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Patent application title:

Electronic device controller assembly

Publication number:

-

Publication date:
Application number:

15/666,990

Filed date:

2017-08-02

✅ Patent granted

Patent number:

US 10,176,941 B1

Grant date:

2019-01-08

PCT filing:

-

PCT publication:

-

Examiner:

Vanessa Girardi

Adjusted expiration:

2037-08-02

Smart Summary: An electronic device controller assembly is designed for comfortable use with both hands. It has a housing that contains at least one circuit board, which connects to the electronic device. Two sticks are attached to the housing and allow users to control movements, while plates hold each hand in place. There are also buttons on these plates that can be pressed to perform different functions on the device. This setup makes it easier for users to interact with the electronic device in a more ergonomic way. 🚀 TL;DR

Abstract:

An electronic device controller assembly for ergonomic dual-handed control of the electronic device includes a housing. At least one circuit board is positioned in the housing. The at least one circuit board is configured to selectively and operationally couple to the electronic device. Each of a pair of sticks is pivotally coupled to and extends between the upper face of the housing and a bottom of a respective plate. Each plate is configured to position a respective hand of a user. A plurality of first buttons is coupled to the plates. The sticks and the first buttons are operationally coupled to the at least one circuit board. Each first button is configured to be depressed to selectively control a respective function of the electronic device. Each plate is positioned to compel an associated stick to pivot relative to the housing to signal a directional movement.

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Classification:

  1. Electricity
  2. Basic electric elements

H01H13/84 »  CPC main

Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback

G06F3/0338 »  CPC further

Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements; Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer; Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form; Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks ; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks

H01H13/70 »  CPC further

Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard

H01H21/22 »  CPC further

Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand; Details; Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon Operating parts, e.g. handle

H01H89/00 »  CPC further

Combinations of two or more different basic types of electric switches, relays, selectors and emergency protective devices, not covered by any single one of the other main groups of this subclass

H05K5/0017 »  CPC further

Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus with operator interface units

H05K5/0017 »  CPC further

Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus with operator interface units

H05K5/0026 »  CPC further

Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus provided with connectors and printed circuit boards [PCB], e.g. automotive electronic control units

H05K5/0026 »  CPC further

Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus provided with connectors and printed circuit boards [PCB], e.g. automotive electronic control units

A63F13/24 »  CPC further

Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions; Input arrangements for video game devices Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles

H01H2221/008 »  CPC further

Actuators other then push button

H01H2223/04 »  CPC further

Casings portable; hand held

H01H2231/008 »  CPC further

Applications Video game

H05K5/00 IPC

Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus

H05K5/00 IPC

Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

The disclosure and prior art relates to controller assemblies and more particularly pertains to a new controller assembly for ergonomic dual-handed control of an electronic device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a housing. At least one circuit board is positioned in the housing. The at least one circuit board is configured to selectively and operationally couple to an electronic device. Each of a pair of sticks is pivotally coupled to and extends between the upper face of the housing and a bottom of a respective plate. Each plate is configured to position a respective hand of a user. A plurality of first buttons is coupled to the plates. The sticks and the first buttons are operationally coupled to the at least one circuit board. Each first button is configured to be depressed to selectively control a respective function of the electronic device. Each plate is positioned to compel an associated stick to pivot relative to the housing to signal a directional movement.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric perspective view of an electronic device controller assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 5 thereof, a new controller assembly embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5, the electronic device controller assembly 10 generally comprises a housing 12 that defines an internal space 14. In one embodiment, the housing 12 is substantially rectangularly box shaped.

At least one circuit board 16 is coupled to the housing 12 and is positioned in the internal space 14. The at least one circuit board 16 is configured to selectively and operationally couple to an electronic device of a user, such as a gaming console and a computer. In one embodiment, the at least one circuit board 16 is configured to wirelessly operationally couple to the electronic device of the user.

A pair of plates 18 is slidably coupled to upper face 20 of the housing 12. Each plate 18 is configured to position a respective hand of a user. Each plate 18 has a top 22. In one embodiment, the top 22 is convexly arcuate so that the plate 18 is configured to be cupped in the respective hand of the user. Each plate 18 has a first end 24 and a second end 26. In one embodiment, the first end 24 is dimensionally thinner than the second end 26 so that the plate 18 is tapered. In another embodiment, the first end 24 and the second end 26 are arcuate so that the plate 18 is paw shaped.

Each of a pair of sticks 28 is pivotally coupled to and extends between the upper face 20 of the housing 12 and a bottom 30 of a respective plate 18. The sticks 28 are operationally coupled to the at least one circuit board 16. Each plate 18 is configured to be slid relative to the housing 12 such that an associated stick 28 is compelled to pivot relative to the housing 12. The associated stick 28 is compelled to signal a directional movement to the at least one circuit board 16.

Two pairs of penetrations 32 are positioned through the upper face 20 of the housing 12. Each pair of penetrations 32 brackets a respective stick 28. In one embodiment, the penetrations 32 are trigonally shaped.

