`Approved for use through 09/30/2010. OMB 0651—0032
`US. Patent and Trademark Office; US. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Papemrork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`Attorney Docket Number
`_
`_
`Application Number
`
`1‘ 0905-002
`
`Title of invention
`The application data sheet is part of the provisional or nonprovisional application for which it is being submitted. The following form contains the
`bibliographic data arranged in a format specified by the United States Patent and Trademark Office as outlined in 37 CFR 1.76.
`This document may be completed electronically and submitted to the Office in electronic format using the Electronic Filing System (EFS) or the
`document may be printed and included in a paper filed application.
`
`CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
`
`
`
`
`
`Secrecy Order 37 CFR 5.2
`
`E Portions or all of the application associated with this Application Data Sheet may fall under a Secrecy Order pursuant to
`37 CFR 5.2 (Paper filers only. Applications that fall under Secrecy Order may not be filed electronically.)
`
`Applicant Information:
`Applicant 1
`i()Party of Interest under 35 U.S.C. 118
`Appiicant Authority @lnventor | OLega| Representative under 35 U.S.C. 117
`
`
`Family Name
`Suffix
`Prefix Given Name
`Middle Name
`
`
`
`
`Residence Information (Select One) 0 US Residency @ Non US Residency Q Active US Military Service
`
`
`City
`Loughborough
`Country Of Residencei
`GB
`
`
`Citizenship under 37 CFR 1.41(b) i
`Mailing Address of Applicant:
`Address 1
`39 Jubilee Avenue
`
`Address 2
`
`Sileby
`
`
`
`StateIProvince
`
`
`City
`Loughborough, Leicestershire
`Postal Code
`LE12 7TH
`A - - licant 2
`Applicant Authority @|nventor OLega| Representative under 35 U.S_C_ 117
`
`
`
`
`C)Party of interest under 35 USC. 118
`
`
`
`j
`
`
`Residence information (Select One) @ US Residency Q Non US Residency 0 Active US Military Service
`StateIProvince
`Country of Residencei
`
`
`
`Citizenship under 37 CFR 1.41(b) l
`
`Mailing Address of Applicant:
`3820 Roswell Rd.
`Address 1
`
`Address 2
`
`Postal Code
`
`S*a*e'P'°Vi"<=e
`
`inventor information blocks may be
`inventors Must Be Listed - Additional
`All
`generated within this form by selecting the Add button.
`
`Add
`
`Correspondence Information:
`
`Enter either Customer Number or complete the Correspondence Information section below.
`For further information see 37 CFR 1.33(a).
`
`[:] An Address is being provided for the correspondence information of this application.
`EFS Web 2.2.2
`
`IRONBURG EX2001, Page 1
`
`
`
`PTO/SB/14 (11-OB)
`Approved for use through 09/30/2010. OMB 0651-0032
`US. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.
`
`_
`_
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`Title of invention
`CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
`
`Application Number
`
`Attorney Docket Number
`
`0905-002
`
`:4
`
`Customer Number
`52245
`
`
`Email Address
` docketing@parksiplaw.com
`
`
`
`Add Email
`
`
`
`Remove Email
`
`
`
`Application Information:
`
`Title of the Invention
`CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
`
`Attorney DocketNumber Small Entity Status Claimed
`Application Type
`Nonprovisional
`Subject Matter
`i Utility
` Suggested Class (if any)
` Suggested Technology Center (if any)
`Total Number of Drawing Sheets (if any)
`2
`Suggested Figure for Publication (if any)
`
`
`
`Publication Information:
`
`[:| Request Early Publication (Fee required at time of Request 37 CFR 1.219)
`
`Request NOT to Publish. I hereby request that the attached application not be published under 35 U.S.
`E] C. 122(b) and certify that the invention disclosed in the attached application has not and will not be the subject of
`an application filed in another country, or under a multilateral international agreement, that requires publication at
`eighteen months after filing.
`
`Representative Information:
`
`Representative information should be provided for all practitioners having a power of attorney in the application. Providing
`this information in the Application Data Sheet does not constitute a power of attorney in the application (see 37 CFR 1.32).
