(12) Umted States Patent
`(10) Patent N0.:
`US 6,342,009 B1
`
`Soma
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jan. 29, 2002
`
`USOO6342009B1
`
`(54)
`
`INPUT DEVICE FOR GAME MACHINE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Masahiro Soma, Fukushima-ken (JP)
`
`(73) Assignee: Alps Electric C0., Ltd., Tokyo (JP)
`~
`'
`.
`~
`~
`~
`( * ) Notrce.
`Subject to any drsclarmer, the term of this
`.
`.
`patent IS mended or adJuSted under 35
`U~S-C~ 154(b) by 0 dayS~
`.
`..
`,
`(21) Appl No . 09/431 814
`.
`.
`Frled.
`
`Nov. 2, 1999
`
`(22)
`
`5,026,058 A *
`5,485,171 A *
`55319443 A
`5,644,113 A *
`
`6/1991 Bromley ............... 273/93 C X
`1/1996 Copper et al.
`.......... 345/160 X
`7/1996 Cruz
`7/1997 Date et al.
`
`.............. 200/5 R X
`
`273/148 B
`7/1997 Cheng .........
`5,645,277 A *
`5,700,194 A * 12/1997 HSlen ....................... 463/37 X
`5 716 274 A
`2/1998 Goto et al.
`3
`3
`.
`.
`5,759,100 A *
`6/1998 Nakamshl ................. 463/37 X
`
`5,874,906 A *
`2/1999 Willner et al.
`...... 341/22 X
`.............. 200/339 X
`6,153,843 A * 11/2000 Date et al.
`
`JP
`JP
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0 90 50 344
`2/1997
`10-134662
`5/1998
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`4 cited by examiner
`
`(52) us. Cl.
`
`........................................... 10—313796
`(JP)
`NOV. 4, 1998
`(51)
`Int. Cl.7 ........................... A63F 13/00, A63F 9/24,
`G06F 17/00; G06F 19/00
`............................. 463/38; 463/36; 463/37;
`463/46; 463/47; 273/148 R; 273/148 B;
`345/156; 345/184
`(58) Field of Search .............................. 463/38, 36, 37,
`463/46, 47, 273/148 R, 148 B, 459, 460,
`461; 345/154, 156, 157, 184, 161
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,401,304 A *
`4,469,330 A
`4,820,908 A *
`4,849,583 A *
`4,864,272 A *
`4,949,080 A *
`
`8/1983 Hamano ............... 273/85 G X
`9/1984 Asher
`4/1989 Wei .................... 235/245 R X
`7/1989 Meyer ................. 200/6 A X
`
`9/1989 Cecchi et al.
`.
`....... 338/128
`
`8/1990 Mikan .................... 340/711 X
`
`Primary Examiner—Jessica J. Harrison
`.
`Assistant Examiner—Binh-AP D~ Nguyen
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Fer—Brmks Hofer Grlson &
`hone
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`In the input device, Which inputs signals to a game machine
`using a computer, one or more operating members are
`provided on each of plural outer surfaces of housing
`members, a filmy substrate having flexibility is bent
`in
`conformity with the insides of the plural surfaces of the
`housing member, contact portions adapted to perform
`ON-OFF operation in response to operations of the operat-
`ing members are formed respectively on the bent surfaces of
`the substrate, and When the operating members are operated,
`signals corresponding respectively to operations of the oper-
`ating members are inputted to the game machine.
`
`20 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
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`US 6,342,009 B1
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`1
`INPUT DEVICE FOR GAME MACHINE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates to an input device for a
`computerized game machine. In particular, the input device
`permits a player of the game machine to enjoy a game with
`a sense of presence in a real-time manner on a display screen
`of the game machine by operating operating members such
`as operating keys, operating buttons, or operating levers.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`In recent years, computerized game machines (hereinafter
`referred to simply as “game machine”) have become more
`and more popular and increasingly quick tempoed. The
`game player can enjoy a game on a display screen of the
`game machine by operating various operating members such
`as operating keys, operating buttons and operating levers
`that correspond to a game software program prestored or
`inputted for each game. Software programs for use in such
`a game machine have heretofore been provided, including
`roll play type programs, speed game type programs, fight-
`interaction type, and creation-upbringing type.
`For example,
`in the case where an ordinary general-
`purpose computer is used as a game machine by storing a
`game software program in advance or by inputting it for
`every game, a keyboard or a mouse is typically used as an
`input device. However,
`in the case of a game machine
`dedicated to game playing an input device to be operated by
`a game operator that is separated from the game machine,
`such as a controller exclusive for games or one called a joy
`stick, is typically used.
