drop. The bounce does a lot. So this could be changed for a game with a lot of button mashing like street fighter. 
         [0035]    Additionally if desired, a very stretchy line can be used to replace part or all of the adjustable tension strap  50  to either or both of the trigger levers  34 R,  34 L. The tension in this new line can be adjusted. In use, the fingers do not touch the line shown in  FIG. 3A , in any way, they only touch the trigger lever  34 L, which actuates the trigger button  62 L. By adjusting the tension on the line, the player can adjust the tension on his triggers (i.e., by adjusting the bias on the trigger levers) making them more sensitive. They are now real hair triggers. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6C , there is shown another embodiment of the game controller and shell combination wherein the adjustable straps ( 50  of  FIG. 4 ) are replaced by very flexible, elastic lines or stretch straps  55 . The elastic lines  55  have more give or stretch than the straps  50  of  FIGS. 1-4 . This creates more bounce, when actuating the levers  34 R,  34 L. For example, think of a basketball bouncing/rebounding very quickly when dribbled from very close to the floor. In a similar way, the elastic lines  55  can be used to trigger a “bounce” of the lever  34 R,  34 L so that the right and left end buttons  62 R,  62 L can be rapidly and repetitively actuated with very little effort. For example, if one or both of the end buttons are used as gun triggers in gameplay, the elastic line  55  gives the triggers a bounce, so that the user can fire faster with less effort. Similarly, one of the elastic lines  55  can be used to quickly zoom in and/or out in a game that uses the end button  62 R,  62 L for zooming. Additionally, the elastic line  55 , when pulled taut, as shown in  FIG. 6B , makes the trigger float closer to the firing point. It gives the user even more of a hair trigger. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the elastic line  55  is looped around each leg  46  in a loop  57  and pulled tight. 
         [0037]    In one particular embodiment, in order to set the hair trigger the elastic lines are tightened until the trigger activates, then are slightly loosened. The triggers are then used as normal (i.e., pressing the levers  34 R,  34 L, in the direction of arrow “D”). This permits the user to, in our examples, rapidly fire and quickly zoom with the lightest touch, as the constant tension on the levers  34 R,  34 L, caused by the elastic lines  55 , preload the levers  34 R,  34 L at the position just before actuation of the buttons  62 R,  62 L. This results in less trigger travel being required to actuate the buttons, as well as acts as a shock absorber for the levers, providing smoothness of actuation without sticking in the actuated position. 
         [0038]    Additionally, if desired, the adjustable tension straps  50  or elastic lines  55  connected to the trigger levers  34 R,  34 L of  FIGS. 1-6B , need not extend all the way from the trigger levers  34 R,  34 L to the stand  40 . Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9C , there are shown other particular embodiments of the invention wherein the tension straps are released from the stand to form loops that can be used to actuate the trigger levers  34 R,  34 L, if desired. 
         [0039]    More particularly, if desired, each of the trigger levers  34 R,  34 L can be provided with one or more holes for receiving one or both ends of the adjustable tension strap  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C . At least a first hole  52  is provided to receive the adjustable tension strap for that lever  34 R,  34 L. If it is desired that one or more of the provided adjustable tension straps  50  should not be connected to the stand  40 , then that respective strap  50  can be disconnected from the receiving hole in the stand  40  and looped back (with the projections on the outside, for comfort) into the first hole  52  in the trigger lever  34 R,  34 L, as shown in  FIG. 9B , thus creating a loop or control loop. A plug  55  can be provided to retain the two ends of the strap  50  in the hole  52 . Alternately, a strap  50  can be disconnected from the receiving hole in the stand  40  and looped back into an optional second hole  54  in the trigger lever  34 R,  34 L, as shown in  FIG. 9A . If desired, the second distal end of the adjustable tension strap  50  can bypass a hole altogether, and be fastened with a fastener or band  57  or in some other fashion to the back end of the first end of the adjustable tension strap  50  to form the loop, as shown more particularly in  FIG. 9C . Such a loop can be pulled by a finger or hand of the user to actuate the respective trigger lever  34 R,  34 L. 
         [0040]    The use of such a “loop” or “control loop”, as described herein, makes the control of the trigger lever(s) more secure and easier to use, because of leverage. It additionally provides a reaction time based advantage, since it requires just a squeeze to actuate the lever. Further, the loop is easier to use to hold the trigger down for long periods. 