`Enter
`either Customer Number
`or
`complete
`the Representative Name
`section
`below.
`If
`both
`are completed the Customer Number will be used for the Representative information during processing.
`
`sections
`
`Customer Number
`
`Please Select One:
`
`i @ Customer Number
`
`0 US Patent Practitioner 0 Limited Recognition (37 CFR 11.9)
`
`Domestic Benefit/National Stage Information:
`This section allows for the applicant to either claim benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), 120, 121, or 365(0) or indicate National Stage
`entry from a PCT application. Providing this information in the application data sheet constitutes the specific reference required by
`35 U.S.C. 119(e) or 120, and 37 CFR 1.78(a)(2) or CFR t.78(a)(4), and need not otherwise be made part of the specification.
`
`Prior Application Status
`Application Number
`
`Continuity Type
`
`Filing Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
`
`Prior Application Number
`
`'
`
`Additional Domestic Benefit/National Stage Data may be generated within this form
`Lby selecting the Add button,
`
`Add
`
`Foreign Priority Information:
`EFS Web 2.2.2
`
`IRONBURG EXZOO1, Page 2
`
`
`
`PTOISB/14 (11-08)
`Approved for use through 09/30/2010. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`Attorney Docket Number
`
`Application Number
`
`0905-002
`
`Title of Invention
`
`CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
`
`This section allows for the applicant to claim benefit of foreign priority and to identify any prior foreign application for which priority is
`not claimed. Providing this information in the application data sheet constitutes the claim for priority as required by 35 U.S.C. 119(b)
`and 37 CFR 1.55(a).
`
`Application Number
`
`Country l
`
`‘ Parent Filing Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
`
`Priority Claimed
`
`
`
`@ Yes O No
`
`
`
`Additional Foreign Priority Data may be generated within this form by selecting the
`Add button.
`
`
`Assignee Information:
`Providing this information in the application data sheet does not substitute for compliance with any requirement of part 3 of Title 37
`of the CFR to have an assignment recorded in the Otflce.
`
`Assignee 1
`If the Assignee is an Organization check here.
`
`O|'93“iZafl°n Name
`
`lronburg Inventions Ltd.
`
`Mailing Address Information:
`10 Market Place
`Address 1
`
`Address 2
`
`
`Wincanton, Somerset
`
`StateIProvince
`
`City
`
`country i GB
`1
`Phone Number
`I
`Email Address
`Add
`Additional Assignee Data may be generated within this form by selecting the Add
`button.
`
`
`BA9 9LP
`
`‘
`
`Postal Code
`Fax Number
`
`Signature:
`
`A signature of the applicant or representative is required in accordance with 37 CFR 1.33 and 10.18. Please see 37
`CFR 1.4(d) for the form of the signature.
`/Collen Beard!
`
`
`
`Signature
`
`First Name
`
`
`
`Beard
`
`I Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
`LRegistration Number
`
`
`
`2011-06-17
`38824
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.76. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which
`is to file (and by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 114. This
`collection is estimated to take 23 minutes to complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application data
`sheet form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the amount of time you require to
`complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and
`Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, PO. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR
`COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 2231 3-1450.
`
`EFS Web 2.2.2
`
`IRONBURG EX2001, Page 3
`
`
`
`Privacy Act Statement
`
`The Privacy Act of 1974 (PL 93-579) requires that you be given certain information in connection with your submission of the attached form related to
`a patent application or patent, Accordingly, pursuant to the requirements of the Act, please be advised that: (1) the general authority for the collection
`of this information is 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); (2) furnishing of the infonhation solicited is voluntary; and (3) the principal purpose for which the information is
`used by the US. Patent and Trademark Office is to process andlor examine your submission related to a patent application or patent.
`if you do not
`furnish the requested information, the US. Patent and Trademark Office may not be able to process andlor examine your submission, which may
`result in termination of proceedings or abandonment of the application or expiration of the patent
`
`The information provided by you in this form will be subject to the following routine uses:
`1.
`
`The information on this form will be treated confidentially to the extent allowed under the Freedom of information Act (5 U.S.C. 552)
`and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). Records from this system of records may be disclosed to the Department of Justice to detemllne
`whether the Freedom of Information Act requires disclosure of these records.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, in the course of presenting evidence to a court, magistrate, or
`administrative tribunal, including disclosures to opposing counsel in the course of settlement negotiations.
