PTOISB/14 (11-03)
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`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`Title of invention
`
`Application Number
`CONTROLLER FOR VlDEO GAME CONSOLE
`
`Attorney Docket Number
`
`0905-O02
`
`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.
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`IRONBURG EX2006, Page 1
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`PTOISB/14 (11-08)
`Approved for use through 09/30/2010. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; US. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
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`_
`_
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`Attorney Docket Number
`_
`I
`Application Number
`
`0905-002
`
`Title of Invention
`
`CONTROLLER FORVIDEO GAME CONSOLE
`
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`Email Address
` docketing@parksiplaw.com
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`Application information:
`Title of the Invention
`CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
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`E] C. 122(b) and certify that the invention disclosed in the attached application has not and will not be the subject of
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`PTOISBI14 (11-03
`Approved for use through 09/30/2010. OMB 0651—0032
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`0905-002
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`Attorney Docket Number
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`Title of invention
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`CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
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`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
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`lRONBURG EX2006, Page 3
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`IRONBURG EX2006, Page 4
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`H2
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`Figure 1
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`3'-‘figure 2
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`IRONBURG EX2006, Page 5
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`Figure 3
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`IRONBURG EX2006, Page 6
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`

`Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt
`
`EFS ID:
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`Application Number:
`
`10327952
`
`13162727
`
`International Application Number:
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`Confirmation Number:
`
`8138
`
`Title of Invention:
`
`CONTROLLER FOR VlDEO GAME CONSOLE
`
` Customer Number:
`52245
`
` Filer:
`Collen Alana Beard/Virginia Keenan
`
`Filer Authorized By:
`
`Collen Alana Beard
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Attorney Docket Number:
`
`0905-002
`
`Receipt Date:
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`17-JUN«201 1
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`11:49:22
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`Application Data Sheet
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`!>M4:<¢l:'ll(yl‘1')8’.~3 l($U7llll§<‘i}b‘z W-ll)h it
`Nd?
`
`Warnings:
`
`IRONBURG EX2006, Page 7
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`

`

`2
`
`Applicationpdf
`
`2588283 T
`
`$1)a()(lS8!'M1l55L.)8lJi‘Jcdi l:v))'r3 34Iilrfic
`i/‘Sim
`
`yes
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`10
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`Multipart Description/PDF files in .zip description
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`7
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`Specification
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`Claims
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`1
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`mm
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`Drawings.pdf
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`(:95 l077BaS(l'l<l?aS4l6c 3114 lrlil 3(>(>10lcS
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`Total Files Size (in bytes)
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`3850763
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`This Acknowledgement Receipt evidences receipt on the noted date by the USPTO of the indicated documents,
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`IRONBURG EX2006, Page 8
`
`

`

`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
`
`CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE lNVEN'l'lON
`
`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
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`a plurality of controls mounted about the controller. Typically the controls include buttons,
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`analogue control sticks, bumpers, and triggers. An example of a conventional controller is
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`shown in Figure 1.
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`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`As can be seen in Figure 1, ail of the controls are mounted on the front and top edge of the
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`controller 1. Specifically, there are left and right analogue thumb sticks 2, 3 which normally
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`control movement and are intended to be operated by the user's left and right thumb
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`respectively. There are four buttons 4, located on a front right portion of the controller 1 which
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`normally control additional actions and are intended to be operated by the user's right thumb.
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`There is a direction pad 5 located on the lower portion of the front left. of the controller 1. The
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`direction pad 5 isintended to be operated by the user’ 5 left-thumb, typically either as an
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`alternative to the left thumb stick Zor toprovide additional actions. There is‘a left trigger 6, a
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`right trigger 7, a left bumper 8, and ‘a right bumper 9 located on the top edge of the controller
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`1. The left and right triggers 6, 7 are typically operated by the usei’s index fingers. Theleft and
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`right bumpers 8, 9 may also be operated by the user's index fingers.
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`The only way to operate the four buttons 4 is for the user torernove his or her right thumb
`from the right thumb stick 3. This takes time and, in some games, can cause a loss of control.
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`This isa particular problem in games where the right thumb stick 3 is used for aiming. A similar
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`problem may arise in games where the direction pad 5 provides additional actions and the user
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`has to remove his or her thumb from the left thumb stick 2 in order to operate the direction
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`pad 5.
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`IRONBURG EX2006, Page 9
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`

`

`Atty. Docket No.2 09054302
`
`In light of the above, there is a need for an improved controller which removes the need for a
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`user to remove his or her thumb from the left or right thumb stick 2, 3 in order to operate
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`additional actions controlled by the four buttons 4 and/or the direction pad 5.
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`SUMMARY OF THE lNVENTlON
`
`The present invention provides a hand held controller for a video game console having a hard
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`outer case and a plurality of controls located on the front and top edge of the controller. The
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`controller is shaped to be held in both hands of the user such that the user's thumbs are
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`positioned tovoperate controls located on the front of the controller and the user’ s index
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`fingers are positioned to operate controls located on the top edge of the controller. The
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`10
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`controller further includes one or moreadditional controls located on the back of the controller
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`in a position to be operated by the user's other fingers.
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`In one embodiment, each additional control is an elongate member which is inherently resilient
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`and flexible such that it canbetdlsplaced by a user to activate control function.
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`Preferably, each elongate member is ‘mounted within a respective recess locatedin the case of
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`15
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`the controller.
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`Preferably, each elongate member comprises an outermost surface which is disposed in close
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`proximity to the outermost surface of the controller such that the user’ 9 finger may be received
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`in said respective recess.
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`20
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`25
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`Preferably, each elongate member has a thickness less than 10mm thick, more preferably less
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`than 5mm thick, and most desirably between 1mm and 3mm.
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`Preferably,,there are two additional controls which are elongate members that are parallel to
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`each another. in another embodiment, the elongate members converge towards the front end
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`of the controller with respect to one another.
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`Optionally, a portion of each of the elongate members is in registry with a switch mechanism
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`disposed within the controller, such that displacement of the elongate member activates the
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`switch mechanism.
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`IRONBURG EX2006, Page 10
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`

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`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
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`Optionally, a switch mechanism is disposed between the elongate members and an outer
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`surface of the controller.
`~
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`The controller of the present invention may be very similar to controllers according to the prior
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`art.
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`in particular,’ the outer. case of the controller and the type, number and positioning of the
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`controls located on the front and top edge of the controller may be the same as a controller
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`according to the prior art, as described above and as illustratedln the figures.
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`The controller of the present invention is particularly advantageous over controllers according
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`to the prior art as itcornprises one or more additional controls located onthe back ofthe
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`controller in a position to be operated by middle fingers ofa user. The additional controls may
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`either replicate therfunctions of one or more of-the controls located on the front or top edge of
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`the controller or provide additional functionality.
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`In a preferred embodiment of the invention the additional controls replicate the function of a
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`I control located on the front of the controller. This means that a userdoes not need to remove
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`his or her thumb from one of the thumb sticks in order to operate the buttons and/or direction
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`pad located on the front of the controller and can instead perform the function by manipulating
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`an additional control located on the back of the controller with a finger.
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`10
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`15
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`Alternatively, the additional controls may provide additional functionality in that they do not
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`replicate the function of controls located on the frontor top of the controller but may perform
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`different functions.
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`in this manner a controller according to the present invention may provide
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`20
`
`more functions than prior art controllers.
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`Preferably, the controls located on the back of the controller are paddle levers. Suitable paddle 1
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`levers may be formed integrally with the outer case of the controller or may be substantially
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`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
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`25
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`control suitable for use by a hand held controller.
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`IRONBURG EXZOO6, Page 11
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`

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`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
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`Advantageously, if the additional controls are paddle levers, they will be formed such that they
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`are substantially vertically aligned with respect to the controller. This may allow the most
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`ergonomically efficient activation of the paddle levers by the middle fingers of the user.
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`Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific
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`5
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`embodiment illustrated invthe 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.
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`FlGURE 2 is a schematic illustration of the back of a game ‘controller’ according to the present
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`10
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`invention.
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`FIGURE 3 is a schematic illustration of the back ofagame controller according to the present
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`invention as held and operated by a user.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`The particular embodiment described. below and, illustrated by Figures 2 and 3 serves to further
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`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
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`invention. For example, the additional controls are described below as two paddle levers but
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`the term ”control” as used in the claims, unless otherwise made clear in the claim, refers to
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`paddle levers as well as other controls such as buttons, analogue control sticks, bumpers, and
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`20
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`triggers.
`
`The game controller 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The
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`front of the game controller 10 of Figures 2 and 3 is the same asa conventional controller 1, as
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`illustrated in Figure 1 and as discussed above. Therefore, where appropriate the same
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`reference numerals have been used to indicate the features of the controller according to the
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`25
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`present invention 10 that are identical tothe features of a conventional controller 1.
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`IRONBURG EX2006, Page 12
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`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
`
`Game controller 10 differs fromthe conventional controller lin that it additionally comprises
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`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
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`material for example polyethylene. Preferably, the paddles 11 are less than 10mm thick, but
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`may be less than 5mm thick, and more preferably are 3mm thick or less.
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`The paddles 11 areinherently resilient, which means that they return to an unbiasedlposition
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`when not under load. A user may displace or depress either of the paddles 11 by engaging an
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`outer surface thereof; such displacement causes the paddle 11 to activate a switch mechanism
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`mounted within the body of the controller 10. The paddles 11 are mounted within recesses
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`located on the case of the controller 10; and are disposed in close proximity to the outer
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`surface of the controller body. In this way a user may engage the paddles 11 with the tips of the
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`fingers, preferably the middle fingers, without compromising the user’ 5 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 onrthe 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 EXZOO6, Page 13
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`

`

`Atty. Docket No.1 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.
`
`it is envisaged that the paddles 11 could be 'fitted.to an existing controller 10. in such
`
`embodiments the 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 thatis thicker than the surrounding area. it will be recognised that as
`
`used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "bacl<“, "end", "side",
`
`"inner", "outer", “upper", and "lower" do not limit the respective features to such orientation,
`
`but merely serve to distinguish these features from oneanother.
`
`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 EX2006, Page 14
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`

`

`Atty. Docket No.: O905~O02
`
`¢LAlMS
`
`1,
`
`A hand held controller for,-,a game console-comprising:
`
`an outer case; and
`
`a plurality of controls located on a front ofthe 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 additional control is in a position to be operated
`
`15
`
`bya finger ‘of a/user.
`
`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.
`
`20
`
`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
`
`25
`
`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 EX2006, Page 15
`
`

`

`Atty. Docket No.2 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 between -about
`
`1mm and 5mm.
`
`10.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein each elongate member has a 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 1 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 EXZOO6, 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 outercase.
`
`20.
`
`The controller of claim 1 wherein th_e on or more additional controls are formed
`
`separate from the outer case of the controller.
`
`IRONBURG EX2006, Page 17
`
`

`

`Atty. Docket No.: 0905-002
`
`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 fingersaf a user.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`10
`
`IRONBURG EXZOOG, Page 18
`
`

`

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`FIIJNG or
`371(6) DATE
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