U.S. patent application number 12/686098 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for weighted accessory for game controller.
Invention is credited to Maureen E. CARROLL, Robert B. HOLBEN, Paul L. HOLCOMB, Stephen D.M. JONES, Jeffrey R. JUSKOWICH, Brian D. VANHIEL, Baker W. WHISNANT.
Application Number | 20100178981 12/686098 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42319461 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100178981 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOLCOMB; Paul L. ; et
al. |
July 15, 2010 |
WEIGHTED ACCESSORY FOR GAME CONTROLLER
Abstract
An accessory for a game controller, the accessory having a
substantial weight and attachment features for securing the game
controller thereto, to provide for resistance training and exercise
while using the game controller.
Inventors: |
HOLCOMB; Paul L.; (Canton,
GA) ; HOLBEN; Robert B.; (Roswell, GA) ;
CARROLL; Maureen E.; (Atlanta, GA) ; JUSKOWICH;
Jeffrey R.; (Mableton, GA) ; JONES; Stephen D.M.;
(Atlanta, GA) ; VANHIEL; Brian D.; (Smyrna,
GA) ; WHISNANT; Baker W.; (Atlanta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF GREENWALD & VILLANUEVA. PC
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD, SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
42319461 |
Appl. No.: |
12/686098 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29337907 |
Jun 1, 2009 |
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12686098 |
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29337908 |
Jun 1, 2009 |
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29337907 |
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61144371 |
Jan 13, 2009 |
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61242095 |
Sep 14, 2009 |
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61252852 |
Oct 19, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/37 ;
482/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/98 20140902;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2220/80 20130101; A63B 21/072 20130101;
A63B 21/0603 20130101; A63F 13/02 20130101; A63B 2220/40
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/37 ;
482/108 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24; A63B 21/072 20060101 A63B021/072 |
Claims
1. An accessory for a game controller, the accessory comprising: a
grip portion having a receiver for engaging the game controller and
allowing access to at least one control feature of the game
controller; at least one weighted portion attached to the grip
portion.
2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the grip portion includes at
least one opening for access to the at least one control feature of
the game controller.
3. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the weight of the accessory is
at least equal to the weight of the game controller.
4. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the weight of the accessory is
at least two to three times the weight of the game controller.
5. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the weight of the accessory is
at least one pound.
6. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the weight of the accessory is
at least 2.5 pounds.
7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the weight of the accessory is
at least five pounds.
8. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising weighted
attachments for adding incremental weight to the accessory, and
means for removably attaching the weighted attachments to the
accessory.
9. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the grip portion defines an
opening allowing passage of a trigger portion of the controller
therethrough.
10. A weighted game controller for a video game system, the
weighted game controller comprising at least one actuator for user
interaction with the game system, and a substantially weighted
portion.
11. The weighted game controller of claim 10, wherein the
substantially weighted portion is separable from the actuator.
12. The weighted game controller of claim 10, wherein the
substantially weighted portion is integral with the actuator.
13. The weighted game controller of claim 10, having an overall
weight of at least one pound.
14. The weighted game controller of claim 10, having an overall
weight of at least 2.5 pounds.
15. The weighted game controller of claim 10, having an overall
weight of at least five pounds.
16. The weighted game controller of claim 10, further comprising
weighted attachments for adding incremental weight, and means for
removably attaching the weighted attachments to the controller.
17. An accessory set for an electronic game having a primary
controller and a secondary controller, the accessory set comprising
a first weighted accessory for releasably engaging the primary
controller and a second weighted accessory for releasably engaging
the secondary controller.
18. The accessory set of claim 17, wherein the primary controller
and a secondary controller have approximately equal weights.
19. The accessory set of claim 17, wherein the primary controller
and a secondary controller each comprise a handle portion and at
least one weighted portion attached to the handle portion.
20. The accessory set of claim 17, wherein the primary controller
and a secondary controller each comprise a handle portion, a first
weighted body attached to a first end of the handle portion, and a
second weighted body attached to a second end of the handle portion
opposite the first end.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/144,371, filed Jan. 13, 2009, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/242,095, filed Sep. 14,
2009, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/252,852,
filed Oct. 19, 2009; and this application is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/337,907, filed Jun.
1, 2009, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent
application Ser. No. 29/337,908, filed Jun. 1, 2009, all of which
are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a weighted
dumbbell-like accessory for hand-held controllers such as those
commonly used with video games.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Hand held controllers like those used with the Nintendo
Wii.TM. have become part of a growing trend of fitness and exercise
regimens facilitated through video games. Nintendo's Wii Fit.TM.
has introduced additional ways to integrate yoga, balance,
aerobics, and strength training into fun and interactive games.