`This input device is a controller having a multi-surface
`switch in which cross keys, key tops and selection keys are
`provided on the upper surface of a case having a shape of a
`generally rectangular parallelepiped, and one or more button
`keys are provided on each of right- and left-hand sides of the
`front surface. Further, on the inner side of the case upper
`surface is typically disposed a printed circuit board having
`contact patterns connected to the cross keys, key tops and
`selection keys. On the inner side of the front surface is
`typically disposed a second printed circuit board having
`contact patterns connected to the button keys. These printed
`circuit boards are electrically connected with each other and
`are each connected to the game machine by a cable through
`a connector. There also is available a type of input device in
`which such printed circuit boards are connected to the game
`machine by wireless without using cable (i.e. wireless).
`For operating this input device,
`the game player is
`required to hold both sides of the case with the palms of both
`right and left hands, placing the thumb of the right hand on
`a cross key (or a key top), and the thumb of the left hand on
`a key top (or a cross key). The forefinger and the middle
`finger of both right and left hands are placed on button keys.
`The various keys are manipulated with the fingers as the
`game proceeds, whereby the game player can enjoy the
`game projected on the display screen.
`In the above conventional
`input device, because the
`printed circuit boards are disposed on both upper and front
`surfaces of the case, there are limitations in the thickness of
`each printed circuit board, thus giving rise to the problem
`that a further reduction in the thickness of the printed circuit
`board is difficult.
`
`There also has been the problem that the reduction in size,
`thickness and weight of the input device is difficult because
`a number of fixing means are necessary for fixing the printed
`circuit boards to the case.
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention has been accomplished in view of
`the above-mentioned problems and it is an object of the
`invention to provide an input device for a game machine that
`overcomes the above-mentioned problems and is capable of
`being reduced in size, thickness and weight.
`The input device according to the present invention inputs
`signals to a computerized game machine. The input device
`is characterized in that one or more operating members are
`provided on each of a plurality of outer surfaces of a
`housing, that a filmy substrate having flexibility is bent in
`conformity with the insides of the plural surfaces of the
`housing,
`that contact portions adapted to perform an
`ON-OFF operation in response to operations of the operat-
`ing members are formed respectively on the bent surfaces of
`the substrate at positions corresponding to the operating
`members, and that when the operating members are
`operated, signals corresponding respectively to operations of
`the operating members are inputted to the game machine.
`According to this construction, it is possible to make the
`substrate smaller in thickness and weight than the conven-
`tional printed circuit boards and it becomes possible to
`reduce the size, thickness and weight of the entire device.
`In addition, since it suffices to use only one filmy substrate
`having flexibility,
`it
`is, unlike the prior art, no longer
`necessary to connect plural printed circuit boards electrically
`and hence the number of portions to be connected decreases.
`As a result, failures based on electrical connections decrease
`and reliability is improved.
`In the input device for a game machine according to the
`present invention, a positioning means for positioning the
`substrate may be provided on the inner surface of the
`housing. According to this construction, it becomes easy to
`effect positioning of the substrate relative to the housing and
`there no longer is any fear of a positional deviation of the
`substrate.
`
`In the input device for a game machine according to the
`present invention, the positioning means may comprise one
`or more projections formed on the inner surface of the
`housing, and holes for insertion therein of the projections
`may be formed in the substrate at positions corresponding to
`the projections. According to this construction, it becomes
`easier to effect positioning of the substrate. In the input
`device for a game machine according to the present
`invention, there may be provided a fixing member for urging
`and fixing the substrate to the inner surface of the housing.
`According to this construction, the substrate is fixed to the
`housing inner surface by the fixing member and hence there
`no longer is any fear of a positional deviation of the
`substrate.
`
`In the input device for a game machine according to the
`present invention, any one of the housing, the flexible filmy
`substrate and the fixing member may be removably provided
`with support members which support one or more bent
`surfaces of the substrate substantially perpendicular to the
`other surfaces adjacent
`thereto. According to this
`construction,
`it is possible to support one or more bent
`surfaces of the substrate at predetermined positions in a
`nearly perpendicular condition relative to the other surfaces
`adjacent thereto.
