Memory retrofit apparatus for portable game devices

• US 20040014528A1
• Filed: 07/16/2002
• Published: 01/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Richard Leifer
• Original Assignee: Richard Leifer
• Inventors: Leifer, Richard
• Application Number:
  US10/195,590
• Publication Number:
  US 20040014528A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/44
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/204 the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards

Abstract

A memory retrofit device for connection to a portable game device that provides the game device with memory capacity and capability. The memory can be internal to the device or may be removable in the form of a card or cartridge. In one embodiment, the memory device connects to the communication port of the portable game device and enables complete communication with the portable game device and game being played in the same. In another embodiment, the game cartridge slot is used to connect the memory device to the portable game device. The game cartridge plugs into an additional game cartridge slot provided on the memory device and is thereby connected to the portable game device.

Claims

1. A memory device for portable game devices having a communication port, the memory device comprising:

a plug insertable into the communication port of the portable game device; and

a memory contained within said plug for storing information from the portable game device.

2. The memory device according to claim 1, wherein said memory is removable from said plug.

3. The memory device according to claim 1, wherein said plug includes a housing, said housing further comprising:

an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediary portion connecting said upper and lower portion, each of said portions having an internal and an external surface;

first connection means integrally formed with said lower portion for engaging a back of the portable video game device;

second connection means integrally formed with said upper portion for engaging a front of the portable video game device; and

securing means disposed on at least one of said upper, intermediary and lower portions for laterally securing the housing to the top edge of the portable video game device.

4. The memory device according to claim 3, wherein said first connection means comprises at least one detent disposed on the internal surface of said lower portion for engaging at least one screw hole in the back of the game device.

5. The accessory connector according to claim 3, wherein the portable video game device further comprises a video screen, a cover panel covering the video screen and a front top edge extending from said cover panel to the top edge, said cover panel being slightly recessed from said upper edge to form a ledge, said second connection means comprising an elongated upper surface having a downward extending flange adapted to snap over the upper edge of said compact computer device and engage the ledge formed between said upper edge and the cover panel.

6. The accessory connector according to claim 3, wherein said securing means comprises at least one detent disposed on said internal surface of said intermediary portion, said at least one detent engaging a corresponding indent in the top edge of the portable game device.

7. The accessory connector according to claim 3, wherein said lower portion engages the back of the portable game device and includes a pair of extensions flared outward from said intermediary portion and positioned so as to not interfere with a game cartridge slot disposed on the back of the portable game device.

8. The memory device according to claim 1, wherein said plug further comprises an additional communication port receptacle accessible by a user when said plug is inserted into the communication port of the portable game device.

9. The memory device according to claim 1, further comprising a vibrating peripheral device electrically connected to said plug for providing tactile feedback to the portable game device in response to game information transmitted through said communication port.

10. The memory device according to claim 9, wherein said vibrating peripheral device comprises a housing releasably connectable to said portable game device and at least one vibrating member contained within said housing.

11. A memory device for portable game devices having a game cartridge slot, the memory device comprising:

a slot engaging portion insertable into the game cartridge slot of the portable game device and an additional game cartridge slot for receiving game cartridges when said slot engaging portion is inserted into the game cartridge slot of the portable game device; and

a memory device for storing game information related to the portable game device.

12. The memory device according to claim 11, wherein said memory is removable.

13. The memory device according to claim 11, further comprising a housing and a vibrating member contained within said housing, said vibrating member providing tactile feedback to the portable game device in response to game information received from the portable game device.