Ergonomic handle for game controller

• US 5,046,739 A
• Filed: 10/31/1990
• Issued: 09/10/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dynasound Organizer Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Dynasound Organizer Incorporated
• Inventors: Reichow, James R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Theatrice
• Assistant Examiner(s): Chiu, Raleigh W.
• Application Number:
  US07/606,630
• Time in Patent Office: 314 Days
• Field of Search: 273/148 R, 273/148 B, 248/314, 248/201, 248/346
• US Class Current: 273/148.00B
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/02 Accessories input or output arrangements for electrical digital computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/20 Input arrangements for video game devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• 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 2250/48 with special provisions for gripping by hand
• 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: G06F 15/0216 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/039 Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2231/008 Video game

Abstract

An ergonomic handle for a game controller forms a pocket which receives the controller. The handle is made of a substantially moldable, pliable material which provides support and cushioning to the hands, fingers and thumbs while manipulating the controls for preventing cramping and stiffness. The handle wraps around the back and sides of the controller to retain the handle on the controller. The handle portion includes cushioning sides and a ridge around the front for supporting the base of the thumb. The face of the controller remains substantially open so that the thumb and fingers have free access to the controls. The rear of the handle has a cushioning shoulder forming a recess receiving the fingertips of fingers which wrap around the back of the handle. The shoulder and recess support the fingers in a natural holding position. In addition, a small peak portion for each hand extends down from the bottom of the handle for a lower finger of each hand to wrap around and rest against.

Claims

1. An ergonomic handle for a hand-held controller, the controller having controls on a front face thereof, the handle comprising:

a) controller holding means;

b) a side portion adapted for fitting the palm of the hand;

c) a front ridge portion extending along a side of the controller and adapted for providing support for the base of the thumb;

d) a bottom portion having a curving segment curving inward with the palm and forming a peak, the bottom portion curving back toward the device and adapted for providing a resting pad for at least one finger; and

e) a back portion having an outer shoulder forming a recess in the center of the back portion adapted for receiving one or more fingers wrapping around the back of the handle.

2. An ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the controller holding means wraps around at least three sides of the controller.

3. An ergonomic handle according to claim 2, wherein the controller holding means frictionally engages the controller.

4. An ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the controller holding means wraps around the two sides and bottom of the controller.

5. An ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle is comprised of a moldable grade elastomer.

6. An ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle is made of a moldable grade elastomer.

7. An ergonomic handle fitting to a hand-held controller, the controller having finger controls on the face thereof, comprising:

a) controller retaining means wrapping around the sides and bottom of the controller and around the edges of the front and back of the controller;

b) palm supporting means along each side of the controller for supporting the palms of the hands during operation;

c) lower finger support means extending from the bottom of the controller, having a concave face for receiving the lower fingers;

d) thumb supporting means along the edges of the front of the handle and adapted for supporting the base of the thumb;

e) back finger supporting means extending along the back of the controller and forming a shoulder along the sides of the handle and a recess for receiving one or more fingertips.

8. An ergonomic handle according to claim 7, wherein the concave face has an orifice extending therethrough providing for extending a cord through the handle.

9. An ergonomic handle according to claim 7, wherein the handle is detachable from the controller.

10. A pair of detachable controller handles adapted for attaching to a hand-held controller at opposing ends thereof, each attachment comprising:

a) controller attaching means wrapping around the end and a portion of the top and bottom of the controller;

b) a ridge extending along the end and bottom of each handle and curving slightly to fit the palm of the hand;

c) a peak portion extend below the handle for supporting at least one lower finger;

d) a shoulder portion extending around the back of each handle substantially even with the edge of the end of the controller forming a recess for receiving at least one fingertip.

11. A pair of handles according to claim 10, wherein the handles are made of a moldable grade elastomer.

12. A pair of handles according to claim 10, wherein a first handle is adapted for the left hand and a second handle is adapted for the right hand.