`In the input device for a game machine according to the
`present invention, the other surfaces of the substrate may be
`formed with anti-rebound lugs extending toward the lower
`portions of the one or more bent surfaces of the substrate and
`toward the lower portions of the support members for
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`US 6,342,009 B1
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`supporting the bent surfaces. According to this construction,
`the one or more bent surfaces of the substrate and the
`
`support members which support them are prevented by the
`aforesaid lugs from returning to a single plane under the
`action of the elastic force which the substrate possesses and
`are thereby prevented from rebounding.
`In the input device for a game machine according to the
`present invention, the housing may comprise a first case
`member and a second case member which are divided from
`
`each other, and a wall portion for preventing the influence of
`static electricity on a wiring portion of the substrate may be
`provided inside a connection between the first and second
`case members. According to this construction, the substrate
`wiring portion can be prevented from being affected by static
`electricity and hence it is possible to prevent a malfunction
`attributable to static electricity.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a controller for use in a
`computer game machine according to an embodiment of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a flexible substrate used in
`the controller; and
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a positional relation
`between the flexible substrate and a plate both used in the
`controller.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`An input device for a game machine according to an
`embodiment of the present
`invention will be described
`hereinunder with reference to the accompanying drawings.
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a controller for use
`in a computer game machine according to an embodiment of
`the present invention and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective
`view thereof. In the same figures, the reference numeral 1
`denotes an upper case (a first case member) which consti-
`tutes an upper side of a controller housing, the numeral 2
`denotes a lower case (a second case member) which con-
`stitutes a lower side of the housing, numeral 3 denotes a
`flexible substrate (a filmy substrate having flexibility) which
`is received in an internal space defined by both upper and
`lower cases 1, 2, and numeral 4 denotes a plate (a fixing
`member) urging and fixing the flexible substrate to an inner
`surface of the upper case 1.
`On an upper surface of the upper case 1 are provided cross
`keys (operating members) 11 at one end side of the upper
`surface, while at the opposite end side of the upper surface
`are provided four kinds of key tops (operating members) 12,
`with selection keys (operating members) 13 being disposed
`centrally. At end positions on the back side (player’s side) of
`the upper surface of the upper case 1 are formed a pair of
`holes 14 for passing therethrough a pair of operating levers
`22, which will be described later, and for projection there-
`through of the head portions of the operating levers. On both
`sides of the holes 14 are formed semi-split members 15,
`respectively, so as to project to the back side. At both end
`positions on the front side (the side opposite to the player
`side) of the upper surface of the upper case 1 are formed
`projections 16 projecting forward and having a square
`U-shape in cross section.
`Within the lower case 2 is mounted a printed circuit board
`21. Apair of operating levers 22 are disposed on the printed
`circuit board 21 and a cable 23 for conveying signals from
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`the printed circuit board 21 is connected to the same board.
`A connector 24 is connected to a front end portion of the
`printed circuit board 21. On both sides of the operating
`levers 22 are formed semi-split members 25, respectively, so
`as to project to the back side. The semi-split members 25,
`when combined with the semi-split members 15, define a
`hollow receptacle portion. At both front end positions of the
`lower case 2 are formed projections 26 for connection with
`the projections 16, with button keys 27 being attached to the
`projections 26 respectively.
`Predetermined wiring patterns (not shown) are formed on
`the flexible substrate 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, contact
`patterns 32 for performing ON-OFF operations in response
`to operations of the cross keys 11, key tops 12 and selection
`keys 13 on the upper case 1, are formed on an upper surface
`of a substrate body 31 at positions corresponding to those
`keys 11, 12 and 13. A nearly central portion of the front side
`of the substrate body 31 extends forward to form a tape
`wiring portion 33 for connection with the connector 24, and
`both front end portions of the substrate body 31 extend
`forward to form tape contact portions 34.
`On the base side of each tape contact portion 34 is formed
`an H-shaped groove and on the back side of the groove is
`formed an anti-rebound lug 35 which projects forward. Two
`rubber contacts 36 are placed on each tape contact 34 and are
`fitted and fixed, together with the tape contact portion 34,
`into a holder (a support member) 37. Each button key 27 is
`fitted in the holder 37 so that it comes into contact with the
`
`rubber contact 36 located on the substrate body 31 side, and
`is operated ON and OFF.
`As shown in FIG. 4, when the holders are bent up
`perpendicularly to the substrate body 31, the lugs 35 fit in the
`undersides of the holders 37 to prevent rebound of the tape
`contact portions 34. Accordingly, the upright holders 37 are
`fitted in the projections 26 of the lower case 2, so that the
`button keys 26 are connected respectively to the rubber
`contacts 36 located on the side spaced apart from the
`substrate body 31 are ON-OFF operated.