Each of two pairs of rods 34 is coupled to and extends from the bottom 30 of a respective plate 18. Each rod 34 extends from the respective plate 18 into an associated penetration 32. The pairs of rods 34 are positioned on the plates 18 such that each rod 34 is positioned to contact a perimeter 36 of the associated penetration 32 to limit the slide of the respective plate 18 relative to the housing 12. In one embodiment, the rods 34 are substantially circularly shaped when viewed longitudinally.

Each of a plurality of first buttons 38 is coupled proximate to the first end 24 of a respective plate 18. The first buttons 38 are operationally coupled to the at least one circuit board 16. Each first button 38 is configured to be depressed to selectively control a respective function of the electronic device.

In one embodiment, the plurality of first buttons 38 comprises ten first buttons 38 that are positioned so that each first button 38 is positioned to contact a respective digit of the hands of the user. In another embodiment, the first buttons 38 are substantially ovally shaped. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of first buttons 38 comprises a pair of first knobs 40. Each first knob 40 is positioned on a side 42 of a respective plate 18. The first knob 40 is configured to contact a thumb of the respective hand of the user.

A plurality of second buttons 44 is coupled to a front 52 of the housing 12. The second buttons 44 are operationally coupled to the at least one circuit board 16. Each second button 44 is configured to be depressed to selectively control a respective function of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the plurality of second buttons 44 comprises a second knob 46, a third knob 48, and a fourth knob 50. The second knob 46, the third knob 48, and the fourth knob 50 are configured to be selectively depressed to selectively control Start, Select, and Home functions of the electronic device, respectively.

In use, each plate 18 is configured to be slid relative to the housing 12 so that the associated stick 28 is compelled to pivot relative to the housing 12. The associated stick 28 is compelled to signal a directional movement to the at least one circuit board 16. The pairs of rods 34 are positioned on the plates 18 so that each rod 34 is positioned to contact the perimeter 36 of the associated penetration 32 to limit the slide of the respective plate 18 relative to the housing 12. Each first button 38 is configured to be depressed to selectively control the respective function of the electronic device. The second knob 46, the third knob 48, and the fourth knob 50 are configured to be selectively depressed to selectively control the Start, the Select, and the Home functions of the electronic device, respectively.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Claims

We claim:

1. An electronic device controller assembly comprising:

a housing defining an internal space;

at least one circuit board coupled to said housing and positioned in said internal space, said at least one circuit board being configured for selectively operationally coupling to an electronic device of a user, such as a gaming console and a computer;

a pair of plates slidably coupled to upper face of said housing, each said plate being configured for positioning a respective hand of a user;

a pair of sticks, each said stick being pivotally coupled to and extending between said upper face of said housing and a bottom of a respective said plate, said sticks being operationally coupled to said at least one circuit board;

a plurality of first buttons, each said first button being coupled proximate to said first end of a respective said plate, said first buttons being operationally coupled to said at least one circuit board, each said first button being configured for depressing for selectively controlling a respective function of the electronic device; and

wherein each said plate is positioned on said housing such that said plate is configured for sliding relative to said housing such that an associated said stick is compelled for pivoting relative to said housing such that said associated said stick is compelled for signaling a directional movement to said at least one circuit board, wherein each said first button is positioned on a respective said plate; and

a plurality of second buttons coupled to a front of said housing, said second buttons being operationally coupled to said at least one circuit board, each said second button being configured for depressing for selectively controlling a respective function of the electronic device.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further including said housing being substantially rectangularly box shaped.

3. The assembly of claim 1, further including said at least one circuit board being configured for wirelessly operationally coupling to the electronic device of the user.

4. The assembly of claim 1, further including each said plate having a top, said top being convexly arcuate such that said plate is configured for cupping in the respective hand of the user.

5. The assembly of claim 1, further including each said plate having a first end and a second end, said first end being dimensionally thinner than said second end such that said plate is tapered.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further including each said plate having a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end being arcuate such that said plate is paw shaped.

7. The assembly of claim 1, further including said plurality of first buttons comprising ten said first buttons positioned such that each said first button is positioned for contacting a respective digit of the hands of the user.

8. The assembly of claim 1, further including said first buttons being substantially ovally shaped.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further including said plurality of first buttons comprising a pair of first knobs, each said first knob being positioned on a side of a respective said plate such that said first knob is configured for contacting a thumb of the respective hand of the user.

10. The assembly of claim 1, further including said plurality of second buttons comprising a second knob, a third knob, and a fourth knob, wherein said second knob, said third knob, and said fourth knob are positioned on said housing such that said second knob, said third knob, and said fourth knob are configured for selectively depressing for selectively controlling Start, Select, and Home functions of the electronic device, respectively.

