(19) United States
`(2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0298053 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Nov. 25, 2010
`Kotkin
`
`US 20100298053A1
`
`(54) DEVICE FOR ENHANCING OPERATION OF
`A GAME CONTROLLER AND METHOD OF
`USING THE SAME
`
`(75) Inventor:
`
`David Kotkin, Miami, FL (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`LERNER GREENBERG STEMER LLP
`PO BOX 2480
`HOLLYWOOD, FL 33022-2480 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`ICONTROL ENTERPRISES,
`LLC, Monroe, NY (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/782,089
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`May 18, 2010
`
`
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/179,551, filed on May
`19, 2009, provisional application No. 61/306,211,
`filed on Feb. 19, 2010.
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A63F I3/06
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................................... 463/37
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A device for enhancing operation of a game controller is
`provided. The device includes at least one actuator cooperat
`ing with a game controller for adding functions to be con
`trolled with parts of the hand other than the thumbs, such as
`the side or tip of the index finger, while using the thumbs for
`other functions. A skin is placed onto part or all of the con
`troller for permitting additional functions to be carried out.
`
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`F#3, #3
`(Prior Art)
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`282
`.# GES
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`Fi?, 43
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`US 2010/0298053 A1
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`Nov. 25, 2010
`
`DEVICE FOR ENEHANCING OPERATION OF
`A GAME CONTROLLER AND METHOD OF
`USING THE SAME
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`[0001] The present application claims priority to: co-pend
`ing Provisional Patent Application No. 61/179,551, filed on
`May 19, 2009 and entitled “Device for Enhancing Operation
`of a Game Controller and Method of Using the Same” and
`co-pending Provisional Patent Application No. 61/306,211,
`filed on Feb. 19, 2010 and entitled “Game Controller”; those
`applications being incorporated herein, by reference, in their
`entireties.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
`[0003] The invention relates to a device for enhancing
`operation of a game controllerand a method of using the same
`which allow the user of the device to manually control fea
`tures of a game beyond those which are assigned to the usual
`buttons or keys without moving the user’s hand from the usual
`position.
`[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
`[0005] Prior art game controllers have buttons or keys
`which are depressed or otherwise actuated to carry out vari
`ous movements within the game, such as controlling move
`ments of a character on a computer screen, television or
`dedicated game screen. However, the limitations of the
`human hand require the user to release some buttons or keys
`to actuate others. This detracts from the user’s ability to play
`the game to the best of the user’s ability and can also lead to
`debilitating repetitive use injuries or medical conditions, such
`as so-called “Play Station Palm” or “Blackberry Finger.”
`[0006] Additionally, “skins” for covering video game con
`trollers are known. For example, U.S. Patent Application
`Publication No. 2004/0164489 to Singer discloses a video
`game mask, including a thin pliable shell that conforms to the
`shape of a video game controller, which displays game
`instructions and/or static instructions. See also, for example,
`U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0122173 to
`Harris disclosing a form-fitting electronic game controller
`cover, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/
`0045951 to Robertson etal disclosing a video game mask and
`U.S. Pat. No. Des 521,567 to Svendsen et al., disclosing a
`cover for a game controller. However, known video game
`controller “skins” do not incorporate actuators that enhance
`the functionality of the controller. Rather, existing skins
`either overlay or pass-through the existing buttons and actua
`tors on the controller, thus causing the buttons to be actuated
`in an identical manner as actuated without the skin.
`[0007] What is needed is an accessory for a video game
`controller that integrates with an existing video game control
`ler to provide enhanced functionality to the user. What is
`additionally needed is an accessory for a video game control
`ler that reduces the strain on the hands of a user.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0008] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide
`a device for enhancing operation of a game controller and a
`method of using the same, which overcome the above-men
`tioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and
`methods of this general type and which permit the user to
`
`control many more features of a game than would normally be
`possible while using the fingers of one hand.
`[0009] With the foregoing and other objects in view there is
`provided, in accordance with the invention, a device for
`enhancing operation of a game controller, comprising at least
`one actuator cooperating with a game controller for adding
`functions to be controlled with parts of the hand other than the
`thumbs while using the thumbs for other functions.
`[0010] With the objects of the invention in view, there is
`concomitantly provided a method for using a game controller,
`which comprises moving an actuator with parts of the hand
`other than the thumbs while using the thumbs for other func
`tions.
`[0011| Other features which are considered as characteris
`tic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
`[0012] Although the invention is illustrated and described
`herein as embodied in a device for enhancing operation of a
`game controller and a method of using the same, it is never
`theless 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.
