U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,603

Reference will now be made in detail to optional embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawing and in the description referring to the same or like part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms. The meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” may include plural references, and the meaning of “in” may include “in” and “on”. The phrase “in an embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Referring now to the figures, the video game controller device is referred to by numeral10and generally may be attached by firearm mount14to firearm34. Video game controller device10includes exterior contour12which may in various optional embodiments have the shape of a suppressor, flashlight or other firearm accessory device.

As understood herein the term “suppressor” refers to a mechanical device that may be used to lessen the sound of a gunshot and is generally understood to be an elongated cylinder shaped device. Yet however in further embodiments, exterior contour12having a suppressor shape may include other shapes of suppressors that may be available on the market that may not have a cylindrical design.

Yet in other optional embodiments, exterior contour12can include an exterior contour of that of a flashlight or other illumination style device for a firearm. As used herein “flashlight” can include flashlights of the ordinary and common meaning as well as specialized illumination devices for firearms. Thus in optional embodiments, exterior contour12having an exterior flashlight contour may be shaped in a generally cylindrical fashion as are typical flashlights or, in optional embodiments, may have a shape specialized to a specific illumination device for a firearm.

In optional embodiments, exterior contour12has a shape of a suppressor or flashlight so that a user may experience more realistic game play by attaching video game controller device10to firearm34with the device having a configuration similar to that of a standard firearm accessory. Additionally, as used herein, “firearm” may refer to weapons including both rifles as well as hand guns and shotguns and thus may incorporate both shoulder fired and hand held weapons. The term “firearm” as used herein may also include gas propellant devices as well as generic bb guns or toy guns or replicas so long as the device has an exterior similar to that as one would expect of an actual device that fires live ammunition. Additionally, the term “firearm” may also include paintball guns.

Generally, the video game controller device10with exterior contour12may be associated together in one of two general ways. In certain embodiments, an actual video game controller which is commercially available may be inserted into exterior contour12to create video game controller device10whereby the commercially available video game controller may be removable from such exterior contour12and thus video game controller device10. Otherwise stated, in these optional embodiments, the invention may include a combination of exterior contour12with a commercially available video game controller that may be removable. In such optional embodiments, the commercially available video game controller may be modified so as to include other components such as a trigger switch jack or reload switch jack which may not be provided in the commercial product.

In yet further optional embodiments, video game controller device10may include all components of the video game controller permanently affixed within exterior contour12. As used herein “permanently affixed” means not intended to be removed and thus one can consider video game controller device10of this embodiment not to have a removable commercially available video game controller.

Video game controller device10includes firearm mount14which may have various forms in different optional embodiments. In one optional embodiment of video game controller device10with firearm mount14, firearm mount14may include a muzzle mount. In such embodiment, firearm mount14on first end16of video game controller device10may include a cylindrical opening so that muzzle42of firearm34may fit within firearm mount14. In such optional embodiments, firearm mount14may include threads32for attaching to muzzle42of firearm34.

As is understood in the industry, a variety of common thread patterns exist for muzzles of firearms. Such thread patterns may include M13.5×1LH or alternatively M16×1LH as well as 0.578×28 or alternatively 0.5×28. While these may comprise common thread pitches for muzzles42of various firearms34, the invention includes the adaptability of firearm mount14with various internal thread patterns for threads32so that video game controller device10may be affixed to various firearms with various thread patterns not discussed in this disclosure. Otherwise stated, a variety of different thread patterns may be utilized with video game controller device10.

In optional embodiments, firearm mount14of video game controller device10when used to mount to muzzle42of firearm44may include a removable thread32of firearm mount14so that additional thread patterns may be input into video game controller device10. This may be done so that video game controller device10can be utilized with a variety of different firearms34that may include different thread patterns on muzzle42. With this adaptability, video game controller device10may be included on such different firearms. In additional optional embodiments, firearm mount14of video game controller device10may include one set thread pattern for threads32so that video game controller device10may be affixed only to one pattern of threads on muzzle42of firearm34.

In optional embodiments where video game controller device10is utilized with firearm mount14to attach to muzzle42of firearm34, exterior contour12may include a suppressor shape. This is because, in practice, suppressors are attached to the muzzle of firearms and provide suppression of the sound of a gunshot. With such design, a user may experience a more realistic game play through, not only incorporating a video game controller device to a firearm, but by also including video game controller device10with exterior contour12as a suppressor shape so that a user experiences the aspects of a simulated suppressor on a firearm.