         [0041]    In an even further embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , a trigger lever extension  72  is provided wherein at least one hole is provided on an extension to the trigger lever  34 L,  34 R. More particularly, the trigger lever extension  72  can be an add-on part that is releasably engaged to an end of one or more of the trigger levers  34 R,  34 L, for example, by snapping or clipping onto an end of the trigger lever “R” and/or “L”. Alternately, one or more of the trigger levers  34 R,  34 L can be formed to include the trigger lever extension  72 , if desired. Such a design maintains the adjustable tension strap line between the trigger lever  34 R and/or  34 L and a respective leg of the stand  40 , while still providing a control loop  70  as an alternate way to control the actuation of the trigger lever  34 R and/or  34 L. The adjustable tension strap  50  to the stand  40  can be adjusted to take out the preload when using the control loop  70  (i.e., as an anchor). The trigger extension  72  would make the trigger lever  34 R,  34 L approximately one inch longer than without the extension  72 . As described in connection with  FIGS. 9A-9C , the loop  70  can be used around one of the user&#39;s fingers to control a respective trigger lever  34 R,  34 L, or the adjustable tension strap  50  to the stand  40  can be used. 
         [0042]    If made as an add-on accessory, the trigger extension  72  would clip and/or stick to the trigger lever  34 R,  34 L and would come with the adjustable control loop  70 . In one particular embodiment of the invention, the control loop  70  of the present embodiment has the advantage that the loop does not touch any of the user&#39;s fingers other than the one used in the loop  70 , thus freeing up the other fingers for use elsewhere on the controller. The adjustable tension strap(s)  50  is/are used to adjust the preload on the trigger lever  34 R,  34 L when controlled by the control loop  70 . The use of the control loop  70 , anchored by the adjustable tension strap  50  to the stand  40 , provides additional leverage for actuating the trigger lever  34 R,  34 L, making it much easier to pull. 
         [0043]    Note that, although thin straps are shown for the loop or control loop in the foregoing embodiments, this is not meant to be limiting, as wider straps of various materials may be used. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11A-11C , it can be seen that the control loops  78  can be provided as separate parts that can be adhered by a connecting portion  76  (using adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, etc) directly to the trigger buttons “R” and “L”, or other buttons, of a game controller. 
         [0045]    Additionally, as shown more particular in  FIG. 11C , the control loop  78  of the present embodiment can be attached to a leg of a stand or pedestal base of the controller and be used as described hereinabove in connection with the adjustable tension straps  50  and/or elastic line  55 . More particularly, the “R” and “L” buttons can be controlled by pressing the control loop  78 , so connected, against the body of the game controller with a palm, or with fingers, as shown in  FIG. 11C . 
         [0046]    Note that, if desired, the retrofit control loop assembly ( 76 ,  78 ) can be provided as part of a kit. For example, such a kit could be provided with a stick  80  that fits in the back, as shown more particularly in  FIG. 14 . Most controllers have a hole at this location in which to put a screw. It is not necessary (or desired) to remove that screw. Rather, the stick  80  can be placed and a line can be attached to the back, as shown more particularly in  FIG. 11C . In such a case, as described above, when the line is pressed, the trigger is moved and, thus, actuated. Such a line can be made from any type of material, as desired, but is preferably made from an elastic material. As shown more particularly in  FIG. 11B , the line can also be turned into hoop. 
         [0047]    Such a kit can be sold for a fixed price, and including one or more control line assemblies. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the kit includes a line wrapped up with pedal cover with hard wax. It stays in place, but can be peeled of easily with no damage to the underlying game controller. 
         [0048]    Such a system can be used with a variety of controllers, as illustrated more particularly in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . For example, the retrofit stick-on loop controller, as shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C , could be adapted for the Sony PSP or Nintendo DSi, Sony Playstation 3, Microsoft XBOX, etc. 
         [0049]    In a further embodiment of the invention shown in connection with  FIGS. 18-19 , a stick-on retrofit foot strap can be provided that works as an accelerator (i.e., a gas pedal, etc.). More particularly, a trigger line  82  is provided that goes from the strap or loop  80 , to one or more buttons on the controller (such as the “R” and “L” buttons), to the foot of the user. Alternately, it could be provided to another distal location on the user, such as, for example, to the belt loop of the user. In particular, a line goes to the user&#39;s foot and is operated by stretching the line  82 , for example, by pointing the toe of the user, to move the trigger. It can also be a slight lift, such as, like an old fashioned treadle sewing machine that works with a foot switch. The foot strap controller is very useful to physically challenged users. 