`[0013] 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 SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
`
`[0014] FIG. 1A is a front plan view of an existing game
`controller with which can be used with an accessory in accor
`dance with the instant invention;
`[0015] FIG. 1B is a front plan view of another existing
`game controller which can be used with an accessory in
`accordance with the instant invention;
`[0016] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of one example of a video
`game controller encased in a skin according to one particular
`embodiment of the present invention;
`[0017|| FIG. 3 is a side plan view of a video game controller
`and skin in accordance with another particular embodiment
`of the present invention;
`[0018] FIG. 4A is a front plan view of a video game con
`troller encased in a skin according to a further embodiment of
`the present invention;
`[0019] FIG. 4B is a side plan view of a motorized actuator
`useful with particular embodiments of the present invention;
`[0020) FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a skin in
`accordance with one particular embodiment of the present
`invention;
`[0021] FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, a front plan view
`and a rear plan view of the skin of FIG. 5;
`[0022] FIGS. 6C and 6D are, respectively, a right side plan
`view and a left side plan cut-away view of the skin of FIG. 5;
`[0023] FIGS. 6E and 6F are, respectively, a bottom end
`view and a top end view of the skin of FIG. 5;
`[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a controller posi
`tioned for placement into a skin in accordance with one par
`ticular embodiment of the present invention; and
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`[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one particular
`embodiment of a stand useful in combination with a skin in
`accordance with the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown
`two video game controllers 100, 120 that are presently avail
`able on the market. More particularly,
`[0027] FIG. 1A shows a front plan view of a video game
`controller for use with the PLAYSTATION 3, made by Sony
`Corp., while FIG. 1B shows a front plan view of a video game
`controller for use with an XBOX 360, made by Microsoft
`Corp. Although the invention will be discussed herein in
`connection with the video game controllers 100, 120, this is
`not meant to be limiting. Rather, it can be seen from the
`disclosure herein that the accessories of the instant invention
`can be adapted for use with controllers having other configu
`rations and/or designed for other video game consoles with
`out departing from the scope of the present invention.
`[0028] Existing video game controllers 100, 120 include
`multiple control actuators representing different functions in
`different video games. In use, the video game controllers 100,
`120 are conventionally held by the user by grasping the grips
`110, 130 in the palm of the users hands such that the user’s
`thumbs can access different actuators on the face of the con
`trollers 100,120. The user's hands are additionally positioned
`such that the tips of the index fingers are held adjacent to the
`trigger and/or bumper buttons 118, 119, 128a, 128b, 129a,
`129b of the controllers 100,120. Such existing controllers are
`arranged so that the majority of actuators are designed to be
`controlled by the user’s thumbs. For example, on the control
`lers 100,120, it is intended that the user’s right thumb actuate,
`among other things, each of the four buttons 116, 126 (typi
`cally labeled “X”, “Y”, “A” and “B”) and the right-side thumb
`stick 112, 122. Additionally, with such existing controllers it
`is intended that the user’s left thumb actuate a directional pad
`or D-pad 117, 127 and a left-side thumb stick 114,124. When
`playing a game on the console, it is often required to remove
`a thumb from one actuator to use it to control another actuator.
`For example, a user directing an avatar through a video game
`using the right-side thumb stick 112, 122, must periodically
`release the right-side thumb stick 112, 122 and use the same
`thumb to operate one of the buttons 116, 126 to invoke the
`function controlled thereby.
`[0029) Referring now to the FIG. 2, there is shown one
`particular video game controller 200 having thereon a skin
`210 in accordance with one particular embodiment of the
`present invention. In particular, a skin or shell 210 is placed
`onto part or all of the controller 200 for accommodating the
`additional functions according to the invention. Although
`shown and described in connection with the Playstation 3
`controller 100 of FIG. 1A, it should be understood that the
`same principles of the invention can be easily adapted to other
`types of video game controllers, including the XBOX 360
`controller 120 of FIG. 1B, without departing from the scope
`of the invention. The skin 210 overlays the outer housing of
`the controller 200 and is completely removable from the
`controller 200. For example, the skin 210 may be made from
`rubber or plastic, as desired. In one particular embodiment,
`the skin 210 is made of a flexible rubber material, such as
`neoprene. In another particular embodiment, the skin 210 is
`formed as a plastic shell that is molded to conform to the
`shape of the controller 200.