Video game controller device10may include access to video game controller buttons22so a user may also press the buttons during game play if necessary. With video game controller buttons22exposed, a user may be able to either select or start the game as well as perform various tasks in the game in addition to simulating shooting.

At second end18of video game controller device10there generally is a lens or an equivalent type structure for providing some type of light beam to engage the video game system. In other optional embodiments, second end18may include instead of lens20some kind of reflector type device which performs a generally equivalent function of lens20but nevertheless functions so as to provide a user with the ability to point video game controller device10and thus move a point of aim on the actual video game in a first person shooter type of game.

In yet further optional embodiments of the invention, video game controller device10with firearm mount14may include firearm mount14having a design to mount to a rail of firearm34. In these optional embodiments of video game controller device10, firearm mount14generally may include a mechanical shape adaptable to rails on a firearm. In yet further optional embodiments, video game controller device10may include multiple firearm mounts14so that video game controller device10may mount to firearm34at multiple points. This may increase the stability of video game controller device10.

In further optional embodiments video game controller device10with firearm mount14may include two firearm mounts14for attaching when firearm34is a rifle or in optional embodiments may include one firearm mount14for attaching when firearm34as a hand gun. Lesser or greater numbers of firearm mounts14may be used with video game controller device10and in optional embodiments firearm mount14may be removable (or conversely could be added) to video game controller device10so that a user may switch from using video game controller device10on a hand gun to a rifle and vice versa.

In yet further optional embodiments, when firearm mount14is designed to mount to a rail of a firearm, video game controller device10may include exterior contour12as a flashlight. This is because in many applications users utilize flashlights on the rails of firearms whether hand guns or rifles. In such optional embodiments firearm mount14may include what is known in the industry as a Picatinny rail mount design as a variety of firearms include Picatinny rails for attaching firearm accessories. In yet further optional embodiments of video game controller device10, firearm mount14may include various other ways of attachment including through the use of clamps, set screws, or the like so that video game controller device10is firmly affixed to firearm34for game play. Generally, video game controller device10should be attached so that when a user moves firearm34with video game controller device10attached, video game controller device10generally maintains a fixed orientation relative to firearm34. Otherwise stated, video game controller10should exhibit little to any wobble when attached properly by one or more firearm mounts14to firearm34.

Optional embodiments of video game controller device10may include trigger switch jack24. Generally, trigger switch jack24may communicate with trigger switch38which is in communication with trigger36of firearm34so that when a user pulls trigger36of firearm34, video game controller device10simulates gunfire within the video game. In optional embodiments, trigger switch jack24may be connected via wire to trigger switch38for communicating. In yet further optional embodiments, trigger switch38may be a pressure sensitive trigger switch38so that when trigger36is pulled it may contact trigger switch38and simulate firing in the video game.

In yet further optional embodiments, video game controller device10may include reload switch jack26. Similar to trigger switch jack24, reload switch jack26may be in communication with reload switch44. In optional embodiments, reload switch44may be located on magazine release46of firearm34. Thus by pressing magazine release46on firearm34to simulate reloading of the firearm through use of reload switch44and reload switch jack26of video game controller10, the user would also effect a reload within the video game. Generally speaking, reload switch44would be located on top of magazine release46and could include a pressure switch. As understood herein, “magazine release” refers to any button, lever, switch, or catch that may be used to maintain a magazine within a firearm. For example, on a pistol, the magazine release may be near the trigger guard and is often operated by the user's thumb. For a rifle, the magazine release may be on the right side of the firearm and operated by the user's forefinger. In further embodiments, reload switch44may be located on top of or in communication with magazine release46.

In operation, the use of reload switch44and trigger switch38, may be linked to the trigger switch24and reload switch jack26which, generally, upon activation, performs the same function as if a user depressed video game controller buttons22corresponding to the shooting and reloading aspects of the video game. In some optional embodiments, one or both switches may be absent and thus a user could just use controls on video game controller device10rather than the functionality of firearm34to shoot and reload in the video game.

In yet further optional embodiments, various additional switch jacks and switches could be included. For example, additional jacks and switches could be used to operate a grenade launcher within the video game by having a grenade launcher jack and corresponding switch to provide the user with further controls for that additional aspect of the video game. In yet additional optional embodiments, other gaming aspects could be performed through the use of switches located on firearm34. An additional example might be in the change of scopes or optics whereby the user may activate a switch located near to where an optic may be located on firearm34to use a different scope within the video game.