[0004] Although many of the fitness related video games include a
strength-training component, which uses the hand-held controller,
there is not enough weight to a standard game controller to provide
enough resistance to build strength through lifting and
manipulating the controller.
[0005] Controllers are typically of lightweight design in order to
provide comfortable use for extended periods of play. Thus,
heretofore it would have been counterintuitive to add weight to a
controller, and doing so would be contrary to the typical practice
in this field of art.
SUMMARY
[0006] In example embodiments, the present invention relates to a
weighted attachment designed for hand-held game controllers. The
attachment is a balanced weighted device similar to conventional
hexagonal dumbbell design. The device allows for the secure
attachment of a hand-held game controller like those used with the
Nintendo.TM. Wii, Sony.TM. Playstation 3, Microsoft.TM. Xbox 360,
and other electronic gaming devices or consoles.
[0007] In one aspect, the present invention allows for access to
buttons and other input devices of the controller that are
typically needed for interaction with the gaming console. The
device also permits opening and custom fittings required for proper
function and security of the handheld controller. Additional straps
or securing devices may be added to support the weighted device in
the hands of the user.
[0008] When held, the device will permit the user to make use of
the game controller in the manner in which the manufacturer
designed it, with the added benefit of weight-based resistance. The
device is created to minimize the addition of bulk around the
handle area and does not inhibit access to controller input
devices.
[0009] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following brief description of the
drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary
and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are
not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weighted accessory for a
game controller according to a first example embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the weighted accessory of FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of the weighted accessory of FIG.
1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the weighted accessory of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the weighted accessory of
FIG. 1 shown in use with an example game controller.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of the weighted accessory of FIG. 1
with the example game controller of FIG. 5 embedded therein.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a weighted accessory for a
game controller according to a second example embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side view of the weighted accessory of FIG.
7.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top view of the weighted accessory of FIG.
7.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the accessory of FIG. 1 and
the accessory of FIG. 7 shown in example use with other example
electronic devices.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first step of an example
manufacturing process of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second step of an example
manufacturing process of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third step of an example
manufacturing process of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth step of an example
manufacturing process of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of the invention
taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which
form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this
invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods,
conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that
the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended
to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and
other publications identified in this specification are
incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
[0025] Also, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural,
and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least
that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or
"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is
expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
embodiment.
[0026] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-4 show a weighted accessory 10 according to
a first example embodiment. The weighted accessory 10 includes a
first end 12, a second end 14 opposite to the first end 12, and a
handle 16 extending between the first and second ends. The weighted
accessory 10 generally resembles a dumbbell free weight of a type
known commonly in weight lifting. The weighted accessory 10 can be
composed of materials ranging from metals, plastics, polymers,
rubbers, anti-microbial materials, or any other suitable material.
Additionally, the accessory 10 can be constructed to be waterproof
and dishwasher safe.
[0027] The first end 12 and the second end 14 of the weighted
accessory 10 are generally hexagonally shaped, but in other
embodiments, they can be circular or have any other geometric
shape. The hexagonally shaped first and second ends allow the
accessory 10 to rest flat on a planar surface without rolling from
side to side and to also provide additional structural support when
the accessory 10 is packaged in bulk for transit. Additionally, the
accessory 10 can be designed to self correct itself to a default
position when placed on a flat surface by designing the mass of the
accessory 10 to be offset from its central axis. The first end 12
of the accessory 10 optionally has a first end aperture 22 located
thereon. The second end 14 of the accessory 12 optionally has a
second end opening 24 located thereon. The first end 12 and the
second end 14 have weights (not shown) embedded therein. The
weights embedded in the first and second ends can vary in weight,
allowing for different embodiments of the weighted accessory 10 to
have different weights and sizes, such as, for example 1 pound or
kilogram, 2 pounds or kilograms, 2.5 pounds or kilograms, 5 pounds
or kilograms, 10 pounds or kilograms, 25 pounds or kilograms, etc.
Alternatively, the weight of the accessory 10 can be at least equal
to, two times, or three times the weight of the controller it is to
be used with. Additionally, optional weight attachments of
different increments can be added to the first and second ends of
the accessory 10, such as, for example, 1 pound or kilogram, 2
pounds or kilograms, 2.5 pounds or kilograms, 3 pounds or
kilograms, 5 pounds or kilograms, 10 pounds or kilograms, etc.
Weight attachments can be added and attached to the first and
second ends by clamps, threaded connectors, hook and loop
fasteners, magnets, or any other suitable type of connector.
Alternatively, the weight of the accessory 10 can be slightly less
than an even weight increment, since the weight of a controller to
be used in conjunction with the accessory 10 must be accounted for.