`
`[0030] Additionally, the skin 210 has certain actuators
`attached thereto relative to various control buttons on the
`controller 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the skin includes the
`levers 212, 214,216 overlaying the “X”, “Y” and “B” control
`buttons of the controller 200, respectively, particularly
`arranged for actuation by the tip or side of a finger, preferably
`the index fingers. Each of the levers 212, 214, 216 includes a
`plate portion that overlays the respective button “X”, “Y” and
`“B” and an arm portion extending from the plate portion. The
`body of each lever 212, 214, 216 are pivotally mounted to the
`skin 210 at a pivot point or hinge 212a, 214a, 216a, respec
`tively. Hinges 212a, 214a,216a are, preferably, spring-biased
`and can be secured to the skin 210 by any number of mecha
`nisms, including being formed therewith and/or there
`through, being secured thereto by mechanical means, such as
`screws, rivots, plastic welds, permanent adhesive, etc. Alter
`nately, if desired the hinges 212a, 214a, 216a can be secured
`to the skin by a less permanent mechanism, such as by a
`releasable adhesive tape, a strong hook and loop fastener, a
`preformed slide-in mounting bracket, etc., to permit the levers
`to be mounted to the skin, as desired.
`[0031] Thus, the levers 212, 214, 216 are actuable by a user
`to actuate the buttons “X”, “Y”, “B”, as desired. Further,
`because of the alignment of the user’s hands during play, the
`levers 212, 214 and 216 can be actuated by fingers other than
`the user’s thumbs, thus permitting the use of the buttons “X”,
`“Y” and “B” without necessitating the removal of the user’s
`thumbs from the thumb sticks 112, 114 and/or D-pad 117.
`This permits functions such as walking, running, jumping,
`switching weapons, shooting and zooming to be controlled by
`the “X”, “Y” and “B” buttons, while keeping the thumbs in
`place on the standard buttons or keys.
`[0032] More particularly, during normal use, the controller
`200 is gripped by the user such that the tips of the right and left
`index fingers are adjacent the buttons 118, 119, respectively,
`to enable use of the buttons 118, 119. As such, when using a
`skin 210 in accordance with the invention, the tips of the right
`and left index fingers of the user are positioned under the
`levers 214 and 212, respectively, while the lower portion of
`the index finger is disposed under the lever 216.of the skin.
`The levers 212,214 and 216 are actuated using the sides of the
`index finger, without requiring using or moving the user’s
`thumbs. Thus, the user need only lift a portion of an index
`finger a slight amount in order to lift the free end of the lever
`with the side of the index finger and, resultantly, the lever
`depress the respective button “X”, “Y” or “B”. A spring
`disposed under the pivot point can be used to return the lever
`to the normal, level position after it is released.
`[0033] It is important to note that more or less levers than
`shown can be integrated with the skin 210 of the present
`invention. For example, for certain applications, it may be
`desirable to include less than all of the levers 212, 214 and 216
`on the skin 210. Similarly, it may be desirable to provide even
`more levers for controlling even more functions of the con
`troller 200. For example, referring now to FIG. 3, there is
`shown an embodiment of a controller 200' including a skin
`210' having a further lever 218 that is provided instead of, or
`if desired, in addition to the levers 212, 214, 216 of FIG. 2.
`The embodiment of FIG. 3 shows a further mechanism for
`providing additional functionality using a part of the hand
`other than the user’s thumb. In particular, a removable tape or
`self-adhering sheet 220 is attached to a trigger or button 119B
`(i.e., which can be the “L2” button on the Playstation 3 con
`troller. A flexible cable or line 219 is connected between the
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`sheet 220 and the lever 218. The line 219 is connected to the
`lever 218 by a linkage 218a. Operation of the lever 218 using
`the pinky or palm of the user, for example, adjusts the tension
`of the line 219 in accordance with a preference of the user.
`The line 219 runs under, or to the side of the controller 200'.
`Applying pressure to the line 219, even lightly, with the palm
`of the user’s hand will pull the trigger 119B. This permits the
`trigger 117a to be actuated without using a thumb, or even an
`index finger, of the user. Pivoting of the lever 218 about the
`linkage 218a adjusts the sensitivity of the trigger 119B (i.e.,
`the level of pressure needed to actuate the trigger) to the
`player’s preference. Thus, the control of the trigger 119B is
`highly adjustable for functions such as, for example, a zoom
`control function operable by the trigger 119B. A mere change
`of the user’s grip will slightly pull the line 219 and, corre
`spondingly, the trigger 119B.