`The tape wiring portion 33 is supported vertically by
`being inserted into a slit formed in a wall portion 41 which
`is formed at a front end position of the plate 4 for the
`prevention of static electricity. A front end, (or a lower end),
`of the tape wiring portion 33 is inserted into the connector
`24 of the lower case 2 and is thereby connected thereto
`electrically. The wall portion 41 is positioned at the con-
`nection between the upper case 1 and the lower case 2 to
`prevent the entry of static electricity from the exterior and
`thereby prevent the influence of static electricity on the tape
`wiring portion 33.
`In both the substrate body 31 and the plate 4 are formed
`holes 43 for
`insertion therein of positioning pins
`(projections) 42 formed on the upper case 1 (represented
`schematically in FIG. 2).
`the printed circuit
`For assembling the controller, first
`board 21 is fitted in the lower case 2 at a predetermined
`position and the cable 23 is extended to the exterior.
`Then,
`the rubber contacts 36 are placed on the table
`contact portions 34 of the flexible substrate 3 and the holders
`37 are fitted in the rubber contacts 36 and the tape contact
`portions 34. Further, the button keys 27 are fitted in the
`holders 37, respectively.
`Thereafter, the holders 37 are bent up perpendicularly to
`the substrate body 31 and the lugs 35 are inserted into the
`undersides of the holders 37, whereby the holders 37 are
`held perpendicularly to the substrate body 31 and thus
`rebound is not likely to occur at all.
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`Next, the tape wiring portion 33 is inserted into the slit
`formed in the support plate 41 of the plate 4 and the plate 4
`is brought into close contact with the substrate body 31,
`thereby allowing the tape wiring portion 33 to project in the
`same direction as the erected holders 37.
`
`Then, the holes 43 of the substrate body 31 and the plate
`4 are fitted on the positioning pins 42 of the upper case 1 and
`the flexible substrate 3 is pressed against the inner surface of
`the upper case 1 by the plate 4.
`Subsequently, the upper case 1, with the flexible substrate
`3 and the plate 4 accommodated therein, is integrally fitted
`with the lower case 2.
`
`In this way it is possible to assemble the controller.
`When the cross keys 11, key tops 12, selection keys 13
`and button keys 27 in the controller are operated, signals
`corresponding to the operations are inputted from the flex-
`ible substrate 3 to the computer game machine through the
`tape wiring portion 33, printed circuit board 21 and cable 23.
`According to the controller of this embodiment, as
`described above, since the flexible substrate 3 is used, the
`controller can be reduced in thickness and weight as com-
`pared with the conventional controller and therefore it is
`possible to attain a reduction in size, thickness and weight of
`the entire device.
`
`Besides, the use of a single flexible substrate 3 permits a
`decrease in the number of electric connections as compared
`with the prior art and thereby permits an improvement in
`reliability.
`Moreover, since pins 42 for positioning and fixing the
`flexible substrate 3 and the plate 4 are formed on the upper
`case 1 and holes 43 for insertion therein of the pins 42 are
`formed in the substrate body 31 and the plate 4, it is possible
`to easily effect positioning and fixing of the flexible substrate
`3 and the plate 4, and it is unlikely that there will occur a
`positional deviation of the flexible substrate 3 and the plate
`4.
`
`Further, since lugs 35 for the prevention of rebound are
`formed on the base sides of the tape contact portions 34, it
`is possible to prevent rebound of both tape contact portions
`34 and holders 37.
`
`Further, since there is adopted a construction wherein the
`tape contact portions 34 are fitted in the holders 37 together
`with the rubber contacts 36, it is possible to support the tape
`contact portions 34 perpendicularly to the substrate body 31.
`Further, since the tape wiring portion 33 is inserted into a
`slit formed in the wall portion 41 which is provided at a front
`end position of the plate 4, it is possible to prevent the
`influence of static electricity on the tape wiring portion 33
`and hence it is possible to prevent a malfunction caused by
`static electricity.
`Although the controller according to an embodiment of
`the present invention has been described above, the present
`invention is not
`limited to the above embodiment and
`
`various modifications of design may be made within the
`scope of the invention. For example, the number and quan-
`tity of the positioning pins 42 formed on the upper case 1 and
`of the holes 43 formed in both substrate body 31 and plate
`4 may be changed as desired.