In yet further optional embodiments, the use of jacks may be unnecessary as embodiments may include the switches being hardwired into the game controller device. In such optional embodiments, wires may extend from the game controller device with the switches attached to the ends of the wires, wherein the switches can then be positioned appropriately. As such, the use of jacks may not be necessary as the connections may be maintained within the controller device.

In other optional embodiments of video game controller device10, exterior contour opening28may be included. In such embodiments where a commercial video game controller may be integrated into video game controller device10, exterior contour opening28may be used to position the commercial video game controller within exterior contour12. In further optional embodiments, video game controller device10may include exterior contour opening28sized specifically to one certain type of commercial video game controller. For example, commercial video game controllers for various video game systems may be used and thus video game controller10may include a specific exterior contour opening28for each type of commercial controller. Specific video game controllers that may be used with optional embodiments of video game controller device10may include but are not limited to Nintendo Wii as well as the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3.

In further optional embodiments, exterior contour opening28may include a door that may be shut and cover the commercial video game controller. In types of games where further access to the buttons is not needed or is seldom needed, one could close a door on exterior contour opening28so as to provide more realism to video game controller device10. Additionally, the optional door on exterior contour opening28may serve a dual function of also assisting to maintain the commercial video game controller within video game controller device10. In some optional embodiments, the door for exterior contour opening28of video game controller device10may be attached to exterior contour28though in other embodiments of exterior contour28, the door may be removable. This embodiment may be advantageous as a user has the option to remove the door of exterior contour28completely and thus depending upon the user's preferences or the specific game of choice, various options are available to the user.

In yet further optional embodiments of video game controller device10, first end16may include one or more set screws30. Set screws30may be used differently depending upon the embodiment of video game controller device10. In some optional embodiments of video game controller device10, set screws30may be screwed into first end16and function to put pressure on a commercial controller so that it remains in place within exterior contour12of video game controller device10. Otherwise stated, one or more set screws30may be rotated so that they advance into the inner area of video game controller device10to press a commercial video game controller against the other interior end of video game controller device10. Thus, in swinging video game controller device10around in playing a video game, the commercial video game controller would be set in place. In optional embodiments where there is not a removable element to video game controller device10, set screws could still be used to secure inner-workings of video game controller device10in place within the device. In other optional embodiments, generally even numbers of set screws30are used so that pressure may be applied evenly. However, one could use odd numbers of set screws or in other embodiments the user may use no set screws30at all for video game controller device10.

Additional optional embodiments of video game controller device10may include the set screws being used as spacers. As in some embodiments, exterior contour12of video game controller device10includes a suppressor shape with firearm mount14capable of screwing on muzzle42of firearm34, set screws30can be used to correctly orient video game controller device10. Thus, one could back set screws30of video game controller device10out far enough so that video game controller device10clocks correctly with muzzle42of firearm34. This may be optionally used so that when a user screws video game controller device10to the firearm, video game controller buttons22of video game controller device10are oriented on the upper area. In other optional embodiments, a user may use set screws30so that the video game controller buttons may be better oriented for a left-handed or right-handed user of video games. Furthermore, if multiple set screws30are present on first end16of video game controller device10, then some set screws may be used to properly clock with muzzle42of firearm34and other set screws maybe used to secure the inner components of video game controller device10. However, in other embodiments set screws30may be absent from video game controller device10.

In further optional embodiments of video game controller device10, additional controller40may be utilized. In some video games additional controller40is used for specific functions within the video game. This may include movement, or actions other than shooting, or further may provide other features within the video game. Thus, additional controller40may be linked to video game controller device10, generally through the standard link connection specific for the video game system in which video game controller device10is being utilized therewith.

In use, a user may acquire video game controller device10which may be specific to the video game console in possession of the user. In additional embodiments, video game controller device10may include exterior contour opening28for a commercial video game controller. A user may then choose firearm34. Generally, a user would likely prefer to use a firearm similar to that of the game play so that the experience of the video game would be more realistic. In some instances firearm34may include a rifle, in other embodiments, firearm34may include a handgun.

