Balanced game controller fixture

Abstract

A display loader for connecting an electronic device includes a main body, a display support, and a movable arm connected to the main body and the display support. The main body has a lower surface and an upper surface. The main body further includes a controller connection mechanism. The arm is positioned above the upper surface to hold the display support above the main body and opposite to the lower surface.

Description

[0001] Background

[0002] Background and Related Art

[0003] Interactive and entertainment applications for computing devices have become a major industry for both personal computing devices and dedicated game consoles. Portable electronic devices allow for convenient gaming regardless of the user's location. However, portable electronic devices (such as smart phones and tablets) lack input devices designed, dedicated, or optimized for the gaming experience. In addition, users have become accustomed to and prefer the game controllers they are most familiar with.

[0004] Conventional display loaders for game controllers position the display flush with the surface of the controller, allowing the user to view both the display and the controller face simultaneously. However, configuring the display and the game controller in the same plane may affect the comfort of the game, the viewing of the display, and the control of the system.

[0005] Brief Overview

[0006] In some embodiments, a display loader for connecting an electronic device includes a body, a display support, and a movable arm connected to the body and the display support. The body has a lower surface and an upper surface. The body further includes a controller connection mechanism. The arm is positioned above the upper surface to hold the display support above the body and opposite the lower surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, a system for holding and controlling an electronic device includes a display device, a game controller, and a display loader. The display loader is connected to the display device and the game controller. The display loader includes a body, a display support, and a movable arm connected to the body and the display support. The body has a lower surface and an upper surface. The body further includes a controller connection mechanism. The movable arm positions the display device and the game controller relative to the display loader such that the center of mass of the system is between the upper surface of the body and the display support.

[0008] In some embodiments, a display loader for connecting an electronic device includes a body, a display support, and a four-bar linkage arm connected to the body and the display support. The body has a lower surface and an upper surface. The body further includes a controller connection mechanism. The controller connection mechanism is elastically deformable to apply a compressive force to the game controller. The display support includes a first portion and a second portion, and the second portion is slidable relative to the first portion to apply a compressive force to the display device. The four-bar linkage arm is positioned above the upper surface to hold the display support above the body and opposite the lower surface.

[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the teachings herein. The features and advantages of the present disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. The features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or can be learned by the practice of the present disclosure as set forth hereinafter. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] To describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be presented by reference to the specific embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For better understanding, throughout the various drawings, like elements have been designated by like reference numerals. Although some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. It is understood that the drawings depict some example embodiments, and these embodiments will be described and explained with additional features and details by using the drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display loader according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 is according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 side view of the display loader of;

[0015] Figure 3 is according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure having a display and a game controller attached thereto Figure 1 side view of the display loader of;

[0016] Figure 4 is according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure having an angled arm Figure 1 side view of the display loader of;

[0017] Figure 5 is a side view of a display loader having non-parallel link arms according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6 is according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure having an angled arm Figure 5 side view of the display loader of;

[0019] Figure 7Side view of a display loader having a display support in a closed position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 8 is a side view of a display loader having a display support in an open position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 7 of the display loader;

[0021] Figure 9 Side view of a display loader having a translatable body, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 10 is a side view of a display loader having a translatable display support, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 9 of the display loader; and

[0023] Figure 11 Side view of a display loader having an extendable base, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for supporting an electronic device and / or a processing device having an input device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to balancing an electronic device on and above an input device to reduce user fatigue. The input device provides input to an electronic display or a computing device in communication with the electronic display. The electronic display may present information to a user while the user provides input on the input device.

[0026] Conventional game controller connections for portable displays support the display flush with the input device and / or the handle of the input device. As a result, the center of mass of the system is located away from the input device and / or the handle of the input device. When holding the input device to provide input, the user must apply a torque opposite to gravity on the system, resulting in tension and fatigue in the user's hand and wrist.

[0027] In some embodiments, a display loader according to the present disclosure allows a user to hold and use a game controller and support an electronic display without experiencing torque on the system. The display loader may support an electronic display (such as a smart phone, a tablet, a hybrid laptop, or other portable display device) above an input device (such as a game controller, a touch sensing device, a motion sensing device, or other input device) such that the center of mass of the electronic display is aligned with the input device in the direction of gravity.

[0028] Although the present disclosure describes examples and embodiments of a display loader with reference to a smart phone and a game controller, it should be understood that the electronic display can be any electronic display capable of providing visual information to a user, and the input device can be any hand-held device capable of receiving manual input from a user and relaying the input command to a computing device.

[0029] The electronic display can be a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED display, an electronic ink display, or other displays. The electronic display can be integrated into the computing device or communicate with the computing device for data.

[0030] In some embodiments, the input device can be a commercially available game controller, such as a SONY PLAYSTATION DUALSHOCK 4 gamepad, a MICROSOFT XBOX ELITE controller, a LOGITECH G F710 gamepad, a NINTENDO SWITCH JOYCON, or other hand-held game controllers. In other embodiments, the input device can include a touchpad, a smart phone, or other touch-sensing devices; a trackball or other rotatable ball-sensing devices; an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other motion-sensing devices; or a combination thereof.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display loader 100 having a display support 102 and a body 104. The display support 102 and the body 104 are spaced apart and coupled together by an adjustable arm 106 positioned therebetween. In some embodiments, the arm 106 is a single rod movable relative to at least one of the display support 102 or the body 104. In other embodiments, the arm 106 is movable relative to both the display support 102 and the body 104. For example, the arm 106 can be hinged at the connection to the body 104 to allow adjustment of the angle between the arm 106 and the body 104. In other examples, the connection between the arm 106 and the body 104 can be translatable relative to the body 104. In other examples, the arm 106 can be connected to the display support 102 and / or the body 104 using a ball-and-socket connection to allow the arm 106 to move relative to the display support 102 and / or the body 104 with multiple degrees of freedom.

[0032] In some embodiments, the display loader 100 has a single arm 106 connecting the body 104 to the display support 102. In other embodiments, the display loader 100 has two, three, four, or more arms 106 supporting the display support 102 relative to the body 104.

[0033] In some embodiments, the display support 102 mechanically holds an electronic display. For example, the display support 102 may include a clamp, tongs, a latch, or other device that applies a compressive force to the electronic display to hold the electronic display within the display support 102. In further embodiments, the display support 102 may include an adhesive. In still further embodiments, the display support 102 may include a suction cup or other device that applies a suction force to the surface of the electronic display to hold the electronic display within the display support 102. In yet further embodiments, the display support 102 may include a magnetic connector that uses magnetic attraction to hold the electronic display within the display support 102. Combinations of the above are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] In some embodiments, the body 104 includes a controller connection mechanism 108 that is connected to the body 104 and holds a game controller or other input device relative to the body 104. The body 104 may include one or more holes 105 through which buttons, switches, joysticks, or other input mechanisms of the game controller may be accessed.

[0035] The controller connection mechanism 108 may include a clamp, tongs, a latch, or other device that applies a compressive force to the game controller to hold the game controller within the controller connection mechanism 108. In some embodiments, the controller connection mechanism 108 may include an adhesive. In further embodiments, the controller connection mechanism 108 may include a suction cup or other device that applies a suction force to the surface of the game controller to hold the game controller within the controller connection mechanism 108. In still further embodiments, the controller connection mechanism 108 may include a magnetic connector that uses magnetic attraction to hold the game controller within the controller connection mechanism 108. Combinations of the above are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the controller connection mechanism 108 is connected to the body 104 by a hinge 110 that allows the body 104 and the controller connection mechanism 108 to at least partially surround the game controller. For example, Figure 1 the controller connection mechanism 108 illustrated in has a hinge 110 that allows the body 104 to move relative to the controller connection mechanism 108. For example, the controller connection mechanism 108 may apply a compressive force to the game controller to clamp the game controller. The body 104 may obscure at least a portion of the game controller, and the hinge 110 may allow temporary access to the entire face of the game controller without disconnecting the game controller from the controller connection mechanism 108.

[0037] In some embodiments, the controller connection mechanism 108 includes a mechanical interlock with the game controller. For example, Figure 1The controller connection mechanism 108 as described includes a pair of protrusions 112 that engage recesses in the game controller. The protrusions 112 or other mechanical interlocks may allow the controller connection mechanism 108 to securely hold the game controller and allow the body 104 to move relative to the controller connection mechanism 108 via the hinge 110. In some embodiments, the body 104 and / or the controller connection mechanism 108 are elastically deformable to allow the body 104 and / or the controller connection mechanism 108 to bend open, receive the game controller, and elastically return to the original position and hold the game controller.

[0038] In some embodiments, the arm 106 is a four-bar linkage that allows the display support 102 to move relative to the body 104 while maintaining the angle of the display support 102 relative to the body 104. Figure 2 is Figure 1 A side view of the display loader 100. The arm 106 includes a first rod 114-1 and a second rod 114-2 that are each pivotally connected to the display support 102 and the body 104, respectively. The first rod 114-1 and the second rod 114-2 are positioned parallel to each other. Thus, when the display support 102 moves relative to the body 104, the first rod 114-1 and the second rod 114-2 remain parallel to each other. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 116 of the body 104 and the display support 102 may also remain substantially parallel. When the display support 102 moves relative to the body 104, the display support 102 and the body 104 remain at the same angle relative to each other, as will be described with respect to Figure 4 as described.

[0039] The body 104 has an upper surface 116 and a lower surface 118, where the display support 102 is positioned above the upper surface 116 and opposite the lower surface 118. Thus, the display loader center of mass (COM) 119 is between the body 104 and the display support 102. In some embodiments, the display loader COM 119 is located within the arm 106. Positioning the display support above the upper surface 116 stacks the display on top of the controller such that the mass of the display support 102 and the display applies less torque when the user holds the controller compared to having the display coplanar with the body (as in a conventional loader).

[0040] Figure 3is a side view of a display loader 100, where a display 120 is positioned in a display support 102 and a game controller 122 is fixed to a body 104 by a controller connection mechanism 108. When the display 120 is oriented towards the user (e.g., a user holding the game controller 122 can see the image on the display 120), the display 120 is located above the upper surface 116 of the body 104. The display loader 100 positions the display COM 124 of the display 120 above the game controller 122, and the system COM 127 can be positioned above the upper surface 116 of the body 104 and below the display support 102. In at least one example, the display loader 100 positions the display COM 124 above the controller COM 126 of the game controller 122. For example, when the vector representing the gravity 128 on the display COM 124 intersects the game controller 122 when the display 120 is oriented towards the user, the display COM 124 is above the game controller 122. In another example, when the direction of the display COM 124 relative to the gravity 128 aligns with the controller COM 126 when the display 120 is oriented towards the user, the display COM 124 is above the controller COM 126.

[0041] In other embodiments, when the vector representing the gravity 128 on the display support 102 intersects the body 104, the display support 102 is above the body 104. In another example, when the COM of the display support 102 aligns with the COM of the body 102 relative to the gravity direction 128, the display support 102 is above the body 104. In at least one example, when the vector representing the gravity 128 on the display support 102 intersects the upper surface 116 of the body 104 at an angle between -30° and +45° from the horizontal plane, the display support 102 is above the upper surface 116.

[0042] The display 120 is also located above the button 129 of the game controller 122. By positioning the display COM 124 above the button 129 and / or the controller COM 126, the user can interact with the button 129 of the game controller 122 without applying torque to the display loader 100 and moving the display 120. For example, the MICROSOFT XBOX wireless controller has at least three directional buttons (D-pad and two joysticks), two analog triggers, two side shoulder buttons, four face input buttons (X, Y, A, and B buttons), two menu and view buttons, and a system (XBOX) button. To interact with all the buttons 129 for game or system control, the user simply holds the game controller 122 gently between the base of the palm and the third to fifth fingers. In the example of the MICROSOFT XBOX ELITE controller, buttons and / or switches on the rear of the game controller 122 (e.g., opposite the top surface 130) can further limit the available dexterity to hold the controller firmly. Thus, aligning the display COM 124 and the controller COM 126 and also aligning the display COM 124 and the button 129 where the user applies force can stabilize the system and improve the user experience.

[0043] When the user is holding the game controller 122, the user holds the controller in front of the user, where the top surface 130 of the game controller 122 is at an angle 132 between +45° and -30° with respect to a horizontal plane 134 perpendicular to the gravity 128. For example, Figure 3 the top surface 130 of the game controller 122 illustrated in is oriented at an angle 132 of -10°. In some embodiments, when the user holds the game controller 122 at an angle 132 between +45° and -30° with respect to the horizontal plane 134 perpendicular to the gravity 128, the arm 106 can move relative to the body 104 and thus relative to the game controller 122 to position the display COM 124 above the game controller 122. Thus, when the upper surface 130 of the controller 122 is tilted towards the user, the angle is a positive angle 132, and when the upper surface 130 of the controller 122 is tilted away from the user, the angle is a negative angle 132. When the user holds the game controller 122 at an angle 132 between +45° and -30° with respect to the horizontal plane 134 perpendicular to the gravity 128, the closer the display COM 124 and the controller COM 126 are aligned with respect to the gravity direction 128, the lower the torque caused by gravity on the entire system (i.e., the display 120, the display loader 100, and the game controller 122) can be.

[0044] For example, Figure 4The display loader 100 is explained, in which the four-bar linkage arm 106 moves relative to the main body 104 and the display support 102 when the game controller 122 is oriented at an angle of +45° with respect to the horizontal plane 134 by its top surface 130. The arm 106 is moved to change the position of the display support 102 relative to the main body 104. In the case where the top surface 130 of the game controller is at an angle of +45°, the display support 102 is moved so that the display COM 124 is aligned with the controller COM 126.

[0045] In some embodiments, the range of motion of the arm 106 relative to the main body 104 is within a range having an upper limit value, a lower limit value, or both an upper limit value and a lower limit value, where the upper limit value or lower limit value includes 60°, 80°, 100°, 120°, 140°, 160°, 180°, or any value therebetween. For example, the range of motion of the arm 106 can be greater than 60°. In other examples, the range of motion can be less than 180°. In still other examples, the range of motion can be between 60° and 180°. In further examples, the range of motion can be between 75° and 135°. In at least one example, the range of motion can be approximately 120°.

[0046] In some embodiments, in the case of the four-bar linkage arm 106 having a first rod 114-1 and a second rod 114-2 that are parallel and of equal length, the two surfaces to which the rods 114-1, 114-2 are connected remain in the same orientation relative to each other. As Figure 4 In the embodiment explained, this means that the upper surface 116 of the main body 104 and the bottom surface 136 of the display support 102 remain parallel. Since the top surface 130 of the game controller is fixed relative to the upper surface 116 of the main body 104 and the display surface 138 of the display is fixed relative to the bottom surface of the display support 102, the orientation of the display surface 138 remains fixed relative to the angle 132 of the game controller 122 when the four-bar linkage arm 106 moves.

[0047] In some embodiments, when the arm moves the display support relative to the main body, it may be desirable to change the orientation of the display surface. Figure 5 FIG. is a side view of another embodiment of a display loader 200 having a four-bar linkage arm 260, in which the first rod 214-1 and the second rod 214-2 are non-parallel (e.g., by adjusting the connection point 240 of the second rod 214-2). When the arm 206 moves relative to the display support 202 and the main body 204, the non-parallel first rod 214-1 and second rod 214-2 produce a net rotation of the display support 202 and the main body 204 relative to each other. In other embodiments, the first rod 214-1 and the second rod 214-2 have different lengths and can achieve a similar result.

[0048] The net rotation of the display support 202 and the body 204 relative to each other provides a net rotation of the display surface 236 relative to the top surface 230 of the game controller. The orientation of the game controller and the orientation of the display surface 236 are selected by the user based on the ergonomics of the user's body. For example, Figure 5 illustrates the top surface 230 of the game controller parallel to the horizontal plane 234.

[0049] However, the display surface 236 can be oriented at an angle to the horizontal plane 234 to tilt the display surface 236 toward the user for ease of viewing. The body 204 is oriented at a body angle 244 relative to the arm axis 242, and the display support 202 is oriented at a display angle 246 relative to the arm axis 242.

[0050] When the user tilts Figure 6 the arm 206 in, the non-parallel linkages of the arm 206 compensate for height variations of the display support 202 over the body 204 by creating a net rotation of the display surface 236 to keep the display surface 236 facing the user's eyes. For example, the display angle 246 relative to the arm axis 242 can be reduced by a greater amount than the body angle 244. The net rotation can provide a more comfortable gaming experience for the user at a wider range of positions of the arm 206.

[0051] Now referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , in some embodiments, the display support 302 can be adjustable to accommodate a range of display device sizes. Figure 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the display loader 300, where the display support 302 has a first portion 348 and a second portion 350 that are slidable relative to each other. The first portion 348 is connected to the arm 306, and the second portion 350 is movable relative to the first portion 348. Figure 7 illustrates the display support 302 in a closed configuration, and Figure 8 illustrates the display support 302 in a fully open configuration.

[0052] In some embodiments, the closed configuration has a closed length 352 within a range having an upper limit value, a lower limit value, or both an upper limit value and a lower limit value, the upper limit value or lower limit value including any one of 2.25 inches, 2.3", 2.4", 2.5", 2.6", 2.7", 2.8", 2.9", 3.0" or any value therebetween. For example, the closed length 352 can be greater than 2.25". In other examples, the closed length 352 can be less than 3.0". In still other examples, the closed length 352 can be between 2.25" and 3.0". In further examples, the closed length 352 can be between 2.4" and 2.8". In at least one example, the closed length 352 can be approximately 2.45".

[0053] In some embodiments, the arm 306 has an arm length 353 within a range having an upper limit value, a lower limit value, or both an upper limit value and a lower limit value, where the upper limit value or lower limit value includes any one of 1.0", 1.5", 2.0", 2.5", 3.0", 3.5", 4.0", 4.5", 5.0" or any value therebetween. For example, the arm length 353 can be greater than 1.0". In other examples, the arm length 353 can be less than 5.0". In still other examples, the arm length 353 can be between 1.0" and 5.0". In further examples, the arm length 353 can be between 1.5" and 4.5". In at least one example, the arm length 353 can be approximately 2.5".

[0054] In other embodiments, the arm length 353 can be adjustable. For example, the arm 306 can have a telescoping link, allowing a user to adjust the arm length 353 to raise or lower the display support 302 relative to the body 304 based on the display size, the user's arm length, and a preferred body position. For example, the arm length 353 can be adjustable from 1.0" to 5.0". In other examples, the arm length 353 can be adjustable from 2.0" to 3.0".

[0055] Figure 8 The display support 302 is shown in a fully open configuration. In some embodiments, the closed configuration has an open length 354 within a range having an upper limit value, a lower limit value, or both an upper limit value and a lower limit value, where the upper limit value or lower limit value includes any one of 3.0", 3.2", 3.4", 3.6", 3.8", 4.0", 4.5", 5.0", 6.0" or any value therebetween. For example, the open length 354 can be greater than 3.0". In other examples, the open length 354 can be less than 6.0". In still other examples, the open length 354 can be between 3.0" and 6.0". In further examples, the open length 354 can be between 3.25" and 5.0". In at least one example, the open length 354 can be approximately 3.5".

[0056] Figure 9 is a side view of another embodiment of a display loader 400 according to the present disclosure. As described herein, the arm 406 can be rotatable relative to the body 404 of the display loader 400. In some embodiments, the arm 406 can be translatable relative to the body 404. For example, the body 404 can have a body length 456. The arm 406 can move in the direction of the body length 456 and can be positioned at various positions along the body length 456.

[0057] The position of the arm 406 can be considered as the position where the arm axis 442 intersects the upper surface 416 of the body 404. For example, the body end 458 of the arm axis 442 can be located at the upper surface 416 of the body 404 at various positions along the body length 456. In some embodiments, the body end 458 of the arm axis 442 can be at a position between 10% and 90% of the length of the body length 456 (e.g., movable and fixable). In other embodiments, the body end 458 of the arm axis 442 can be at a position between 20% and 80% of the length of the body length 456. In still other embodiments, the body end 458 of the arm axis 442 can be at a position between 30% and 70% of the length of the body length 456.

[0058] Now referring to Figure 10 , as described herein, the display support 402 can be rotatable relative to the arm 406 of the display loader. In some embodiments, the display support 402 can be translated relative to the arm 406. For example, the display support 402 has a first portion 448 connected to the arm 406. The first portion 448 has a support length 460. The arm 406 can be considered to be connected to the first portion 448 of the display support 402 at the support end 462 of the arm axis 442.

[0059] In some embodiments, the support end 462 of the arm axis 442 can be at a position between 10% and 90% of the length of the support length 460 (e.g., movable and fixable). In other embodiments, the support end 462 of the arm axis 442 can be at a position between 20% and 80% of the length of the support length 460. In still other embodiments, the support end 462 of the arm axis 442 can be at a position between 30% and 70% of the length of the support length 460.

[0060] In some embodiments, the display loader 400 can support the display without a game controller positioned in the body 404. The base 464 of the body 404 can be substantially flat and / or have multiple feet for resting on a flat surface (such as a table or a desk). The display loader 400 can support the display on the table or the desk when orienting the display towards the user. Subsequently, the user can interact with the display via the game controller. When the user desires to move to a new location and bring the display and the game controller to the new location, the user can attach the game controller to the body 404 and use the display loader 400 to connect the game controller to the display device.

[0061] In some embodiments, the base 464 of the body 404 may not provide sufficient stable support for the display device. In a particular example, since the display support 402 is translatable relative to the body 404 by virtue of being translatable relative to the arm 406, the arm 406 being translatable relative to the body 404, or both, the display COM may move forward relative to the body 404 and cause the display loader 400 to become unstable on the surface when used as a stand.

[0062] The body 404 may include one or more features to extend 464 when used as a stand to increase stability. For example, Figure 11 is a side view of another embodiment of a display loader 500 having a deployable extension 568 extending from a body 504. In some embodiments, movement of the display support 502 and / or the arm 506 relative to the body 504 may move the display COM 524 to near or beyond the edge of the base 564. The extension 568 may extend by folding from the body 504, sliding out from the body 504, removably connecting to the body 504 (e.g., snapping onto the body 504), or by other mechanisms. The extension 568 may increase the footprint of the body 504 to stabilize the display loader 500.

[0063] The extension 568 has an extension length 570 related to the base length 566. In some embodiments, the extension length 570 may be a percentage of the base length 566 within a range having an upper limit value, a lower limit value, or both an upper limit value and a lower limit value, the upper or lower limit value including any one of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% or any value therebetween. For example, the extension length 570 may be greater than 20% of the base length 566. In other examples, the extension length 570 may be less than 100% of the base length 566. In still other examples, the extension length 570 may be between 20% and 100% of the base length 566. In further examples, the extension length 570 may be between 33% and 66%. In at least one example, the extension length 570 may be approximately 50% of the base length 566. While in Figure 11 the illustrated embodiment shows the extension 568 positioned at the front edge of the base 564, in other embodiments, the extension 568 may be positioned at the front edge of the base 564, the rear edge of the base 564, or both.

[0064] In at least some embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure, a display loader connects a game controller to a display device to allow a user to interact with a game or other application on the display device using the game controller. The display loader positions the display over the game controller to align the COM of the display device over the game controller, thereby improving the user experience by reducing fatigue and improving control of the game controller.

[0065] The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to denote the presence of one or more of the elements in the foregoing description. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it will be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described with respect to an embodiment herein may be combined with any element of any other embodiment described herein. The numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values set forth herein are intended to include that value, as well as other values that are “about” or “approximately” the recited value, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art as being covered by embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the recited values should be interpreted broadly enough to cover at least values that are close enough to the recited values to perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. The recited values include at least variations that would be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process and may include values within 5%, 1%, 0.1%, or 0.01% of the recited values.

[0066] In view of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent structures including functional “means-plus-function” limitations are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner and equivalent structures that provide the same function. The applicant's express intent is that no claim be invoked under means-plus-function or other functional recitations unless the term “means for” appears in conjunction with the associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments within the meaning and scope of the claims will be embraced by the claims.

[0067] It should be understood that any direction or frame of reference in the foregoing description is merely a relative direction or movement. For example, any reference to “front” and “back” or “top” and “bottom” or “left” and “right” merely describes the relative position or movement of the relevant elements.

[0068] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Thus, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A display loader for connecting an electronic device, the display loader comprising: A main body having a controller connection mechanism, the main body having a lower surface and an upper surface; A display support; And A four-bar linkage connected to the upper surface of the main body and the display support and movable relative to the main body and the display support, the four-bar linkage being positioned above the upper surface to hold the display support above the main body and opposite the lower surface, wherein non-parallel links of the arm compensate for height variations of the display support above the main body by producing a net rotation of the display surface to keep the display surface facing the user's eyes, and the display loader positions the center of mass COM of the display of the display above the game controller.

2. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the arm has a range of motion of at least 60° relative to the main body.

3. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the controller connection mechanism is elastically deformable to apply a compressive force to the game controller.

4. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the controller connection mechanism includes at least one interlocking feature configured to interlock with a complementary feature of the game controller.

5. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the display support is positioned above the main body when the display support is oriented at an angle between -30° and 45° with respect to the horizontal plane on the upper surface.

6. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the display support includes a first portion and a second portion slidable relative to the first portion.

7. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the arm has a length in the range of 1.0 inches to 5.0 inches.

8. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the arm is adjustable in length.

9. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a main body length from a front edge to a rear edge, and the arm is connected to the upper surface at a position between 10% and 90% along the main body length.

10. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the center of mass COM of the display loader of the display loader is located between the upper surface of the main body and the display support.

11. The display loader according to claim 10, wherein the center of mass COM of the display loader is located within the arm.

12. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the display support is translatable relative to the arm.

13. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the main body is translatable relative to the arm.

14. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the arm includes a four-bar linkage.

15. The display loader according to claim 1, wherein the arm includes a first rod and a second rod, wherein the first rod and the second rod are not parallel or have different lengths.

16. A system for holding and controlling an electronic device, the system comprising: A display device; A game controller; And A display loader, the display loader being connected to the display device and the game controller, the display loader comprising: A main body having a controller connection mechanism connected to the game controller, the main body having a lower surface and an upper surface, A display support connected to the display device; And A four-bar linkage connected to the upper surface of the main body and the display support and movable relative to the main body and the display support, the four-bar linkage being positioned above the upper surface to hold the display support above the main body and opposite the lower surface, wherein non-parallel links of the linkage compensate for a change in height of the display support above the main body by producing a net rotation of the display surface to keep the display surface facing the user's eyes, and the display loader positions the center of mass COM of the display above the game controller.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the display device is a smart phone.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the center of mass COM of the system is located in the linkage.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the game controller has a top surface, and the center of mass COM of the display of the display device is above the top surface relative to the direction of gravity when the top surface is between -30° and 45° with respect to the horizontal plane.

20. A display loader for connecting an electronic device, the display loader comprising: A main body having a controller connection mechanism, the main body having a lower surface and an upper surface, and the controller connection mechanism being elastically deformable to apply a first compressive force to the game controller; A display support comprising a first part and a second part, the second part being slidable relative to the first part to apply a second compressive force to the display device; And A four-bar linkage connected to the upper surface of the main body and the display support and movable relative to the main body and the display support, the four-bar linkage being positioned above the upper surface to hold the display support above the main body and opposite the lower surface, wherein non-parallel links of the linkage compensate for a change in height of the display support above the main body by producing a net rotation of the display surface to keep the display surface facing the user's eyes, and the display loader positions the center of mass COM of the display above the game controller.

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