Textured thumb covers

Abstract

Textured thumb covers for placement over a wearer's thumb while utilizing a manually actuated input device on a game controller. The textured thumb covers include a pair of mirror image cover bodies, each sized to enclose a thumb of a wearer, and an integral textured wrap disposed over each cover body. Each cover body includes a base end defined by an open mouth at which an elastic retaining ring for anchoring the cover body to the base of thumb is disposed. Each textured wrap is an assembly of plurality of interconnected elastic strands of sized to be stretched together over the cover body when the cover body is in place on a thumb. The placement of the elastic strands on the smooth cover body creates a textured surface which is suitable to increase traction on the surface of the thumb cover.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to finger protectors and, more particularly, to wearable thumb coverings for use while using video game controllers.[0003]Description of the Prior Art[0004]The use of conventional hand held game controllers as an input device for a video game is well known. Many convention controller designs specifically contemplate extensive use of a user's thumbs, particularly game controllers which include one or more analog sticks centrally positioned thereon. While such analog sticks are often popular because they provide control in more than eight directions (compared to a conventional directional pad), a common problem which exists due to the extensive use of such analog pads is that it may become difficult to maintain a secure grip of the analog stick as a user's thumbs become sweaty from extended periods of use. Thus, there remains a need for textured thumb covers which, when worn by a user, allows...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a new type of thumb cover that has a textured surface to improve grip and comfort when using an analog stick. The cover is made of elastic material with a secure fit and a textured wrap to enhance the grip. The technical effects of this invention are that it provides a better feel and more secure grip for users, even after extended periods of use.

Problems solved by technology

While such analog sticks are often popular because they provide control in more than eight directions (compared to a conventional directional pad), a common problem which exists due to the extensive use of such analog pads is that it may become difficult to maintain a secure grip of the analog stick as a user's thumbs become sweaty from extended periods of use.

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