In attaching video game controller10to firearm34, a user would likely either mount video game controller10to muzzle42of firearm34or to a rail on firearm34, depending upon exterior contour12and firearm mount14of video game controller10. If exterior contour12is of a suppressor shape, a user would mount video game controller10via firearm mount14to muzzle42of firearm34. This would be first end16of video game controller10attaching to muzzle42of firearm34with lens20located on second end18of video game controller10. If such embodiments include set screws30, a user may adjust set screws30to either properly clock video game controller10relative to firearm34or may use set screws30to better secure a commercial video game controller within video game controller10if such is called for.

For embodiments where video game controller10has exterior contour12of a flashlight, firearm mounts14may be used to attach video game controller10to the rail of firearm34. This may include one or more firearm mounts14located on video game controller10which further may include a Picatinny style mount. In optional embodiments, one or more firearm mounts14may be removable from video game controller10so that a user can have better mount video game controller10to either a handgun or a rifle.

Upon the selection of firearm34, the user may then locate trigger switch38and place it in communication with trigger36of firearm34. Trigger switch38could also be placed in communication with trigger switch jack24of video game controller device10so that the user would be able to shoot within the video game by using trigger36of firearm34.

Additionally, a user may locate reload switch44and place it in communication with magazine release46of firearm34. Reload switch44could also be placed in communication with reload switch jack26of video game controller device10so that the user would be able to reload within the video game by using magazine release46of firearm34.

In playing the video game, a user could then point video game controller10at the location in which the player desired to shoot in the video game and if the user's aim was successful, the user could pull trigger36of firearm34and activate trigger switch38which in communication with trigger switch jack26would cause video game controller10to function as if a user simply pressed video game controller button22which corresponded to shooting.

In instances where the user desired to reload within a video game, a user could depress magazine release46on firearm34. This would activate reload switch44and thus in communication with reload switch jack26would cause an action within the video game similar to if a user simply pressed a button to reload the firearm within the video game.

Video game controller10may be constructed of a variety of materials though most embodiments usually will be primarily formed from polymers. In some optional embodiments, video game controller10may be formed of metal or heavier weighted materials to provide for an even more realistic game play as such video game controller10may have a weight that more closely approximates that of the firearm accessory which video game controller10may simulate. Thus, metals including steels, alloys and aluminum may be used in forming portions of video game controller10including but not limited to exterior contour12. Additionally, exterior contour12could have markings similar to brands of suppressors or flashlights so that the user has an even more similar platform within which to play the video game. Otherwise stated, in some optional embodiments, video game controller10may closely approximate that of a suppressor or flashlight thorough the use of various weighted materials and possible marking and shapes on exterior contour12.

Now referring toFIGS. 18a-d, there exists an additional embodiment which may be used to alter an existing firearm for use in a game requiring a light beam for shooting. In such embodiment, one could replace the entire upper portion of a handgun with replacement slide48, replacement barrel50, replacement recoil spring52, and replacement gas-magazine54. In use the combination of parts would emit a light beam so as to activate functions on a video game. Similar to gas powered airsoft firearms, one would use gas-magazine54with a gas propellant to cycle replacement slide48. Additionally, replacement slide48may include buttons22to perform functions within the game. For example, buttons22may be used to cycle through menus and pause or start the game, among other uses.

In some embodiments, batteries could also be contained within the barrel to allow power to emit light from an emitter within replacement barrel50. In practice, the pull of the trigger would allow a striker or hammer to go forward and hit the rear of the barrel50, thus causing a light beam to be emitted from barrel50. Such action would also allow for the specific release of gas from replacement gas-magazine54. The release of gas from gas-magazine54would be directed upward and thus would cycle replacement slide48of this embodiment. By cycling replacement slide48, the trigger would be activated so as to allow for subsequent shots. In further optional embodiments not illustrated, the bolt or equivalent part could be replaced within a rifle so as to provide a user with training for such firearms as well.

With such embodiments, a user would be able to use a traditional handgun with the new upper with a video game. In doing so, one would be able to have a more realistic game play experience while receiving practice with that weapon platform. In similar embodiments, one could use a traditional rifle with a replacement bolt with a videogame to receive practice with that weapon platform.

Furthermore, sizes of various structural parts and materials used to make the above-mentioned components are illustrative and exemplary only, and persons of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that these sizes and materials can be changed as necessary to produce different results or different desired characteristics. It would become apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure and methodology of the present invention. Thus, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the examples disclosed in the specification. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover modifications and variations.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a video game controller device it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.