`
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Member of Congress submitting a request involving an
`individual. to WHO!!! the record pertains, when the iI"ldlVld|.l3l has requested assistance WON! the Member with respect (0 the subject matter Of
`the FBCOFG.
`
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a contractor of the Agency having need for the information in
`order to perform a contract. Recipients of information shall be required to comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as
`amended, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(m).
`
`A record related to an International Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in this system of records may be disclosed,
`as a routine use, to the lntemational Bureau of the World intellectual Property Organization, pursuant to the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
`
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to another federal agency for purposes of National Security
`review (35 U.S.C. 181) and for review pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 218(c)).
`
`A record from this system of records may be disctosed, as a routine use, to the Administrator, General Services, or his/her designee,
`during an inspection of records conducted by GSA as part of that agency's responsibility to recommend improvements in records
`management practices and programs, under authority of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906. Such disclosure shall be made in accordance with the
`GSA regulations governing inspection of records for this purpose, and any other relevant (i.e., GSA or Commerce) directive. Such
`disclosure shall not be used to make determinations about individuals.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the public after either publication of the application pursuan
`to 35 U.S.C. 12203) or issuance of a patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 151. Further, a record may be disclosed, subject to the limitations of 37
`CFR 1.14, as a routine use, to the public if the record was tiled in an application which became abandoned or in which the proceedings were
`terminated and which application is referenced by either a published application, an application open to public inspections or an issued
`patent.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency, if the
`USPTO becomes aware of a violation or potential violation of law or regulation.
`
`
`
`EFS Web 2.2.2
`
`IRONBURG EXZOO1, Page 4
`
`
`
`}I'2
`
`
`
`
`Figure 1
`
`Figure. 2
`
`IRONBURG EX2001, Page 5
`
`
`
`
`
`Figure 3
`
`IRONBURG EX2001, Page 6
`
`
`
`
`
`T—
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`I
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt
`
`Title of Invention:
`
`CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
`
`
`—
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Payment information:
`
`5“bm*“edW**“Pavme"t
`
`.
`
`.
`
`FileSize(Bytes)/
`
`Multi
`
` l)Mx:4(vll(>'i‘1‘)El’:1 R502"llit?»71).‘: 3‘Ml)€7 If
`l 711';
`
`Pages
`(if appl.)
`
`.5
`
`IRONBURG EXZOO1, Page 7
`
`File Listing:
`
`Document
`
`
`
`
`
`Application Data Sheet
`
`Information:
`
`
`
`
`
`Applicationpdf
`
`Document Description
`
`Abstract
`
`Information:
`
`Information:
`
`Drawings-only black and white line
`drawings
`
`Drawings.pdf
`
`a‘)5l077R,a€4l7:l?aS-1llSc¥l;«ll0d36li>t0lcS
`/(I04)
`
`W W“ 5*" <*" bv‘°=’
`
`This Acknowledgement Receipt evidences receipt on the noted date by the USPTO of the indicated documents,
`characterized by the applicant, and including page counts, where applicable. it serves as evidence of receipt similar to a
`Post Card, as described in MPEP 503.
`
`New Applications Under 35 U.S.C. 1 11
`If a new application is being filed and the application includes the necessary components for a filing date (see 37 CFR
`1.536))-(d) and MPEP 506), a Filing Receipt (37 CFR 1.54) will be issued in due course and the date shown on this
`Acknowledgement Receipt will establish the filing date of the application.
`
`National Stage of an International Application under 35 U.S.C. 371
`If a timely submission to enter the national stage of an international application is compliant with the conditions of 35
`U.S.C. 371 and other applicable requirements a Form PCT/DO/E0/903 indicating acceptance of the application as a
`national stage submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 will be issued in addition to the Filing Receipt, in due course.