`[0034] Thus, the levers 212, 214, 216, 218, preferably
`secured to the skin 210 by the hinges 212a, 214a, 216a, 2.18a,
`are provided for actuation by parts of the hand other than the
`thumbs. These features make use of the fingers to provide a
`great playing advantage, while avoiding over-use injuries. If
`desired, the levers 212, 214, 216, 218 can be made from a
`plastically deformable material so as to be customizable by
`the user to fit the user’s particular hand. Additionally, if
`desired the skin 210 can be made to include flashing LED
`lights that are activated by a sensor in response to a sensed
`touch, a vibration or a rumble from the controller. Similarly,
`if desired, any or all of the levers 212, 214, 216 218 can be
`replaced by LED levers that light up when touched and/or
`otherwise actuated. Further, although shown in FIG. 2 as
`encompassing the entire controller, it is intended that the skin
`210 can be made to cover less than the entire controller (i.e.,
`only a part of the controller), if desired, without deviating
`from the spirit of the invention.
`[0035) Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is shown a
`video game controller 200 including a skin 230 in accordance
`with a further embodiment of the invention. More particu
`larly, the skin 230 includes mounted thereon, a motorized
`actuator 250. The motorized actuator 250 includes a footpad
`252 that is aligned with at least one of the buttons “X”, “Y”,
`“A” or “B”. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the
`footpad 252 initially rests just above the “B” button of the
`controller 200. The footpad 252 is mounted to a shaft 254,
`which is connected to the actuator of a motor 256. Actuation
`of the motor 256 pulls the shaft 254 downward, so as to
`engage the footpad 252 with the button “B”. When turned off.
`the motor 256 releases the shaft 254, which returns to its
`initial position, thus removing the footpad 252 from contact
`with the “B” button of the controller 200. Thus, the motor
`works to move the footpad along a “Z” axis relative to the
`button “B”.
`[0036) Actuation of the motor 256 is controlled by a signal
`representative of a sensed motion of the controller 200. More
`particularly, the skin 230 of the instant embodiment includes,
`secured thereto or therein, a compartment 240 including a
`motion sensor 247 powered by a battery 245. The motor 256
`is driven according to a signal output from the motion sensor
`247. For example, in one particular embodiment of the inven
`tion, the motor operates to press the button “B” with the
`footpad 252 when the sensor 247 detects that the controller
`200 has been tilted up or down relative to a predefined plane.
`The button “B” is released by the motor when the sensor 247
`detects that the controller 200 is again being held substan
`tially parallel to the defined plane.
`
`[0037] As an alternate to the configuration shown in FIG.
`4A, note that the battery for the motorized trigger actuator can
`be inserted into a battery holder in the controller, which is
`interfaced with the sensor 247 and motor 256. Additionally,
`other buttons and/or triggers on the controller 200 can be
`actuated by a motorized actuator 250, as desired. Thus, the
`presently described embodiment provides a mechanism for
`engaging buttons based on a slight tilt of the controller 200,
`rather than requiring the user to actuate the button or trigger
`with a finger. Note that, if a plurality of motorized actuators
`250 are used, the a controller (i.e., ASIC, microcontroller
`and/or microprocessor) can be included on the skin and can be
`programmed to actuate the buttons and/or triggered in various
`combinations in response to specific, predetermined stimuli.
`For example, tilting the controller in a particular direction at
`greater than a predetermined angle could actuate the motor
`ized actuators to hit the buttons in a predetermined combina
`tion, for example, XX+YY, in order to deliver a predeter
`mined function (e.g., “super punch”, etc.). This, too, helps to
`reduce strain on the fingers of the user.
`[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6A-6F and 7, there is
`shown a skin or shell 300 for a video game controller in
`accordance with another particular embodiment of the
`present invention. The skin 300 includes a top housing or face
`plate 310 that is formed or shaped to closely fit the front face
`of the outer housing of a particular video game controller, the
`underside of the hop housing 310 contacting the face of the
`video game controller. In the example shown in FIGS. 5,
`6A-6F and 7, the top housing 310 is shaped to conform to the
`front face of an XBOX360 controller 120. However, it should
`be understood that the front face 310 can beformed to fit other
`controllers. Additionally, in the instant embodiment the skin
`300 is formed from a substantially rigid molded plastic. Alter
`nately, the skin 300 can be made from a flexible material
`and/or a film, as desired. It is important to note that the “skin.”
`of the present invention is not the outer housing or shell of the
`game controller, itself, but rather, the skin of the instant inven
`tion sits over the outerhousing or shell of the game controller.