`Similarily,
`the position of the wall portion 41 is not
`limited to a front end portion of the plate 4, but may be
`provided near the opening of the upper case 1 or of the lower
`case 2.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. An input device for inputting signals to a game machine
`which uses a computer, said input device comprising:
`
`6
`one or more operating members provided on an outside of
`a plurality of surfaces of a housing;
`a flexible filmy substrate disposed within said housing,
`said substrate being bent in conformity with an inside
`of said plurality of surfaces of said housing;
`contact portions adapted to perform ON—OFF operations
`in response to operations of said operating members
`formed respectively on one or more surfaces of said
`substrate at positions corresponding to the operating
`members; and
`a printed circuit board disposed within said housing, said
`printed circuit board being connected to said game
`machine by a cable;
`wherein said substrate comprises a flexible tape wiring
`portion, said tape wiring connecting said substrate to
`said printed circuit board,
`wherein said housing is configured be held between a left
`and right palm of a user’s hands, and said operating
`members are configured to be simultaneously manipu-
`lated by a plurality of digits on said user’s hands, and
`wherein when said operating members are operated, sig-
`nals corresponding respectively to operations of the
`operating members are generated by the printed circuit
`board in response to the ON-OFF operations of the
`contact portions of said substrate and are inputted to the
`game machine through the cable.
`2. An input device for a game machine according to claim
`1, wherein a positioning means for positioning said substrate
`is provided on an inner surface of said housing.
`3. An input device for a game machine according to claim
`2, wherein said positioning means comprises one or more
`projections formed on the inner surface of said housing, and
`holes for insertion therein of said projections are formed in
`said substrate at positions corresponding to said projections.
`4. An input device for a game machine according to claim
`1, including a fixing member for urging and fixing said
`substrate to the inner surface of said housing.
`5. An input device for a game machine according to claim
`4, wherein any one of said housing, said filmy substrate
`having flexibility and said fixing member is removably
`provided with support members which support one or more
`bent surfaces of said substrate substantially perpendicular to
`other surfaces adjacent thereto.
`6. An input device for a game machine according to claim
`5, wherein said other surfaces of the substrate are formed
`with anti-rebound lugs extending toward a lower portion of
`one or more bent surfaces of the substrate and toward a
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`lower portion of said support members for supporting the
`bent surfaces.
`
`7. An input device for a game machine according to claim
`1, a, wherein said housing comprises a first case member and
`a second case member which are divided from each other,
`and a wall portion for preventing the influence of static
`electricity on the tape wiring portion of said substrate is
`provided inside the housing at a connection between said
`first and second case members.
`
`8. An input device for a game machine according to claim
`2, including a fixing member for urging and fixing said
`substrate to the inner surface of said housing.
`9. An input device for a game machine according to claim
`3, including a fixing member for urging and fixing said
`substrate to the inner surface of said housing.
`10. An input device for a game machine according to
`claim 8, wherein any one of said housing, said filmy
`substrate having flexibility and said fixing member is remov-
`ably provided with support members which support one or
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`more bent surfaces of said substrate substantially perpen-
`dicular to other surfaces adjacent thereto.
`11. An input device for a game machine according to
`claim 9, wherein any one of said housing, said filmy
`substrate having flexibility and said fixing member is remov-
`ably provided with support members which support one or
`more bent surfaces of said substrate substantially perpen-
`dicular to other surfaces adjacent thereto.
`12. An input device for a game machine according to
`claim 10, wherein said other surfaces of the substrate are
`formed with anti-rebound lugs extending toward a lower
`portion of one or more bent surfaces of the substrate and
`toward a lower portion of said support members for sup-
`porting the bent surfaces.
`13. An input device for a game machine according to
`claim 11, wherein said other surfaces of the substrate are
`formed with anti-rebound lugs extending toward a lower
`portion of one or more bent surfaces of the substrate and
`toward a lower portion of said support members for sup-
`porting the bent surfaces.
`14. An input device for a game machine according to
`claim 1, wherein a pair of control members are mounted on
`said printed circuit board, each of said control members
`being configured to be manipulated by a thumb on the user’s
`hands.
`15. An input device for a game machine according to
`claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an upper surface and
`a forward surface, said forward surface being substantially
`perpendicular to said upper surface, said plurality of oper-
`ating members being provide on both the upper surface and
`the forward surface of the housing, further wherein the
`operating members provided on the forward surface each
`comprise a button key and a key holder positioned on
`opposite sides of the substrate.
`16. An input device for a game machine according to
`claim 15, wherein the operating members provided on the
`forward surface of the housing each further comprise a
`rubber contact positioned between the button key and the
`substrate.