         [0050]    The foot control loop  80  can actuate the triggers in a variety of ways. For example, the foot control loop line can be connected to the trigger by sticking on, such as by a connecting portion  84 , such as, with adhesive or with a hook-and-loop fastener. 
         [0051]    Additionally, if desired, bumpers  86  can be provided such that, through an attachment of stick-ons and stretchy line, the user can adjust the force it takes to engage bumpers and triggers. Think of mountain climbing. It can make it so the slightest touch engages a trigger. This is good for overuse injuries and faster game play So that the person using this system has an advantage. Additionally, the bumpers can be adjusted by the user, as desired. 
         [0052]    Alternately, the line to the foot control loop can be connected to the freed, stand-end of the adjustable tension straps  50  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5B  by clamping, connecting, or otherwise tying the line  82  to the free end of the strap  50 , distal from the lever  34 R,  34 L. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  8 A, it can be seen that, in addition to adjusting the tension of the straps  50  or lines  55 , the levers  36 ,  38  and other actuators on the game controller skin  20  can also be adjusted to a particular user. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the levers  36 ,  38  may be bent up, down, forward and/or backward to more comfortably fit the hand of the user. This is a way for the user to remap the buttons non-electronically. 
         [0054]    Additionally, as shown more particularly in  FIGS. 8 and 8A , the amount of force needed to actuate the buttons contacted by the levers  36 ,  28  can be adjusted. More particularly, Each of the levers  36 ,  38  is aligned over one of the buttons “B”, “X” and “Y” of the controller  60 . More particularly, each of the levers  36 ,  38  includes a pad, such as pad  36   a , that is mounted to an arm of the lever via a finger, such as finger  36   b , by an adjustment screw, such as thumb screw  36   c . The screw  36   c  can be adjusted to “fine-tune” the height of the pad  31   a  over the actual button, for example, button “B” of the underlying controller, in order to set to a user&#39;s preferences the amount of lift of the lever  36  required to depress the button “B”. 
         [0055]    Thus, like the straps  50  and lines  55 , the screw  36   c  is used to take all of the preload out of the levers  36 ,  38  relative to the underlying buttons “B”, “X”, “Y”. This permits the buttons to be actuated faster and with less effort. In one particularly embodiment of the invention, the screws  36   c  are adjusted until the controller activates, and then the screw is backed off by % turn to set an ideal pad height. If desired, a spring could be disposed coaxially around the screws  36   c , between the finger  36   b  and the pad  36   a , to further spring load/preload the levers  36 ,  38 . 
         [0056]    In another embodiment of the invention, the control buttons on the controllers are additionally provided with different functional enhancements. For example, stick-ons of any type of material can be adhered to the pads  36   a  to enhance performance. Materials such as rubber or springs can be stuck on to the pad  36   a , to affect performance and/or how the buttons click. Other enhancements to the controller can be made, for example, by adding a material to the buttons/controller switches that slows down their movement. 
         [0057]    Further, game enhancing features can be provided to coordinate actuation of the enhanced buttons with game play. For example, in one particular embodiment of the invention, a little switch can be provided on the controller skin that is actuated to enhance the game sounds, such as for stabbing in games like HALO or Call of Duty. Such sounds can be adapted to a particular game, for example, the switch can be actuated in a certain game to have an extra clicking if you lift x for reloading or, for example, when switching weapons you have an extra wind sound. In another particular example, you lift the “B” lever and you have a little grunting when getting down on the ground and/or when getting up. To enact such game enhancements, a controller accessory can be provided that includes a sound card to make noise upon actuation. It all comes from the avenger like a card that makes noise. 
         [0058]    In an even further embodiment of the invention, the levers of a game controller accessory are adapted to permit reverse gearing of the levers, as shown more particularly in  FIG. 19 . 
         [0059]    Additionally, if desired, the material of the control loops and/or the material covering the grips of the game controller can be used to display advertising, like a billboard. See, for example,  FIGS. 12-13 . Such advertising could be for a particular game, for example a game with which such straps could be used (i.e., Halo, etc.), or could be just an advertisement for another type of product, service and/or media event. 
         [0060]    The present disclosure is provided to allow practice of the invention, after the expiration of any patent granted hereon, by those skilled in the art without undue experimentation, and includes the best mode presently contemplated and the presently preferred embodiment. Nothing in this disclosure is to be taken to limit the scope of the invention, which is susceptible to numerous alterations, equivalents and substitutions without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0