`[0039] The front face of the top housing 310 includes a
`number of hinges or fulcrums 312a, 314a, 316a integrally
`formed thereonto act as fulcrums for the levers 312,314, 316,
`respectively. Each of the levers 312, 314, 316 is secured to its
`respective fulcrum 312a, 314a, 316a using a pivot pin, such as
`the pivot pins 312b, 314b and 316b. Additionally, each lever
`312, 314, 316 is spring biased by a spring, such as the torsion
`spring 316C, to return to an initial, open position when a
`pressure on the lever 312, 314, 316 is released. Further, the
`top housing 310 includes a plurality of openings there
`through, such as openings 310b, each opening 310b corre
`sponding to a different feature on the face of the controller,
`such as a button, trigger, switch, grip, etc. Buttons such as the
`“A”, “B”, “X” and “Y” buttons 116, 126 of the controllers
`100,120 of FIGS. 1A and 1B protrude through openings 310b
`in the top housing 310.
`[0040] Each of the levers 312,314, 316 is aligned over one
`of the buttons “B”, “X” and “Y” of the controllers 100, 120.
`More particularly, each of the levers 312, 314, 316 includes a
`pad, such as pad 316e, that is mounted to an arm of the lever
`via a finger, such as finger 316d, by an adjustment screw, such
`as thumb screw 316?. For example, the pad 316e is attached to
`the lever 316 at the finger 316d via the screw 316? and overlies
`the “B” button of an underlying controller upon which the
`skin 200 is placed. The screw 316f can be adjusted to “fine
`tune” the height of the pad 316e over the actual “B” button of
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`the underlying controller, in order to set to a user’s prefer
`ences the amount of lift of the lever 316 required to depress
`the button “B”. To assemble the pad, first the adjustment
`thumb screw 316f is installed through a tapped hole in the
`lever finger 316d, after which the screw pad 316e is snapped
`onto the threaded free end of the screw 316?, thus holding the
`pad 316e a distance over the “B” button defined by the adjust
`ment screw 316?. The other levers 312, 314 include corre
`sponding parts (i.e., pads 312b, 314b, screws 312?, 314?, etc.)
`that operate in a corresponding manner as described in con
`nection with lever 316. Each of the levers 312, 314, 316
`includes a flexible rod portion that can be bent to adapt to the
`hand of the user and/or to the user’s preferences. Additionally,
`the stems at the free ends of the levers 312, 314, 316 can
`include overmold detail and pads for visual enhancement
`and/or comfort to the user.
`[0041] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the
`levers 312, 314, 316 can be lighted, and/or, if desired, can be
`connected to a sensor, such as a mercury switch or acceler
`ometer, to light when the controller contained within the skin
`300 vibrates or when the lever 312, 314 or 316 is actuated.
`Optionally, a battery pack 311 can be included in a housing
`portion of the skin 300 to power such features of the inven
`tion. Note that the battery pack 311 can be located at other
`positions on the skin 300. For example, the battery could be
`part of one or more of the levers 312, 314, 316 of a motor
`assembly, if included. Additionally, if desired, in order to
`prevent the skin 300 from becoming top heavy, the battery
`pack 311 could be located in an out of the way position on the
`skin 300, including on the housing bottom, and would be
`connected to the elements needing power via a wire line.
`[0042] A rear housing or housing bottom 320 is addition
`ally provided, which mates with the top housing 310 to
`enclose a game controller therebetween. More particularly,
`the housing halves are pivotally connected together at one end
`using the hinge pins 332. In one particular embodiment of the
`invention, the hinge pins 332 are press fitted into the top
`housing 310 and rotate freely within the housing bottom 320.
`This rotatably secures the top and bottom housings and per
`mits the two halves to be pivoted apart from one another in
`order to place the game controller therein. At the other end,
`the housing bottom includes a latching mechanism 322 that
`secures the free end of the housing bottom 320 to the free end
`of the top housing 310 upon closure of the shell 300. The latch
`322 is a spring loaded latch including the latch 322a, the latch
`cover 322b and the compression springs 322c. The latch 322a
`is positioned to mate with a tongue 310a located on the
`underside of the top housing 310 when closed. Additionally,
`the latch 320 is biased closed by the compression springs
`322c, which apply a force causing the latch to automatically
`lock when the top housing 310 and the housing bottom 320
`are rotated into the closed position. A button 324 is provided
`on the housing bottom 320 to release the latch 320 (i.e.,
`disengage the latch 322a from the tongue 310a) when
`pressed, in order to open the housing.