The combined weight of the accessory 10 and the controller is
preferably an even increment.
[0028] The handle 16 can be contoured and shaped to fit the hand of
a user and can optionally have a plurality of raised protrusions 18
placed thereon for aid in gripping the accessory 10. Preferably,
the surface of the handle 16 is coated with a layer of a cushioned
or non-slip material (e.g. rubber, recycled materials,
thermoplastic elastomer, or other materials) 17 in order to provide
more friction for the user while he/she grips the accessory 10 and
to also protect any furniture or surface on which the accessory 10
is to be placed upon. The handle 16 is preferably elevated with
respect to the first and second ends to allow for a user's hand to
be placed underneath the accessory 10 while it is resting on a
planar surface. A controller cradle or receptacle 20 is shown
recessed within the handle 16. The controller cradle 20 is shaped
and contoured to fit and house a controller therein. The cradle 20
in this embodiment is shaped to receive a generally rectangular
shaped controller. The cradle 20 optionally has one or more button
apertures 26 located thereon, such that a user can operate any
buttons, switches, triggers, or any other input control device
located on the lower part of a controller placed within the cradle
20.
[0029] The cradle 20 optionally can have one or more controller
grips 21 located on the inner face of the cradle 20. The grips 21
are preferably made from rubber or any other frictional material,
but in other embodiments, the grips 21 can be tabs, hook and loop
fasteners, magnets, a slightly adhesive material, etc. The grips 21
can prevent an object placed within the cradle 20 from slipping or
moving in an unwanted direction while the accessory 10 is in use.
The grips 21 in this embodiment are rubber protrusions placed on
the inner surface of the cradle 20 that prevent a controller from
sliding or moving in an unwanted direction while the controller is
placed inside the cradle 20. In other embodiments, a detachable
cover plate or a series of retention bands placed over the handle
16 can be used in conjunction with the present invention to hold an
object within the cradle 20.
[0030] A controller C is shown in association with the weighted
accessory 10 in FIG. 5 and the controller C is shown embedded
within the weighted accessory 10 in FIG. 6. The controller C
resembles a Nintendo Wii.TM. Remote, but it should be noted that
the scope of the present invention includes accessories that are
designed and manufactured to work with other types of controllers.
The accessory 10 allows for unrestricted use of the controller C
and installation and removal of the controller C from the accessory
10. The controller C can optionally have a button B located on its
lower face and a sensor S located on its front face. When the
controller C is placed fully within the controller cradle 20, the
button B aligns with the button aperture 26 on the lower part of
the controller cradle 20. The button B is therefore still reachable
and operable through the button aperture 26 while the controller C
is placed within the accessory 10. Additionally, the sensor S
aligns with the first end aperture 22 on the first end 12, and
therefore the sensor is communicable while the controller C is
placed within the cradle 20. The sensor S can transmit and/or
receive signals that include technologies such as infrared,
Bluetooth.TM., radio frequency, motion tracking, voice commands, or
any other similar wireless signal. Optionally, electric cords or
wires extending from the rear face of the controller C can be
placed within the second end opening 24. Add on modules and
peripheral devices associated with the controller C optionally can
be added or removed to the controller C without being hindered by
the accessory 10. Normally, the controller C is in communication
with a video game console or platform, and the accessory 10 does
not hinder the ability of the controller C to communicate with its
respective video game console or platform.
[0031] The open design of the cradle 20 allows for any input
control devices on the top surface of the controller C to be
accessed while the controller C is placed within the accessory 10.
The controller C can optionally include embedded transponders,
speakers, motors, or other components for providing various forms
of sensory feedback such as vibration and/or sound which would not
be hindered by the presence of the accessory 10. Additionally, a
controller security strap attached to the controller C can be
included to wrap around and attach to the wrist of a user. This
would ensure that the controller C and the accessory 10 are not
accidentally flung or dropped while the accessory 10 is in use. The
strap can include features for recognizing biometric feedback such
as heart rate, body temperature, motion, or other information read
by a tethered or non-tethered device attached to the user's
body.
[0032] FIGS. 7-9 show a weighted accessory 110 for a game
controller according to a second embodiment of the present
invention. The accessory 110 is substantially similar to the
accessory 10 as described above. The weighted accessory 110
includes a first end 112, a second end 114, and a handle 116
extending therebetween. The handle 116 optionally can have a
plurality of raised protrusions 118 on its outer surface to improve
a user's grip on the handle 16. The accessory 110 additionally
includes a second end opening 124 located on the second end 114.
The handle 116 includes a controller cradle 120 that is shaped to
ideally receive a teardrop shaped controller (not shown). The
cradle optionally has two button apertures or openings 126 located
proximate to the first end 112. Preferably, the controller to be
used in conjunction with the accessory 110 is a Nintendo Wii.TM.
