U.S. patent application number 13/019382 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-02 for compact game controller.
Invention is credited to JOSHUA PROVITT.
Application Number | 20120196680 13/019382 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46577780 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120196680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PROVITT; JOSHUA |
August 2, 2012 |
COMPACT GAME CONTROLLER
Abstract
A compact game controller comprising a front face, a back face,
a top side, a bottom side, a first side on a right side of the
compact game controller and a second side on a left side of the
compact game controller, where the second side and the bottom side
extend to an elongated portion; a plurality of buttons are
positioned on the front face, where the plurality of buttons
include: an analog directional pad, a pair of thumbsticks, a
plurality of action buttons, and a pair of control buttons; a pair
of trigger buttons on the top side; a pair of slots on the first
side to accept a memory card; and a tapered corner at the elongated
portion where the second side and bottom side meet, wherein the
tapered corner enables a small hand user and a single handed user
to easily grasp the compact game controller.
Inventors: |
PROVITT; JOSHUA; (Rockledge,
FL) |
Family ID: |
46577780 |
Appl. No.: |
13/019382 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/1043 20130101;
A63F 13/285 20140902; A63F 13/24 20140902; A63F 13/98 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/37 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A compact game controller comprising: a front face, a back face,
a top side, a bottom side, a first side on a right side of the
compact game controller and a second side on a left side of the
compact game controller, where the second side is longer than the
first side, the bottom side is longer than the top side, and the
second side and the bottom side extend to an elongated portion of
the compact game controller; a plurality of buttons are positioned
on the front face, where the plurality of buttons include: an
analog directional pad, where the analog directional pad controls
directional movements; a pair of thumbsticks, where the pair of
thumbbsticks control directional movements; a plurality of action
buttons, where the plurality of action buttons control advanced
play features; and a pair of control buttons, where the pair of
control buttons navigate a video game; a pair of trigger buttons on
the top side; a pair of slots on the first side, where the pair of
slots accept a memory card to enable a user to save the video game;
and a tapered corner at the elongated portion where the second side
and bottom side meet, wherein the tapered corner enables a small
hand user and a single handed user to easily manipulate the compact
game controller.
2. The compact game controller according to claim 1, wherein the
bottom side includes a plurality of decorative lights that
illuminate when a predetermined cue is activated.
3. The compact game controller according to claim 2, wherein the
plurality of decorative lights illuminate in predetermined
patterns.
4. The compact game controller according to claim 1, wherein the
top side includes a cord to connect the compact game controller to
a game console.
5. The compact game controller according to claim 1, wherein the
compact game controller includes a battery pack to enable cordless
operation.
6. The compact game controller according to claim 1, wherein the
compact game controller includes a vibrating mechanism to shake the
compact game controller when a set of predetermined cues are
activated.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a compact game controller
with the same buttons and functions of a conventional game
controller, but the compact game controller includes a tapered
corner that enables a user with small hands or a single handed user
to more easily manipulate the buttons and controls.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Video games have been the fastest growing pastime activity
in recent history. With video game sales soaring into the billions
every time a new game is released, the popularity only seems to
grow rather than slow. Some games are available to specific game
consoles, while other games are available to all. Every gaming
system has its own accessories to play and enhance the gaming
experience. The most necessary accessory is the game controller
which controls the action, selection, and power features of the
game and console. While every major gaming console requires a
different controller, most of the basic features remain the same.
For example, a gamer who knows the X-box controller can easily
transition onto a PlayStation controller.
[0005] The game controllers are designed to fit comfortably in the
hands of an adult male. The buttons, thumbsticks and trigger are
all spaced within a distance for adult fingers to easily access.
Many times women and children cannot comfortably grasp nor
manipulate the buttons and triggers on the controller because their
hands are much smaller. This may inhibit how they play by
decreasing their action speed when they have to move their hands
rather than merely their fingers. Also, the conventional game
controllers are two-handed devices that require both hands for
standard use. Single handed persons are unable to operate the
conventional controller because the buttons on the opposing side
are too far to reach with just one hand.
[0006] It would be beneficial in the art to provide a game
controller that enables a person with small hands or a single
handed player easily use the controller. It would also be desirable
in the art to provide a game controller that operates with more
than one game system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the primary invention is to provide a game
controller that is smaller than a conventional controller to enable
a person with small hands or a single handed user to easily
manipulate the controls.