11. An electronic device controller assembly comprising:

a housing defining an internal space;

at least one circuit board coupled to said housing and positioned in said internal space, said at least one circuit board being configured for selectively operationally coupling to an electronic device of a user, such as a gaming console and a computer;

a pair of plates slidably coupled to upper face of said housing, each said plate being configured for positioning a respective hand of a user;

a pair of sticks, each said stick being pivotally coupled to and extending between said upper face of said housing and a bottom of a respective said plate, said sticks being operationally coupled to said at least one circuit board;

a plurality of first buttons, each said first button being coupled proximate to said first end of a respective said plate, said first buttons being operationally coupled to said at least one circuit board, each said first button being configured for depressing for selectively controlling a respective function of the electronic device;

wherein each said plate is positioned on said housing such that said plate is configured for sliding relative to said housing such that an associated said stick is compelled for pivoting relative to said housing such that said associated said stick is compelled for signaling a directional movement to said at least one circuit board, wherein each said first button is positioned on a respective said plate;

two pairs of penetrations, each said pair of penetrations being positioned through said upper face of said housing such that said pair of penetrations brackets a respective said stick;

two pairs of rods, each said pair of rods being coupled to and extending from said bottom of a respective said plate such that each said rod extends from said respective said plate into an associated said penetration; and

wherein said pairs of rods are positioned on said plates such that each said rod is positioned for contacting a perimeter of said associated said penetration for limiting the sliding of said respective said plate relative to said housing.

12. The assembly of claim 11, further including said penetrations being trigonally shaped.

13. The assembly of claim 11, further including said rods being substantially circularly shaped when viewed longitudinally.

14. An electronic device controller assembly comprising:

a housing defining an internal space, said housing being substantially rectangularly box shaped;

at least one circuit board coupled to said housing and positioned in said internal space, said at least one circuit board being configured for selectively operationally coupling to an electronic device of a user, such as a gaming console and a computer, said at least one circuit board being configured for wirelessly operationally coupling to the electronic device of the user;

a pair of plates slidably coupled to upper face of said housing, each said plate being configured for positioning a respective hand of a user, each said plate having a top, said top being convexly arcuate such that said plate is configured for cupping in the respective hand of the user, each said plate having a first end and a second end, said first end being dimensionally thinner than said second end such that said plate is tapered, said first end and said second end being arcuate such that said plate is paw shaped;

a pair of sticks, each said stick being pivotally coupled to and extending between said upper face of said housing and a bottom of a respective said plate, said sticks being operationally coupled to said at least one circuit board, wherein each said plate is positioned on said housing such that said plate is configured for sliding relative to said housing such that an associated said stick is compelled for pivoting relative to said housing such that said associated said stick is compelled for signaling a directional movement to said at least one circuit board;

two pairs of penetrations, each said pair of penetrations being positioned through said upper face of said housing such that said pair of penetrations brackets a respective said stick, said penetrations being trigonally shaped;

two pairs of rods, each said pair of rods being coupled to and extending from said bottom of a respective said plate such that each said rod extends from said respective said plate into an associated said penetration, wherein said pairs of rods are positioned on said plates such that each said rod is positioned for contacting a perimeter of said associated said penetration for limiting the sliding of said respective said plate relative to said housing, said rods being substantially circularly shaped when viewed longitudinally;

a plurality of first buttons, each said first button being coupled proximate to said first end of a respective said plate, said first buttons being operationally coupled to said at least one circuit board, each said first button being configured for depressing for selectively controlling a respective function of the electronic device, wherein each said first button is positioned on a respective said plate such that said first button is configured for depressing for selectively controlling the respective function of the electronic device, said plurality of first buttons comprising ten said first buttons positioned such that each said first button is positioned for contacting a respective digit of the hands of the user, said first buttons being substantially ovally shaped, said plurality of first buttons comprising a pair of first knobs, each said first knob being positioned on a side of a respective said plate such that said first knob is configured for contacting a thumb of the respective hand of the user;

a plurality of second buttons coupled to a front of said housing, said second buttons being operationally coupled to said at least one circuit board, each said second button being configured for depressing for selectively controlling a respective function of the electronic device, wherein said second buttons are positioned on said housing such that said second buttons are configured for depressing for selectively controlling the respective function of the electronic device, said plurality of second buttons comprising a second knob, a third knob, and a fourth knob, wherein said second knob, said third knob, and said fourth knob are positioned on said housing such that said second knob, said third knob, and said fourth knob are configured for selectively depressing for selectively controlling Start, Select, and Home functions of the electronic device, respectively; and

wherein each said plate is positioned on said housing such that said plate is configured for sliding relative to said housing such that said associated said stick is compelled for pivoting relative to said housing such that said associated said stick is compelled for signaling a directional movement to said at least one circuit board, wherein said pairs of rods are positioned on said plates such that each said rod is positioned for contacting a perimeter of said associated said penetration for limiting the sliding of said respective said plate relative to said housing, wherein each said first button is positioned on a respective said plate such that said first button is configured for depressing for selectively controlling the respective function of the electronic device, wherein said second knob, said third knob, and said fourth knob are positioned on said housing such that said knob, said third knob, and said fourth knob are configured for selectively depressing for selectively controlling the Start, the Select and the Home functions of the electronic device, respectively.

Resources

Images & Drawings included:

Fig. 01 - Electronic device controller assembly
Fig. 01
Fig. 02 - Electronic device controller assembly
Fig. 02
Fig. 03 - Electronic device controller assembly
Fig. 03
Fig. 04 - Electronic device controller assembly
Fig. 04
Fig. 05 - Electronic device controller assembly
Fig. 05

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