U.S. Pat. No. 11,103,796

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus are useful in securing video game controllers and other “hand-held” electronic devices from theft and loss. Details of some disclosed embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1is a side perspective wireframe drawing of one embodiment of an unassembled modular video game controller security bracket apparatus100of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the modular security bracket apparatus100comprises two major security brackets, a “rear facing” security bracket102and a “front facing” security bracket104. The terms “front facing” and “rear facing” are determined from the perspective of the user of the video game controller. Specifically, the front facing security bracket104is attached and configured to accommodate a front facing part of the video game controller (seeFIG. 5). The rear facing security bracket102is attached and configured to accommodate a rear facing part of the video game controller.

In some embodiments, both of the security brackets102,104comprise injected molded plastic infused with glass fiber for improved strength. In some embodiments, the security brackets102,104are fabricated such that the apparatus100has a minimum flexural modulus (ability to resist deformation under load) of 8700 MPa (mega pascals). In some embodiments, the brackets are fabricated with material exhibiting minimum tensile stress (ability to resist breaking under load) of 130 MPa (mega pascals). However, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the manufacturing arts, other methods of manufacturing the security brackets102,104may be used and fall within the scope of the presently disclosed modular security bracket apparatus100. For example, in some embodiments the security brackets102,104may comprise high strength metal material that can conveniently be formed as described herein to accommodate and secure a video game controller, other electronic device, and similar devices. Also, in some embodiments wherein the security brackets comprise injected molded plastic infused with glass fiber, different percentages of glass fiber material may be used in making different portions of the security brackets102,104. For example, in some embodiments, a higher percentage of glass fiber may be infused in the rear facing security bracket102than is infused in the front facing security bracket104. In such embodiments, the higher percentage of glass fiber infused in the rear facing security bracket102prevents thieves from bending or prying the rear facing bracket102off and away from the top of the video game controller or other electronic device.

As described below in more detail with reference toFIG. 5, the security brackets102,104are specifically designed and molded to securely custom-fit the electronic device or video game controller (such as the video game controller560ofFIG. 5).

Referring again toFIG. 1, the front and rear facing security brackets104,102are designed to be joined and assembled together to form a single modular security bracket apparatus100. Before assembly, a video game controller (such as the video game controller560shown inFIG. 5and described below in more detail) is first placed in between the two security brackets102,104. The front facing security bracket104is fitted around a front facing part of the video game controller. The rear facing security bracket102is similarly positioned around a rear facing part of the video game controller. In accordance with the present disclosure, and as noted briefly above, each embodiment of the present modular security bracket apparatus100is specifically designed and formed to securely accommodate a video game controller or other electronic device, thereby securing the video game controller or electronic device from theft or loss. For example, and as shown inFIG. 5, the modular security bracket apparatus (100inFIGS. 1 and 300inFIG. 5) is specifically designed and formed to accommodate a PlayStation 4™ video game controller (such as, for example, the video game controller560ofFIG. 5).

In accordance with some embodiments of the modular security bracket apparatus100, an insert screw sleeve112is used in mechanical cooperation with a security bracket screw106to hold the two security brackets102,104firmly together. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the insert screw sleeve112is threaded on its inner diameter to accommodate and mate with the security bracket screw106. Prior to assembly of the modular security bracket apparatus100, a front facing end122of the insert screw sleeve112is inserted into a mounting insert hole (not shown in the figures) just above a front facing cable channel114and near the bottom of the front facing security bracket104. The mounting insert hole is proportioned to permit the insert screw sleeve112to be inserted within the hole. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments the insert screw sleeve112includes knurling grooves or patterns128,126(228,226inFIG. 2) on its exterior surface extending from the approximate middle of the insert screw sleeve112to both of its ends122,124, (ends222,224inFIG. 2) respectively. The shape of the knurling patterns126,128are not for aesthetic purposes, but instead determine the resistance the insert screw sleeve112has against being intentionally or inadvertently removed from the mounting insert hole. The knurling patterns126,128also help in preventing unintentional destruction of the front facing security bracket104, the mounting insert hole, or its surrounding plastic material, that may be caused if too much torque is applied to the security bracket screw106during assembly of the modular security bracket apparatus100.