`
`17. An input device for a game machine according to
`claim 15, wherein the substrate is provided with an anti-
`rebound lug formed adjacent
`to each of the operating
`members provided on the forward surface of the housing,
`said anti-rebound lug configured to engage said key holder
`so as to maintain a substantially right-angle bend in the
`substrate.
`
`18. An input device for a game machine according to
`claim 17, wherein, said anti-rebound lug comprises an
`outwardly extending portion of said substrate that engages a
`rear surface of said key holder, said outwardly extending
`portion being formed by an H-shaped groove provided in
`said substrate.
`
`19. An input device for inputting signals to a game
`machine which uses a computer, said input device compris-
`ing:
`a housing having an upper surface and a forward surface,
`said housing being configured to be held between a left
`palm and a right palm of a user’s pair of hands with the
`forward surface facing away from said user;
`a pair of control members disposed on the upper surface
`of the housing, said upper operating members being
`configured to be manipulated by thumbs on the user’s
`hands;
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`8
`a plurality of upper operating buttons disposed on the
`upper surface of the housing, said upper operating
`buttons being configured to be manipulated by the
`thumbs on the user’s hands;
`a plurality of forward operating buttons disposed on the
`forward surface of the housing, said forward operating
`buttons being configured to be manipulated by fingers
`on the user’s hands;
`a printed circuit board disposed within said housing, said
`pair of control members being disposed on said printed
`circuit board;
`a cable connecting said printed circuit board to said game
`machine by a cable;
`a flexible filmy substrate disposed within said housing,
`said substrate having a horizontal surface that is dis-
`posed against an interior plane of the upper surface of
`the housing and a vertical surface that
`is disposed
`against an interior plane of the forward surface of the
`housing, said substrate comprising a bend along the
`juncture of the horizontal surface and the vertical
`surface, said bend being maintained by an antirebound
`lug formed by a portion of said substrate;
`a plurality of contact portions formed on said substrate,
`said contact portions being formed on the vertical
`surface of the substrate at positions corresponding to
`the upper operating buttons, and on the horizontal
`surface of the substrate at positions corresponding to
`the forward operating buttons, said contact portions
`being configured to perform ON—OFF operations in
`response to operation of the upper and forward oper-
`ating buttons; and
`a flexible tape wiring portion extending from said
`substrate, said tape wiring connecting said substrate to
`said printed circuit board;
`wherein when said upper and forward operating buttons
`are manipulated by the user’s fingers, signals corre-
`sponding to the operation of the upper and forward
`operating buttons are generated by the ON—OFF opera-
`tions of the contact portions of said substrate, are
`transferred from the substrate to the printed circuit
`board through the tape wiring portion, and are inputted
`to the game machine through the cable, and
`wherein when said control members are manipulated by
`the user’s thumbs, signals corresponding to the opera-
`tion of the operating members are generated by the
`printed circuit board, and are inputted to the game
`machine through the cable.
`20. An input device for a game machine according to
`claim 19, wherein the plurality of forward operating buttons
`each comprise a button key and a key holder positioned on
`opposite sides of the vertical surface of the substrate, and
`said anti-rebound lug comprises outwardly extending por-
`tion of said substrate that engages a rear surface of said key
`holder, said outwardly extending portion being formed by an
`Hshaped groove provided in said substrate at the bend along
`the juncture of the horizontal surface and the vertical sur-
`face.
`
`IRONBURG EX2009, Page 9
`
`IRONBURG EX2009, Page 9
`
`

`

`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
`
`PATENT NO.
`DATED
`INVENTOR(S)
`
`: 6,342,009 B1
`: January 29, 2002
`: Masahiro Soma
`
`Page 1 of 1
`
`It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is
`hereby corrected as shown below:
`
`
`Column 6
`
`Line 17, after “configured” insert -- to
`Line 52, delete “a,” before “wherein”.
`
`
`Column 7
`
`Line 29, delete “provide” and substitute -- provided -- in its place.
`
`
`Column 8
`
`Line 22, delete “antirebound” and substitute -- anti-rebound -- in its place.
`Line 57, delete “Hshaped” and substitute -- H-shaped -- in its place.
`
`Signed and Sealed this
`
`Twenty-seventh Day of August, 2002
`
`Arresr:
`
`Arresring Oflicer
`
`JAMES E. ROGAN
`Direcror of rhe Unired Srares Parenr and Trademark Ofi‘ice
`
`IRONBURG EX2009, Page 10
`
`IRONBURG EX2009, Page 10
`
`