`
`New international Application Filed with the USPTO as 9 Receiving Office
`lfa new international application is being filed and the international application includes the necessary components for
`an international filing date (see PCT Article 11 and MPEP 1810), a Notification of the International Application Number
`and of the international Filing Date (Form PCT/R0/105) will be issued in due course, subject to prescriptions concerning
`national security, and the date shown on this Acknowledgement Receipt will establish the international filing date of
`the application.
`
`IRONBURG EXZOO1, Page 8
`
`
`
`Atty. Docket No.2 0905-O02
`
`CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to video game consoles, in particular to hand held controllers for
`
`video game consoles.
`
`Conventional controllers for most game consoles are intended to be held and operated by the
`user using both hands. A conventional controller will generally comprise a hard outer case with
`
`a plurality of controls mounted about the controller. Typically the controls include buttons,
`
`analogue control sticks, bumpers, and triggers. An example of a conventional controller is
`
`shown in Figure 1.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`As can be seen in Figure 1, all of the controls are mounted on the front and top edge of the
`
`controller 1. Specifically, there are left and right analogue thumb sticks 2, 3 which normally
`
`control movement and are intended to be operated by the user's left and right thumb
`
`respectively. There are four buttons 4, located on a front right portion of the controller 1 which
`
`normally control additional actions and are intended to be operated by the user's right thumb.
`
`There is a direction pad 5 located on the lower portion of the front leftof the controller 1. The
`
`direction pad 5 islntended to be operated by the user’s left-thumb, typically either as an
`
`alternative to the left thumb stick 2. or toprovide additional actions. There is‘a left trigger 6, a
`
`right trigger 7, a left bumper 8, and ‘a right bumper 9 located on the top edge of the controller
`
`1. The left and right triggers 6, 7 are typically operated by the user’5 index fingers. The left and
`
`right bumpers 8, 9 may also be operated by the user's index fingers.
`
`The only way to operate the four buttons 4 is for the user toremove his or her right thumb
`from the right thumb stick 3. This takes time and, in some games, can cause a loss of control.
`
`This is a particular problem in games where the right thumb stick 3 is used for aiming. A similar
`
`problem may arise in games where the direction pad 5 provides additional actions and the user
`
`has to remove his or her thumb from the left thumb stick 2 in order to operate the direction
`
`pad 5.
`
`IRONBURG EXZOO1, Page 9
`
`
`
`Atty. Docket No: 0905-002
`
`In light of the above, there is a need for an improved controller which removes the need for a
`
`user to remove his or her thumb from the left or right thumb stick 2, 3 in order to operate
`
`additional actions controlled by the four buttons 4 andfor the direction pad 5.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE lNVENTlON
`
`The present invention provides a hand held controller for a video game console having a hard
`
`outer case and a plurality of controls located on the front and top edge of the controller. The
`
`controller is shaped to be held in both hands of the user such that the user's thumbs are
`
`positioned to operate controls located on the front of the controller and the user's index
`
`fingers are positioned to operate controls located on the top edge of the controller. The
`
`10
`
`controller further includes one or moreadditional controls located on the back of the controller
`
`in a position to be operated by the user’s other fingers.
`
`In one embodiment, each additional control is an elongate member which is inherently resilient
`
`and flexible such that it can.b'e.displaced by a user to activate control function.
`
`Preferably, each elongate member is ‘mounted within a respective recess located. in the case of
`
`15
`
`the controller.
`
`Preferably, each elongate member comprises an outermost surface which is disposed in close
`
`proximity to the outermost surface of the controller such that the user’ 5 finger may be received
`
`in said respective recess.
`
`Preferably, each elongate meinber has a thickness less than 10mm thick, more preferably less
`
`than 5mm thick, and most desirably between 1mm and 3mm.
`
`Preferably, there are two additional controls which are elongate members that are parallel to
`
`each another. in another embodiment, the elongate members converge towards the front end
`
`of the controller with respect to one another.
`
`Optionally, a portion of each of the elongate members is in registry with a switch mechanism
`
`disposed within the controller, such that displacement of the elongate member activates the
`
`switch mechanism.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`lRONBURG EXZOO1, Page 10
`
`
`
`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
`
`Optionally, a switch mechanism is disposed between the elongate members and an outer
`
`surface of the controller.
`s
`
`The controller of the present invention may be very similar to controllers according to the prior
`
`art.
`
`in particular,~the outercase of the controller and the type, number and positioning of the
`
`controls located on the front and top edge of the controller may be the same asa controller
`
`according to the prior art, as described above and as illustrated in the figures.
`
`The controller of the present invention is particularly advantageous over controllers according
`
`to the prior art as itcornprises one ‘or more additional controls located onthe back ofthe
`
`controller in a position to be operated by middle fingers ofa user. The additional controls may
`
`either replicate the-functions of one or more of-the controls located on the front or top edge of
`
`the controller or provide additional functionality.
`
`in a preferred embodiment of the invention the additional controls replicate the function of a
`
`{ control located on the front of the controller. This means that a userdoes not need to remove
`
`his or her thumb from one of the thumb sticks in order to operate the buttons and/or direction
`
`pad located on the front of the controller and can instead perform the function by manipulating
`
`an additional control located on the back of the controller with a finger.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Alternatively, the additional controls may provide additional functionality in that they do not
`
`replicate the function of controls located on the frontor top of the controller but may perform
`
`different functions.
`
`in this manner a controller according to the present invention may provide
`
`20
`
`more functions than prior art controllers.
`
`Preferably, the controls located on the back of the controller are paddle levers. Suitable paddle _
`
`levers may be formed integrally with the outer case of the controller or may be substantially
`
`separate fromthe outer case. This may be done in any manner apparent to the person skilled
`
`in the art. However, it is to be appreciated that the additional controls may comprise any other
`
`25
`
`control suitable for use by a hand held controller.
`
`IRONBURG EXZOO1, Page 11
`
`
`
`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
`
`Advantageously, if the additional controls are paddle levers, they will be formed such that they
`
`are substantially vertically aligned with respect to the controller. This may allow the most
`
`ergonomically efficient activation of the paddle levers by the middle fingers of the user.
`
`Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific
`
`embodiment illustrated inthe drawings and discussed below.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THEDRAWINGS
`
`FIGURE 1 is a schematic illustration of the front of a conventional game controller according to
`
`the prior art.
`
`FIGURE 2 is a schematic illustration of the back of a gamecontroller‘ according to the present
`
`10
`
`invention.
`
`FlGURE 3 is a schematic illustration of the back ofa game controller according to the present
`
`invention as held and operated by a user.
`
`DETAILED DESCRlPTlON OF THE INVENTION
`
`The particular embodiment described, below and, illustrated.by Figures 2 and 3 serves to further
`
`15
`
`illustrate the invention, to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure
`
`and description of the devices claimed herein, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
`
`invention. For example, the additional controls are described below as two paddle levers but
`
`the term ”control" as used in the claims, unless otherwise made clear in‘ the claim, refers to
`
`paddle levers as well as other controls such as buttons, analogue control sticks, bumpers, and
`
`20
`
`triggers.
`
`The game controller 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The
`
`front of the game controller 10 of Figures 2 and 3 is the same asa conventional controller 1, as
`
`illustrated in Figure 1 and as discussed above. Therefore, where appropriate the same
`
`reference numerals have been used to indicate the features of the controller according to the
`
`25
`
`present invention 10 that are identical to-the features of a conventional controller 1.
`
`IRONBURG EXZOO1, Page 12
`
`
`
`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
`
`Game controller 10 differs fromthe conventional controller 1-in that it additionally comprises
`
`two paddle levers 11 located on the back of the controller. The paddle levers 11 are vertically
`
`orientated with respect to the controller 10 and are positioned to be operated by the middle
`
`fingers of a user 12, as shown in Figure 3.
`
`in one embodiment the paddles 11 are formed from a thin flexible material such as a plastics
`
`material for example polyethylene. Preferably, the paddles 11 are less than 10mm thick, but
`
`may be less than 5mm thick, and more preferably are 3mm thick or less.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`The paddles 11 areinherently resilient, which means that they return to an unbiasedposition
`
`when not under load. A user may displace or depress either of the paddles 11 by engaging an
`
`outer surface thereof; such displacement causes the paddle 11 to activate a switch mechanism
`
`mounted within the body of the controller 10. The paddles 11 are mounted within recesses
`
`located on the case of the controller 10; and are disposed in close proximity to the outer
`
`surface of the controller body. in this way a user may engage the paddles 11 with the tips of the
`
`fingers, preferably the middle fingers, without compromising the user’s grip on the controller
`
`10. While the example shows the paddles 11 engaged by the middle fingers, they could also be
`
`engaged by the index, ring, or little fingers. The index fingers may also engage trigger style
`
`controls mounted on the top edge of the controller 10 while the thumbs may be used to
`
`activate controls onvthe front of the controller 10.
`
`The paddles 11 are elongate inshape and substantially extend in a direction from the top edge
`
`to bottom edge of the controller 10.
`
`In one embodiment the paddles are orientated parallel
`
`with each other.
`
`in an alternative embodiment the paddles are orientated such that they
`
`converge towards the top edge with respect to each other. This elongate shape allows a user to
`
`engage the paddles with any of the middle, ring, or little finger; it also provides that different
`
`users having different size hands can engage with the paddles in a comfortable position thereby
`
`reducing the effects of prolonged or repeated use such as repetitive strain injury.
`
`in one embodiment, the paddle levers 11 replicate the functions of»two of the four buttons 4
`
`located on the front of the controller 10 and thereby allow a user to operate the functions of
`
`the relevant buttons using his or her middle fingers 12, without the need to remove either of
`
`IRONBURG EX2001, Page 13
`
`
`
`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
`
`his or her thumbs from the left or right thumb stick 2, 3. in alternative embodiments a paddle
`
`lever 11 may activate a new function not activated by a control on the front or top edge of the
`
`controller 10.
`
`lt is envisaged that the paddles 11 could be fitted.to an existing controller 10. in such
`
`embodimentsvthe paddles would be mounted on the outer surface of the controller body by
`
`means of a mechanical fixing such as a screw or bolt or alternatively bonded or welded to the
`
`controller body by adhesive or other suitable means. A switch mechanism would be mounted
`
`within the controller in vertical registry with a portion of each paddle. A portion of the switch
`
`mechanism may extend through the controller body and be disposed in close proximity or in
`
`10
`
`contact with an innermost surface of the paddle 11.
`
`in alternative embodiments it is envisaged that the paddles 11 would be integrally formed with
`
`the controller body, the paddles 11 being configured to be resilient and flexible such that they
`
`can be‘ depressed by a user to activate a switch mechanism. This could be achieved by moulding
`
`the controller body to have a U-shaped slot extending through the controller body;
`
`alternatively a U-shaped slot could be cut into the controller body after the moulding process.
`
`Preferably, the paddles 11 would comprise a raised outermost surface with respect to the
`
`surrounding area such that a user may locate the paddles 11. This may be achieved by
`
`moulding the paddle such that- is thicker than the surrounding area. It will b'e recognised that as
`
`used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front",,“back", "end", "side",
`
`"inner", "outer", "upper", and "lower" do not limit the respective features to such orientation,
`
`but merely serve to distinguish these features from one-another.
`
`Modifications and variations of the present invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art
`
`from the forgoing detailed description. All modifications and variations are intended to be
`
`encompassed by the following claims. All publications, patents, andpatent applications cited
`
`herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`IRONBURG EX200l, Page 14
`
`
`
`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
`
`tLAlMS
`
`1.
`
`A hand held controller for_:_a game consolecomprising:
`
`an outer case,-' and
`
`a plurality ofcontrols located on a front of-the controller;
`
`wherein the controller is shaped to be held in the hand of a user such that the user's
`
`thumb is positioned to operate the controls located on the front of the controller;
`
`and wherein the controller further comprises one or more additional controls located '
`
`on a back of the controller.
`
`10
`
`2.
`
`The. controller of claim 1, further having controls located on the top edge of the
`
`controller and wherein the-.cont'roller is shaped such thatithe user's index fingers are positioned
`
`to operate controls located on the top edge
`
`3.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein each additionalcontrol is in a position to be operated
`
`15
`
`bya finger of’ a ‘user.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`4.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein there are two additional controls on the back- of the
`
`controller, each of which is positioned to be operated by a middle finger of a user.