In some embodiments, the insert screw sleeve112is pressed into place within the mounting insert hole and then heated (usually using a soldering iron). The heating of the insert screw sleeve112causes the plastic molding surrounding the mounting insert hole to mold, upon cooling, against the insert screw sleeve112until it is firmly set in place within the mounting insert hole near the bottom of the front facing security bracket104. In other embodiments, the insert screw sleeve112may comprise an ultrasonic or heat staking insert screw sleeve. In such embodiments, the insert screw sleeve112is inserted within the mounting insert hole using ultrasonic insertion equipment while a high frequency vibration is simultaneously applied to the insert screw sleeve112. In such embodiments, frictional heat caused by the high frequency vibration melts the plastic surrounding the mounting insert hole allowing easy installation of the insert screw sleeve112therein. When the vibration ceases, the surrounding plastic of the front facing security bracket104solidifies, locking the insert screw sleeve112in place within the mounting insert hole. In other embodiments, the insert screw sleeve112is installed within the mounting insert hole by simply pressing the insert screw sleeve112within the mounting insert hole using a thermal press that melts the plastic surrounding the mounting insert hole. In yet other embodiments of the modular security bracket apparatus100, the insert screw sleeve112comprises a “molded in” insert screw sleeve which is installed during the plastic injection molding process by which the front facing security bracket104is manufactured. In some other embodiments, a tapped hole is created in the front facing security bracket104. In these embodiments, the tapped hole implements the mounting insert hole into which the insert screw sleeve112is inserted.

In any of these embodiments, once the insert screw sleeve112is mounted within the mounting insert hole, it is held firmly in place within the front facing security bracket104. A rear facing end124of the insert screw sleeve112has “female” screw grooves formed within the interior diameter of the insert screw sleeve112and are designed to mechanically mate with “male” screw grooves of the security bracket screw106. During assembly of the modular security bracket apparatus100, a video game controller or other electronic device that the security brackets102,104are designed to secure, is positioned into place between the two security brackets102,104. As shown in bothFIGS. 1 and 2, a tethered security cable116(216inFIG. 2) is threaded through the front facing cable channel114(214inFIG. 2) at the bottom of the front facing security bracket104(204inFIG. 2) and through a rear facing cable channel108(208inFIG. 2) positioned near the bottom of the rear facing security bracket102(202inFIG. 2). In some embodiments, the tethered security cable116,216comprises ⅛″ “aircraft quality” steel braided cable that may be coated in vinyl, and in some embodiments the security cable is coated with black vinyl.

Although not shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the portion of the tethered security cable116(216inFIG. 2) that extends beyond the front facing side of the front facing security bracket104includes a security cable stop (such as, for example, the security cable stops320and420shown inFIGS. 3B and 4B, respectively) permanently affixed to a first end of the tethered security cable116,216. In some embodiments, the security cable stops comprise aluminum cable stops that are swaged onto the first end of the tethered security cable. In these embodiments, the aluminum cable stops are swaged onto the security cable by applying pressure thereto sufficient to permanently secure the cable stop to the security cable. The security cable stops (such as the security cable stops320and420ofFIGS. 3B and 4B, respectively) prevent the tethered security cable116from being pulled through the front facing bracket104after assembly. A front facing cable channel114is formed at the bottom of the front facing security bracket104. While the front facing cable channel114allows the security cable116to be easily inserted therethrough, it prevents the security cable stop320(and consequently the security cable116) from being withdrawn from the security brackets102,104after assembly thereof into a single modular security bracket apparatus.

The second end of the tethered security cable116is typically attached to a fixed surface, such as a security wall or floor, or relatively immovable furniture or similar object, thereby preventing the video game controller, electronic device, and the modular security bracket apparatus100itself from being lost or stolen. In some embodiments, the second end of the security cable116(shown extending away from the rear facing security bracket102) has an eyelet attached thereto. The eyelet permits the security cable116to be affixed to any stable or secure surface or wall using a security screw (not shown). This prevents the entire assembled modular security bracket apparatus100, and the electronic device or video game controller secured thereby, from theft or removal from an installed location. As noted above, in some embodiments, a loop is formed at the first end of the security cable. The loop formed at the first end implements the security cable stop feature in this embodiment and prevents the tethered security cable116from being removed from the assembled modular security bracket apparatus100. In some embodiments (not shown in the FIGURES), a loop is formed at the second end of the tethered security cable116. In these embodiments, the loop formed at the second end of the tethered security cable116allows the security cable116to be attached to a secure surface or wall or similar relatively immovable object. In some of these “looped” end embodiments, the tethered security cable116may be threaded through the loop at the second end before being attached to the modular security bracket apparatus. In some other looped end embodiments, the first end of the tethered security cable is threaded through channels114,108formed in the front and rear facing security brackets and both the first end has a loop formed therein and the second end of the tethered security cable116also has a loop formed therein. The two loops allow the first and second ends of the tethered security cable116to be attached to a secure surface, wall, or other secure object such as a relatively immovable piece of furniture thereby securing the video game controller or other electronic device from theft or loss.

Referring again toFIGS. 1 and 2, the front facing security bracket104and rear facing security bracket102are positioned around the video game controller (such as the video game controller560shown inFIG. 5) or other electronic device and mated together by moving the two security brackets102,104toward each other and around the video game controller. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the front facing security bracket104includes front facing attachment prongs120and the rear facing security bracket102includes rear facing attachment prongs118. The attachment prongs118,120are molded and shaped to fit securely and firmly around the video game controller or other electronic device when the security brackets102,104are mated and assembled together to form a single modular security bracket apparatus100.

As shown inFIG. 1, the rear facing bracket102includes front facing guide walls130,132that fit around their counterpart components in the front facing bracket104. Once the two brackets102,104are positioned together around the video game controller or other electronic device, the brackets102,104are then mated together into a single modular security bracket apparatus100using the insert screw sleeve112and the security bracket screw106. When the security brackets102,104are fitted together around the video game controller or other electronic device, the front facing end134of the security bracket screw106is inserted through a security through hole110formed in the rear facing security bracket102. The security bracket screw106is then inserted into the insert screw sleeve112and mated with the interior diameter “female” screw grooves within the insert screw sleeve112. Those skilled in the plastic injection molding and manufacturing arts shall appreciate and understand that the modular security bracket apparatus can be designed to accommodate more than one security bracket screw106. A plurality of security bracket screws may be used (together with their associated and corresponding insert screw sleeves) to firmly attach the security brackets102,104together. The number of security brackets and insert screw sleeves that are used is a design choice left to the modular security bracket apparatus and system designer. The present modular security bracket apparatus thereby allows flexibility in the modular security bracket designs, uses and applications.

In some embodiments, the security bracket screw,106inFIG. 1, and 406inFIG. 4A, has a custom-shaped screw head422formed within the interior of a rear facing view of the security bracket screw406. The custom-shaped screw head422prevents unauthorized disassembly of the modular security bracket apparatus100,200,400. During assembly, the security bracket screw106is screwed into the insert screw sleeve112using a custom-shaped screw head tool that is specifically shaped to accommodate the shape of the screw head422(best shown in the figures inFIG. 4A) formed into a rear facing end136,236of the security bracket screw106,206, respectively. Such a custom-shaped screw head422is best shown inFIG. 4A. In some embodiments, the screw head422of the security bracket screw is “star” shaped to prevent unauthorized tampering therewith. As those of ordinary skill in the mechanical and manufacturing arts shall recognize, the custom-shaped screw head422may be configured in different shapes and sizes to prevent the modular security bracket apparatus100,200from being disassembled by unauthorized persons. In some embodiments, for example, the security bracket screw106is fabricated using stainless steel and is compatible with a Torx™ T15 security screwdriver to prevent unauthorized removal using most common types of screwdrivers, such as Philips or flat-headed screwdrivers. In some embodiments, the screwdriver bit used to screw the security bracket screw106comprises a TORX™ 15 PIN IN Security Bit.

FIG. 2is a side perspective wireframe drawing of another embodiment of an unassembled modular video game controller security bracket apparatus200in accordance with the present disclosure. The majority of the components of the modular security bracket apparatus200ofFIG. 2are very similar, if not identical, to those of the modular security bracket apparatus100ofFIG. 1. Therefore, these components are not described in much further detail herein. For example, the insert screw sleeve212is identical and performs the same as the insert sleeve112shown inFIG. 1. Similarly, the security bracket screw206ofFIG. 2is identical to and performs the same as the security bracket screw106ofFIG. 1. The rear and front facing security brackets202,204are assembled together to form the modular security bracket apparatus200in the same manner described above with reference to the modular security bracket apparatus100ofFIG. 1.

However, as shown inFIG. 2, the front facing attachment prongs220are shaped differently than are the front facing attachment prongs120of the modular security bracket apparatus100described above with reference toFIG. 1. Similarly, the rear facing attachment prongs218are shaped differently than the rear facing attachment prongs118ofFIG. 1. The front facing security bracket204ofFIG. 2is shaped somewhat different than the front facing security bracket104ofFIG. 1. The rear facing security bracket202ofFIG. 2is similarly shaped somewhat different than the rear facing security bracket102ofFIG. 1. The security brackets202,204and their respective attachment prongs218,220are shaped different than their counterpart components ofFIG. 1because they are specifically custom-shaped to fit firmly with the video game controller or other electronic device that the modular security bracket apparatus200is designed to secure. Specifically, in the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the modular security bracket apparatus200is designed and shaped to fit firmly with an XBOX™ One video game controller. As such, due to the modular nature of the presently disclosed modular security bracket apparatus100,200, it can be molded, retooled and remolded to accommodate virtually any type of video game controller or other electronic device. Therefore, although certain video game controllers are described herein for use with the present modular security bracket apparatus, virtually any video game controllers or electronic devices (such as television remote controls, for example) can be secured using the modular security bracket apparatus of the present disclosure. Thus, such variously shaped modular security bracket apparatus fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, additional aspects of the modular security bracket apparatus100(modular security bracket apparatus300inFIGS. 3A and 3B) ofFIG. 1are described.FIG. 3Ais a perspective wireframe drawing of a fully assembled modular video game controller security bracket apparatus300(shown unassembled inFIG. 1) showing a rear-facing bottom perspective view of the modular security bracket apparatus300.FIG. 3Bis a perspective wireframe drawing of the fully assembled modular video game controller security bracket apparatus300ofFIG. 3Ashowing a bottom perspective view of the modular security bracket apparatus300. As shown in bothFIGS. 3A and 3B, the modular security bracket apparatus300is assembled by affixing and attaching the front and rear facing security brackets304,302, respectively, together using the insert screw sleeve and security bracket screw described above with reference to the modular security bracket apparatus shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The bottom perspective views of the modular security bracket apparatus300shown inFIGS. 3A and 3Bshow additional details of the tethered security cable316(referred to as the tethered security cables116and216inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, respectively) and the security cable stop320that is affixed to a first end of the tethered security cable316.

As described above with reference to the modular security bracket apparatus ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the security cable stop320prevents the tethered security cable316from being inadvertently or intentionally removed from the modular security bracket apparatus300. As noted above, the second end of the tethered security cable316is, in some embodiments, attached to a fixed security surface, such as to a wall or floor, thereby preventing the video game controller, electronic device, and the modular security bracket apparatus300from being stolen or lost. In some embodiments of the modular security bracket apparatus300, a rear facing communication link channel314is formed into the rear facing security bracket302and positioned above the tethered security cable316. The rear facing communication link channel314permits a communication link or communication wire318to access and connect with a communication link interface of the video game controller or other electronic device. In some embodiments, the communication link318comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication cable that allows the video game controller to communicate with its associated video game console. The USB cable318can be used for charging of the video game controller and for data transfer between the controller and the video game console. In some embodiments, the communication link318extends in a rear facing direction away from the modular security bracket apparatus300and toward the video game console (not shown in the figures).

Those skilled in the electronics arts shall recognize and appreciate that some video game controllers (and other electronic devices) do not require a wired communication link with their associated and corresponding video game console or computing device. For example, many remote control devices are in wireless communication with the devices they are used to control. Similarly, video game controllers may be devised that wirelessly communicate with their associated video game consoles. In such cases, the modular security bracket apparatus300would not require the communication link channel314and could be modified not to include such a communication link channel.

As described above with reference to the modular security bracket apparatus100and200ofFIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, prior to mating the front and rear facing security brackets304,302, respectively, the security cable316is guided through a rear facing cable channel308positioned near the bottom of the rear facing security bracket302. Once the security brackets302,304are mated together and affixed to one another to form a single modular security bracket apparatus300, the security cable stop320slides into a cable stop notch322thereby preventing interference by the security cable316with the user while the user is interacting with the video game controller or other electronic device. Similarly, as shown best inFIG. 3A, the rear facing communication link channel314is used to guide the communication link318(such as, a USB cable, in some embodiments) and prevent detachment of the communication link318from the video game controller or other electronic device with which the communication link is attached.

Referring now toFIGS. 4A and 4B,FIG. 4Ais a perspective wireframe drawing of a fully assembled modular video game controller security bracket apparatus400(shown unassembled inFIG. 2) showing a rear-facing bottom perspective view of the modular security bracket apparatus400.FIG. 4Bis a perspective wireframe drawing of the modular video game controller security bracket apparatus400ofFIG. 4Ashowing a bottom perspective view of the modular security bracket apparatus (shown unassembled as modular security bracket apparatus200inFIG. 2).

The majority of the components of the modular security bracket apparatus400ofFIGS. 4A and 4Bare very similar if not identical to those of the modular security bracket apparatus300ofFIGS. 3A and 3B, and therefore are not described in much further detail herein. For example, the tethered security cable416is identical to and performs identically to the tethered security cables116,216, and316described above with reference toFIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B. Similarly, the modular security bracket apparatus400is assembled using the insert screw sleeve212(seeFIG. 2) and the security bracket screw406and its associated screw head422whereby the security bracket screw406is screwed into the insert screw sleeve holding the security brackets402,404firmly attached to one another.

As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the modular security bracket apparatus400is similarly if not identically shaped as the modular security bracket apparatus200ofFIG. 2. The security brackets402,404, and their respective attachment prongs, are shaped differently than are their counterpart components of the security brackets302,304shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B(and, i.e., the security brackets102,104ofFIG. 1). As described above with reference to the differences between the modular security bracket apparatus100and200, the modular security bracket apparatus shown inFIGS. 4A and 4Bare specifically custom-shaped to fit firmly together with the video game controller or other electronic device that the modular security bracket apparatus400is designed to secure. Specifically, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 4A and 4B(similar to that ofFIG. 2), the modular security bracket apparatus400is designed and shaped to snugly fit, accommodate and secure an XBOX™ One video game controller.

FIG. 5is a top view wireframe drawing of the modular video game controller security bracket apparatus ofFIGS. 3A and 3B(andFIG. 1) shown attached to a video game controller560. As shown inFIG. 5, the modular security bracket apparatus300is specifically designed and formed to accommodate a PlayStation 4™ video game controller560. As shown inFIG. 5, the modular security bracket apparatus300includes front facing attachment prongs120and rear facing attachment prongs118that secure the video game controller560from theft or loss. The attachment prongs118,120are molded and shaped to fit securely around the video game controller560or another electronic device. As described above with reference to the previous figures, the modular security bracket apparatus300also includes a tethered security cable116that has a second end that is tethered to a fixed surface, such as a security wall or floor, thereby preventing the video game controller, electronic device, and the modular security bracket apparatus300from being lost or stolen.

Importantly, the disclosed modular security bracket apparatus300allows unfettered and unhindered interaction by the video game user with the video game controller and its many user interactive mechanisms. For example, the video game controller560has several interactive mechanisms including a left hand trigger (or “paddle”)562, a right hand trigger (or “paddle”)564, a left interactive button panel572, a right interactive button panel574, a left joystick564, a right joystick566and a tracking touchpad568. Due to the modular and custom-made nature of the disclosed modular security bracket apparatus100,200,300, and400, the video game user has unhindered and uninterrupted access to all of the video game controller560user interactive mechanisms. This is an important advantage of the present modular security bracket apparatus as compared with presently available video game controller security mechanisms. Also, owing to its custom design and shape, the modular security bracket apparatus300includes an output opening518(shown better inFIG. 6) that allows light or infrared electromagnetic radiation that is output by the video game controller560to be received by the video game console or other input device. This aspect of the present modular security bracket apparatus300is now described with reference toFIG. 6.

FIG. 6shows a rear facing view of the modular video game controller security bracket apparatus300described above showing an output opening518in the rear facing bracket602of the modular security bracket apparatus100. The rear facing bracket602includes the rear facing attachment prongs118and the output opening518formed in between the prongs118. The output opening518allows a lighted or infrared electromagnetic radiation680of the video game controller560(or other electronic device) to be emitted from the modular security bracket apparatus100without any interruption to the transmission thereof. As noted above, this aspect of the modular security bracket apparatus100allows the device that it secures to be used without any hinderance or interference by the modular video game controller security bracket apparatus.

CONCLUSION

A number of advantages are offered by the present modular security bracket methods and apparatus such easy accommodation of and securing to the most popular video game controllers, ease of installation and removal of the modular security brackets, and additional protection of the video game controllers from loss and theft. The modular security bracket methods and apparatus can be designed to accommodate and secure virtually any relatively small sized (“hand-held” sized) electronic device such as, for example, a remote control device for a television, stereo system, and the like. The modular security bracket apparatus can be used to secure both wired and wireless video game controllers and other similarly sized electronic devices.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. It is to be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, some of the steps described above may be order independent, and thus can be performed in an order different from that described. Further, some of the steps described above may be optional. Various activities described with respect to the methods identified above can be executed in repetitive, serial, or parallel fashion.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the following claims, and that other embodiments are within the scope of the claims. In particular, the scope of the invention includes any and all feasible combinations of one or more of the processes, machines, manufactures, or compositions of matter set forth in the claims below. (Note that the parenthetical labels for claim elements are for ease of referring to such elements, and do not in themselves indicate a particular required ordering or enumeration of elements; further, such labels may be reused in dependent claims as references to additional elements without being regarded as starting a conflicting labeling sequence).