Remote Nunchuk attachment. The shape of the cradle 120 is designed
to receive and house the Nunchuk attachment and the position and
size of the button apertures 126 are designed to allow the buttons
on the Nunchuk attachment to be accessible when the accessory 110
is used in conjunction with the accessory 110. The cord extending
from the rear end of the Nunchuk attachment can additionally be fed
through the second end aperture 124.
[0033] In other embodiments, the weighted accessory of the present
invention can be constructed by encasing a cast metal core with
injection molded plastic resin. In still other embodiments, the
accessory can be constructed with a modular design that would
facilitate multiple weight or design versions of the accessory
while all sharing common core components. Additionally, the modular
design can allow for uniform end-to-end weight distributions for
the accessory. The accessory can also be designed to integrate its
own electronic devices or circuitry such that a separate controller
device is not necessary.
[0034] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the accessory 10 and
accessory 110 being used in conjunction with other electronic
devices. This setup is by example only, and is not meant to limit
the use of the present invention to this particular example. For
this description, the accessory 10 will be referred to as the
primary accessory 10 and the accessory 110 will be referred to as
the secondary accessory 110. The controller C rests within the
primary accessory 10 and acts as a primary controller. A secondary
controller N rests within the secondary accessory 110 and is
attached by a wire W to the primary controller C. A user holds the
primary accessory 10 and the secondary accessory 110 in his right
hand R and his left hand L, respectively. Additionally, the primary
controller has a security strap S attached to the user's right
wrist, which can optionally include biometric signal detecting
electronics therein. A video game console P is in electronic
communication with a display D and a secondary attachment device I,
which rests on the top of the display D. The controller C is in
wireless communication with the secondary device I and the console
P, as represented by signal waves A. Alternatively, the connections
between the various components can be wired or wireless. The user
can interact with the console P through the controller C and
perform any type of entertaining or exercising activity while
holding the primary and secondary accessories 10 and 110.
[0035] With reference now to FIGS. 11-14, an example of a
manufacturing process for producing a weighted gaming accessory
will be explained. FIG. 11 shows a body or housing 30 shaped
similarly to the accessory 110. U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/252,852 filed Oct. 19, 2009 is incorporated herein by
reference for additional detail of an example manufacturing
process. It should be noted that the scope of the manufacturing
process can apply to any accessory embodiments of the present
invention. The body 30 can be made of plastic, resin, polymers,
metals, or any other suitable material via injection molding,
forging, etc. The body 30 has a first end 32, a second end 34, and
a middle portion 36 extending therebetween. The middle portion 36
has a controller cavity 20 embedded therein. The first end 32 has a
first cavity 42 embedded therein and the second end 34 has a second
cavity 44 embedded therein. The body 30 optionally can have a
plurality of filler apertures or holes 38 placed on portions of the
body 30 and a plurality of tab apertures 45 on the portions that
define the cavities.
[0036] As seen in FIG. 12, a first weight 46 and a second weight 48
are shown in association with the body 30. The weights can be
blocks of material made from metals, plastics, resins, or any other
suitable materials. Additionally, the weights can be vessels
containing a substance or material (e.g. rocks, sand, pellets,
etc.) conformed to fit any shape. In this particular embodiment,
the weights 46 and 48 are casted from steel and are conformed to
fit the shape the cavities on the body 30. The weights 46 and 48
optionally have locking tabs 50 extending outwards placed on their
circumferential periphery. As the weights 46 and 48 are placed
within their respective cavities, the locking tabs 50 snap into and
engage with the tab apertures 45 on the body 30. As seen in FIG.
13, the weights 46 and 48 are now securely locked into their
respective cavities by the engaging action between the locking tabs
50 and the tab apertures 45. The body 30 and the weights 46 and 48
in FIG. 13 undergo a process in which a material layer 51 is molded
over the weights 46 and 48 and portions of the body 30. The end
result is a weighted accessory 210 according to a third embodiment
of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 14. During the
overmolding process, the material layer 51 occupies the space of
the filler apertures 38, which help the material layer 51 adhere to
the body 30. A plurality of raised protrusions 18 are optionally
molded onto the material layer 51. A labeling indicia or mark 54
can optionally be made on the layer 51 to denote the weight of the
accessory in either pounds or kilograms.
[0037] It should be noted that other manufacturing processes and
steps for creating the present invention are within the scope of
the invention. For example, the weights can rest within their
respective cavities while being held therein by a plurality of
cover plates, caps, couplings, connectors, adhesives, or the like.
Optionally, the superficial material layer can be excluded from the
manufacturing process if so desired.
[0038] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and
deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *