Detachable joystick for video game controller

Abstract

A removable joystick for use with a video game controller includes a base shaft that is coupled to a joystick unit in the housing of the video game controller so that the proximal end of the base shaft extends to a location at or below an outer surface of the housing. A top shaft assembly is removably coupleable to the base shaft. The top shaft assembly includes a top shaft with a proximal end that removably couples to a joystick ball. The top shaft assembly also includes a collar that is spring loaded and movably coupled to the top shaft and has a flange that extends outward from the outer surface of the collar. The top shaft assembly removably couples to the base shaft via a quick disconnect assembly. When the top shaft assembly is disconnected from the base shaft, the flange of the collar engages and retains a dust cover disposed over the collar to inhibit misplacement or loss of the dust cover. This assembly facilitates travel with the video game controller by allowing decoupling of the joystick while preventing misplacement or loss of the dust cover.

Description

BACKGROUNDField[0001]The present invention is directed to video game controllers, and more particularly to a video game controller with a detachable joystick.Description of the Related Art[0002]Video gaming is very popular and has become increasingly complex, requiring video game controllers with multiple inputs (e.g., buttons, joysticks) that can be actuated (e.g., pressed, pivoted, etc.) to activate functions within the video game. As the inputs are actuated, electrical signals are generated, processed and / or transmitted to a gaming console to which the controller connects. The console operates the video game at least in part based on the signals it receives from the controller. There are different gaming consoles in the market, and each console may use a different type of controller (e.g., having different types or combination of inputs) or accommodate the use of multiple types of controllers.[0003]Some game controllers are designed for particular use in fighting games or arcade ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a removable joystick for a video game controller. The joystick has two parts: a base shaft and a top shaft assembly. The top shaft assembly can be easily connected and disconnected from the base shaft using a quick disconnect connection. When the top shaft is disconnected, a collar on the assembly keeps a dust cover in place, preventing it from getting lost or being placed in the wrong place. This design makes it easy to travel with the video game controller by separating the joystick, while keeping the dust cover safe and secure.

Problems solved by technology

Video gaming is very popular and has become increasingly complex, requiring video game controllers with multiple inputs (e.g., buttons, joysticks) that can be actuated (e.g., pressed, pivoted, etc.) to activate functions within the video game.

Though such controllers are portable, they are often much larger than typical hand held controllers and the joystick that sticks out of the body of the controller makes it difficult to store the controller when traveling as it does not easily fit in a typical backpack, messenger bag or suitcase.

Moreover, when placed in a travel bag (e.g., back pack, messenger bag, suitcate), the joystick sticking out of the controller housing can result in pressure exerted on the joystick head, which can result in damage to the joystick and / or the controller.

However, such removable joysticks are still deficient.

For example, the dust cover is not retained when the joystick is removed, which results in the dust cover being misplaced or lost, which can negatively affect the operation of the controller (e.g., due to ingress of dust, liquid or other matter into the controller via the opening the dust cover normally covers, which can cause the joystick actuator to malfunction or fail.

Images