`
`5.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein each additional control comprises an elongate
`
`member which is inherently resilient and flexible such that it can be displaced by a user to
`
`activate control function.
`
`6.
`
`The controller of claim 5 wherein each elongate member is mounted within a respective
`
`recess located in the case of the controller.
`
`7.
`
`The controller of claim 6 wherein each elongate member comprises an outermost
`
`surface which is disposed in close proximity to the outermost surface of the controller such that
`
`a user's finger may be received in said respective recess.
`
`IRONBURG EXZOO1, Page 15
`
`
`
`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
`
`8.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein each elongate member has a thickness between about
`
`1mm and 10mm.
`
`9.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein each elongate member has a thickness betweenabout
`
`1mm and 5mm.
`
`10.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein each elongate member hasa thickness between about
`
`1mm and 3mm.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`11.
`
`The controller of claim 5 wherein the elongate members are parallel to one another.
`
`12.
`
`The controller of claim 5 wherein the elongate members converge towards the front
`
`end of the controller with respect to‘ one another.
`
`13.
`
`The controller of claim I wherein a portion ofeach additional control is in registry with a
`
`switch mechanism disposed within the controller, such that displacement of the additional
`
`control activates the switch mechanism.
`
`14.
`
`The controller of claim 5 wherein a switch mechanism is disposed between each of the
`
`elongate members and an outer surface of the base of the controller.
`
`15.
`
`The controller of claim 2 wherein the one or more additional controls replicate the
`
`function of one or more controls located on the front or top edge of the controller.
`
`16.
`
`The controller of claim 2 wherein the one or more additional controls have functions in
`
`addition to the controls located on the front or top edge of the controller.
`
`17.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein the one or more additional controls are paddle levers.
`
`IRONBURG EX2001, Page 16
`
`
`
`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
`
`18.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein the additional controls are substantially vertically
`
`orientated with respect to the controller.
`
`19.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein the one or more additional controls are formed as an
`
`integral part of the outer'ca§e.
`
`20.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein th_e on or _m.or_e additional controlsare formed
`
`separate from the outer case of the controller.
`
`IRONBURG EXZOO1, Page 17
`
`
`
`Atty. Docket No.: 0905002
`
`CONTROLLER FOR GAME CONSOLE
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`( An improved controller (10) for a game console that is intended to be held by a user in both
`
`hands in the same manner as a conventional controller (1), which has controls on the front
`
`operable by the thumbs (2), (3), (4), (5), and has two additional controls (11) located on the
`
`back in positions to be operated by the middle fingersof a user.
`
`10
`
`10
`
`IRONBURG EX2001, Page 18
`
`
`
`UNITED S'l‘A'i‘ES PA'i‘EN‘I‘ AND
`
`OFFICE
`
`UNITED S'!‘~\'I'F.S l)FIP.-\R'I'i\rIF.\1'1‘ C)? COMi\‘IF’.R(7R
`t
`11:! Trndernurk ()i‘I‘ir-e
`. «CR PA'l‘K“.N'I'S
`
`
`
`
`
`APPLICATION
`FILING or
`can ART
`
`'i'o'r CLAIMS IND CLAIMS
`Nuviema
`37: to DATE
`UNIT
`FIL FEE-,' RI3(.T'i)
`A'i'i‘Y.DOCKE'I‘.NO
`20
`I
`13/ 162,727
`06/17/201 1
`26 I 2
`0.00
`0905-002
`CONFIRMATION NO. 8138
`FILING RECEIPT
`
`52245
`Parks IP Law LLC
`twee-Merenoeureawesw
`SUITE E402
`ATLANTA, GA 30338
`
`iiiiiiiiiiiiiiigiiiiiiiiimiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiii
`
`Date Mailed: 06/30/201 1
`
`Receipt is acknowledged of this non—provisionaI patent application. The application will be taken up for examination
`in due course. Applicant will be notified as to the results of the examination. Any correspondence concerning the
`application must include the following identification information: the U.S. APPLICATION NUMBER, FILING DATE,
`NAME OF APPLICANT, and TITLE OF INVENTION. Fees