[0008] Another object of the primary invention is to provide a game
controller that is compatible with most gaming systems.
[0009] Another object of the primary invention is to provide a game
controller that accepts memory cards to enable a user to save their
game play.
[0010] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior
art, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a compact
game controller comprising a front face, a back face, a top side, a
bottom side, a first side on a right side of the compact game
controller and a second side on a left side of the compact game
controller, where the second side and the bottom side extend to an
elongated portion; a plurality of buttons are positioned on the
front face, where the plurality of buttons include: an analog
directional pad, a pair of thumsticks, a plurality of action
buttons, and a pair of control buttons; a pair of trigger buttons
on the top side; a pair of slots on the first side to accept a
memory card; and a tapered corner at the elongated portion where
the second side and bottom side meet, wherein the tapered corner
enables a small hand user and a single handed user to easily grasp
the compact game controller.
[0011] These together with other aspects of the present invention,
along with the various features of novelty that characterize the
present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims
annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a
better understanding of the present invention, its operating
advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses,
reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and
descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary
embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The advantages and features of the present invention will
become better understood with reference to the following detailed
description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols,
and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a compact game
controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 depicts a front face view of a compact game
controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 depicts a back face view of a compact game controller
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 depicts a first side view of a compact game
controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 depicts a top side view of a compact game controller
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 depicts a second side view of a compact game
controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a bottom side view of a compact game
controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
description of several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The present invention relates to a compact game controller
with the same buttons and functions of a conventional game
controller, but the compact game controller includes a tapered
corner that enables a user with small hands or a single handed user
to more easily manipulate the buttons. The compact game controller
aids children when playing video games due to a smaller size than a
conventional game controller; so that the child's small hands may
more easily grasp and manipulate the buttons. The compact game
controller is compatible with the popular gaming systems to enable
the user to interchange the controller between their various gaming
systems. Additionally, the buttons on the compact game controller
are positioned close enough for operation using one hand for those
users who are physically disabled and are only able to use a single
hand.
[0022] Tuning now descriptively to the drawings, referring to FIG.
1, a perspective view of a compact game controller (100) is shown
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The compact game controller (100) includes a front face
(102), a back face (shown in FIG. 3), a first side (104) on a right
side of the compact game controller (100), a top side (106), a
second side (108) on a left side of the compact game controller
(100), and a bottom side (110). The front face (102) encompasses an
entire top portion of the compact game controller (100). The front
face (102) includes a plurality of buttons and control units, as
described below.
[0023] On a left side of the front face (102), towards where the
second side (108) and the bottom side (110) meet, is an analog
directional pad (114) also known as a d-pad (hereinafter d-pad).
The d-pad (114) includes a cross shaped surface where the arms of
the cross are pressed during use. The d-pad (114) controls a basic
set of directional movements for the compact game controller (100)
including up, down, right and left.
[0024] On the right side of the d-pad (114), towards the second
side (108), is a left thumbstick (116a) (also referred to as an
analog stick). Towards a lower portion of the front face (102) on
the right side of the compact remote control (100) is a right
thumbstick (116b). As such, the left thumbstick (116a) may be
controlled by the left thumb, and the right thumbstick (116b) may
be controlled by the right thumb. Alternatively, if the user only
uses a single hand to control the thumbsticks (116a, 116b), because
of the near positioning of the thumbsticks (116a, 116b), they may
easily switch from the left thumbstick (116a) to the right
thumbstick (116b) with just one thumb. The thumbsticks (116a, 116b)
operate similar to the d-pad (114) by controlling directional
movements. Unlike the d-pad (114), the thumbsticks (116a, 116b)
move in a smooth circular motion and default to a central
position.
[0025] In a central portion of the front face (102) are a plurality
of action buttons (118) (hereinafter action buttons). The action
buttons (118) may include a turbo button, a back button and the
like to control various advanced movement features while playing a
video game, for example jump, sprint, duck, grab, interaction, etc.
Next to the action buttons (118) are a pair of control buttons
(120) (hereinafter control buttons). The control buttons (120)
include a back button and a start button to navigate a game
dashboard and to control the operating features of the game, for
example to select an option, return to a previous screen and pause
the game.
[0026] Against the first side (104) are a pair of slots (126). The
pair of slots (126) may accept a memory card (150) for the user to
save their games during play. On the top side (106) are a pair of
trigger buttons (122a, 122b) (hereinafter triggers). The triggers
(122a, 122b) are additional control buttons for play. In a central
portion of the top side (106) may be a cord (124). The cord (124)
connects the compact game controller (100) to a console to enable
the compact game controller (100) to operate. Alternatively, the
compact game controller (100) may be battery operated with a
battery pack built into the controller itself
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, a front face (102) view of the
compact game controller (100) is shown in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates
the general shape and layout of the compact game controller (100).
The top side (106) is flat and positioned at the top most portion
of the compact game controller (100). The bottom side (110) is
slightly curved and stretches across the lowest portion of the
compact game controller (100) about twice the width of the top side
(106). Along the bottom side (110) are a plurality of decorative
lights (128a, 128b, 128n) (hereinafter decorative lights). The
decorative lights (128) light up during play when predetermined
cues are activated. Additionally, within the compact game
controller (100) may be a vibrating mechanism that causes the
compact game controller (100) to shake and vibrate when another set
of predetermine cues are activated. The decorative lights (128) and
the vibrating mechanism may operate at the same time responding to
the cues.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, a back face (112) view of the compact
game controller (100) is shown in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. The back face (112) may be
relatively smooth without buttons or controls. A battery pack may
be attached to the back face (112) to enable the compact game
controller (100) to be operated without the cord (124). The first
side (104) slopes down at an angle from the top side (106) to the
bottom side (110). The second side (108) angles more sharply toward
the bottom side (110) and extends out further than the first side
(104). The corner where the second side (108) and the bottom side
(110) meet is an elongated portion of the compact game controller
(100). The elongated portion creates a tapered corner so that the
corner where the second side (108) and the bottom side (110) meet
is the most extended and acute corner. The tapered corner enables a
user with small hands or a single handed user to more easily grasp
or hold the compact game controller (100).
[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, a first side (104) view of the compact
game controller (100) is shown in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. The pair of slots (126) is
shown in the forefront, set within a relatively flat first side
(104). The thumbsticks (116a, 116b) stand above the other buttons
to free their movement during use. Likewise, the triggers (122) may
comprise a triangular shape and extend from the top side (106) for
easy access during play.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, a second side (108) view of the compact
game controller (100) is shown in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. The second side (108) has a
smooth surface extending from the top side (106) to the bottom side
(110). FIG. 5 illustrates the extended length of the second side
(108) as compared to the length of the first side (104) in FIG.
4.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 6, a top side (106) view of the compact
game controller (100) is shown in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates how the
triggers (122a, 122b) are positioned next to each other. Each
trigger (122a, 122b) may be controlled by a specific trigger finger
of the user. For example, a first trigger button (122a) is
controlled by the user's left trigger finger, while a second
trigger button (122b) is controlled by the user's right trigger
finger. The trigger fingers may be either the index finger or the
middle finger depending on the likes and preferences of the user.
Alternatively, if the user only uses just one hand for control, the
triggers are close enough to where a single trigger finger is
easily used.
[0032] Finally, referring to FIG. 7, a bottom side (110) view of
the compact game controller (100) is shown in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The decorative
lights (128a, 128b, 128c, 128n) may extend the entire length of the
bottom side (110). Various patterns may be illuminated on the
decorative lights (128a, 128b, 128c, 128n) cued by specific
predetermined events or cues that occur in game.
[0033] The compact game controller (100) comprises a unique shape
for an ergonomic shape, easy to use by user's with either small
hands or user's who only function with a single hand. The elongated
portion of the compact game controller (100) where second side
(108) and the bottom side (110) come together may provide a
gripping area for the user. This frees the thumbs to easily control
the plurality of buttons on the front face (102) and enables the
user to still reach the triggers (122a, 122b). The compressed
design of the compact game controller (100) allows children and
person's with physical disabilities to easily play the fun games
they enjoy.
[0034] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in
order to best explain the principles of the invention and its
practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art
to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *