U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,100

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 a , 2 and 3 , there is shown the game controller 10 according to the present invention. The game controller 10 includes a body portion 12 , left and right hand grips 14 a and 14 b , respectively, and a plurality of user controls 16 , 18 and 20 .

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, hand grips 14 a and 14 b include an outer shell portion 22 a and 22 b , respectively. The outer shell portions 22 a and 22 b are substantially shaped to fit in the user's hands and include a pivot point 24 a and 24 b , respectively.

The outer shell portions are 22 a and 22 b are pivotal about points 24 a and 24 b and thereby allow the respective hand grips 14 a and 14 b to be adjustable within a predetermined range of motion. This adjustable motion of shell portions 22 a and 22 b , and therefore grips 14 a and 14 b allows the user to adjust the size of the controller to obtain the most ergonomically correct position for the specific user.

Outer shells 22 a and 22 b are adjustable and can include specific indexed positions, or alternatively, an infinite number of positions. For example, as shown, outer shell 22 a can be moved inwardly a predetermined distance P D1 , P D2 , etc. depending on the desired position. In accordance with this embodiment, a clicking or other type of positioning system can be provided. For example, referring to FIG. 1 b , the outer shell 22 can include a detent 26 on the underside thereof that is aligned with and adapted to be received by one of a plurality of indents (not shown) in the body 12 of game controller 10 . In this manner, several snap like positions can be provided for adjusting outer shells 22 a and 22 b , and therefore the ergonomics of game controller 10 depending on the particular user. Alternatively, the detent 26 can be on the body of the controller, and the indents can be on the underside of the outer shell 22 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the position of detent 26 and corresponding indents (not show) can be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 1 c shows another exemplary embodiment wherein the pivot point 24 is rotatably fitted within the inside 30 of the game controller body 12 in a resilient friction fit arrangement. In this configuration, the outer shell 22 can be infinitely positioned to accommodate the user's hand size. According to one embodiment, a resilient ring 28 or other bushing type member may be included to provide sufficient resistance to rotation and position holding capability of the pivot connection 24 between the outer shell 22 and the body of the game controller.

The position adjustment of the grips 14 a and 14 b of the present invention allows the user to adjust their hand position with respect to the controls 16 , 18 and 20 and thereby adjust the ergonomics of the game controller for the most comfortable and efficient use of the same.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an indexing system according to the present invention. The indexing system can include a plurality of hand grip indicator lines 34 and a body indicator line 32 . Thus, when outer shell 22 a is pivoted about pivot connection 24 a , the hand grip indicator lines 34 will align with the body indicator line 32 and provide the user with a visual indication of the hand grip position with respect to the body. This indicating system, in conjunction with the positioning system will allow the user to easily reproduce their preferred hand grip position for this game controller.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, grips 14 a and 14 b can be configured in different shapes and sizes depending on the controller and the particular genre of game for which the controller is intended. Those of skill in the art understand that the actual shape and design of the game controller and corresponding grips is a matter of design choice and may be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

While there have shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed, described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.