`[0043] In the instant embodiment, the housing bottom 320
`additionally acts as a pressure plate for operating left and right
`side triggers on the controller, much in the same way as is
`described in connection with the line 219 of FIG. 3. More
`particularly, the shell 300 includes left and right side triggers
`3.18a and 318b for operating further trigger buttons located on
`the end faces of the video game controller housed in the shell
`300. Left and right housing covers 330a, 330b, respectively,
`are provided to engage the pivoted end of the housing cover
`
`and to support left and right trigger levers 318a and 318b. In
`particular, an enlarged head portion of each hinge pin 319a,
`319b is entrapped between a bracket of the housing bottom
`320 and a respective one of the housing covers 330a, 330b,
`such that a smaller pin extends outwardly from a hole in the
`housing covers 330a, 330b. The smaller pinportion of each of
`the hinge pins 319a, 319b engages, and is permanently fixed
`to, a respective one of the trigger levers 318a, 318b.
`[0044] Thus, when the housing is closed with a controller
`therein, applying a slight pressure to one of the left or right
`sides of the housing bottom 320, relative to the top housing
`310 (i.e., thus “squeezing” the housing), will actuate a trigger
`button (such as L1, L2 or R1, R2) on the end face of the
`controller with the appropriate trigger lever 318a, 318b of the
`skin 300. Note that this occurs merely through squeezing the
`housing, and not by manipulation with a thumb or forefinger
`of the user.
`[0045] A mechanism is additionally provided for adjusting
`the tension of the trigger buttons 318a, 318b, more particu
`larly, the housing bottom 320 includes left and right tension
`ing mechanisms controlling the tension on the triggers 318a,
`318b. Each tension mechanism includes a screw, a spring
`adjustment block and a spring. For example, the left side
`tensioning mechanism includes the left side spring 334a,
`screw 336a and adjustment block 338a, while the right hand
`side tensioning mechanism includes the right side spring
`334b, screw 336b and adjustment block 338b. When
`assembled, each spring 334a, 334b is connected between a
`hook on one of the spring adjustment blocks 338a, 338b and
`a post on a respective one of the trigger levers 318a, 318b. The
`screws 336a, 336b engage the adjustment blocks 338a, 338b,
`such that when one of the screws 336a, 336b is turned, the
`corresponding spring adjustment block 338a, 338b, trans
`lates forward or back (based on screw turning direction) in the
`housing bottom 320 to change the amount of extension of the
`spring and adjust the amount of preload force on the trigger
`lever 318a or 318b.
`[0046] Holes 337 are provided in an end face of the housing
`bottom 320 to provide access to the heads of the screws 336a,
`336b when the housing is closed, to permit a user to set the
`tension of the triggers 318a, 318b to the user’s own prefer
`ences, using a screw driver, Allen wrench, key or other tool.
`Thus, each screw 336a, 336b adjusts the amount of spring
`force on the corresponding trigger 318a, 318b, and the
`springs 334a, 334b pull back on a corresponding trigger lever
`3.18a, 318b to assist in the trigger pull when the users grip
`“squeezes” a respective side of the housing bottom 320.
`[0047] In another particular embodiment of the invention, a
`skin made in accordance with the teachings of the instant
`invention can additionally be adapted for use with a snap-on
`stand. Referring, more particularly, to FIG. 7, there is shown
`a stand 400 that can be snapped onto a skin accessory for a
`game controller 410 to provide the game controller 410 with
`a floating, weightless feel during use. Such a stand for the
`controlleris similar to a tripod for a camera but has movement
`and a spring 420, so that the support of the stand is almost not
`felt, but rather, provides the impression that the controller 410
`has become very light.
`[0048] Therefore, the detachable stand 400 includes a
`spring 420 (providing a lifelike floating feeling), a swivel (for
`natural movement) and an add-on spine 430 including modu
`lar building blocks 430a, thus making the stand 400 height
`adjustable. The stand 400 can include a swiveling and detach
`able head 440 that snaps onto a bottom portion of the skin on
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1003 Page 15
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`US 2010/0298053 A1
`
`Nov. 25, 2010
`
`the controller 410, and that snaps on and off for variable
`height. As noted above, a spring 420 is provided for cushion
`ing and natural suspension. Additionally, in the present
`embodiment, a rocker platform 450, made from, for example,
`foam and rubber, permits the controller to rock for more
`comfortable pla