VIDEO GAME CONTROLLER

Description

BACKGROUNDField

[0001] The present invention is directed to video game controllers, and more particularly to video game controllers with removeable components that improve the serviceability of the controller.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, thumbsticks, directional pads, paddles, etc.) that can be actuated (e.g., pressed, pivoted, pulled, 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).

[0003] Current video game controllers can be costly due, at least partially, to their complexity. The control inputs wear down or wear out, some more quickly than others (e.g., based on how often an input is used in a video game), or sometimes fail to perform their intended functionality. Replacing the whole controller once one or more inputs no longer function can be costly, and replacing individual components can be very difficult and time consuming, requiring the use of tools to take apart the video game controller to access the internals of the controller. Additionally, the inputs may not be easily removable (e.g., may have soldered electrical connections). WO 2016 / 200551 A1 discloses a customizable game controller that includes one or more finger manipulatable push button accessories that can be swapped out in a tool-free manner. An article dated 20 January 2012 entitled "Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller review & comparison" and a further article entitled "Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller Review" in Game Watcher by Joe Robinson on 18 April 2012 describe features of a modular video game controller. US 2017 / 151494 A1 discloses controllers for controlling the play of computerized games and a trigger mechanism for a games controller. WO 2015 / 078994 A1 relates to an actuator system of a game controller for a gaming console. US 2005 / 255916 A1 discloses a faceplate for a game controller that has a thematic graphical representation of a particular game that can be played with the game controller. US 2002 / 128064 A1 discloses a steering / driving game controller that integrates an additional steering lever to the underside of the game controller.SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a video game controller is provided with a face plate that can be readily decoupled from the body of the video game controller, and that has inputs that are readily removably, thereby facilitating the modification of the controller (e.g., to add, replace or remove components) and the serviceability of the controller (e.g., to replace worn out or malfunctioning components).

[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, control input modules (e.g., thumbsticks, directional pads, etc.) can be readily coupled to and decoupled from a body of the video game controller to facilitate their installation and removal without the use of tools or the need to disassemble the controller body.

[0006] Optionally, control input modules can be interchangeable between different controllers (e.g., the same thumbstick input module can be removably installed on a video game controller for use with a Microsoft Xbox 360 ®< console, a video game controller for use with a Sony PS4 ®< console, a video game controller for use with a Nintendo Switch ™< console, etc.), facilitating the replacement of control input modules in different controllers.

[0007] The invention is defined by the video game controller of claim 1. Optional features of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. Any embodiments referred to and described herein which do not fall within the scope of the claims are not part of the present invention and should be considered as illustrative examples.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a video game controller. FIG. 1A is a top view of the video game controller of FIG. 1. FIG. 1B is a perspective exploded view of the controller in FIG. 1. FIG. 1C is a top view of the video game controller of FIG. 1 with the directional pad cover removed. FIG. 2 is a top view of the video game controller of FIG. 1 with the face plate removed. FIG. 3 is a top view of the video game controller of FIG. 2 with the directional pad input control module removed. FIG. 4 is a top view of the video game controller of FIG. 3 with side covers removed. FIG. 5 is a top view of the video game controller of FIG. 4 with a thumbstick input control interface. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a recessed slot in FIG. 3 that removably receives the directional pad input control module. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the video game controller of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the video game controller of FIG. 1 with a paddle plate removed. FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a video game controller. FIG. 10 is a top view of the video game controller of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the video game controller of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a side view of the video game controller of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the video game controller of video game controller of FIG. 9 with the face plate removed. FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the video game controller of FIG. 9 without the face plate. FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the face plate of the video game controller of FIG. 9. FIG. 16 is a top view of another embodiment of a video game controller. FIG. 17 is a top view of the video game controller of FIG. 16 with the face plate removed. FIG. 18 is a top view of the video game controller of FIG. 17 with a directional pad removed from a recessed slot in the body of the controller. FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the video game controller of FIG. 16. FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the video game controller of FIG. 16 with a paddle panel removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Video game controllers can have a variety of control inputs, such as thumbsticks, directional pads, buttons (e.g., A / B / X / Y buttons), paddles, triggers, etc. to effect different functionalities while playing a video game. Each control input can have a structural interface (e.g., housing with contact surface) that a user engages and an underlying sensor module component that can be operatively (e.g., mechanically, electrically, etc.) coupled to the controller and transmits signals corresponding to the actuation of the control unit by the user to the video game console to which the controller is connected. Over time, one or both of the structural interface and the underlying sensor module component of the control inputs may malfunction or wear out. For example, with prolonged use, the structural features of control units (e.g., contact pads of thumbsticks) may wear out, become damaged, erode, or otherwise malfunction, impeding or making it difficult to utilize by a user to effectively play a video game with the controller. The embodiments described below describe video game controllers with features that advantageously facilitate the servicing and / or customization of video game controllers without requiring the disassembly of the entire controller or the use of tools. For example, such modular components (e.g., thumbsticks with different heights and / or shapes, directional pads with different shapes, sizes and / or styles, interchangeable buttons) advantageously allow the user to enhance their game playing experience by customizing the controller (e.g., based on their particular preference).

[0010] FIGS. 1-8 show one embodiment of a video game controller 100 (the "controller"). In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 100 can have a body 102 and a face plate 104. Advantageously, the face plate 104 can readily be decoupled from the body 102 (e.g., without the use of tools) to expose one or more components in the body 102, as further discussed below. The removable face plate 104 facilitates the customization of the controller 100 (e.g., by using face plates with different ornamental designs). The controller 100 can have a plurality of control inputs that a user can actuate to effect different functionalities while playing a video game, such as one or more of the following: thumbsticks 106, directional pads 108, and buttons 110, paddles 140, triggers 101, and related circuitry and componentry. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 110 has two triggers 101, two thumbsticks 106, one directional pad 108, four buttons 110 (e.g., A, B, X, Y buttons), a guide button 103a and back / start buttons 103b, 103c, and be adapted for use with an Xbox ®< video game console. Though the illustrated embodiment, shows one trigger 101 (left trigger in FIG. 1A) in an extended position and one trigger 101 (right trigger in FIG. 1A) in a depressed position, one of skill in the art will recognize that both triggers 101 can optionally be depressed at the same time, or be in the extended at the same time (e.g., when not actuated by a user).

[0011] The controller 100 can optionally be fixedly connected to a cable that can connect to a video game console (e.g., via a USB type connector, such as a USB type A connector). In other embodiments, the controller 100 can have one or more female USB connectors (e.g., one or more of USB type A, USB type B, or USB type C connectors) that can receive a cable to connect to a video game console. In some embodiments, the controller 100 can have multiple female USB connectors to receive different types of cables to connect to a video game console.

[0012] As best shown in FIGS. 1, 1A-1B, the directional pad control input 108 can optionally have a cover 109 that can removably couple to the underlying directional pad unit 111 (see FIG. 1C where the cover 109 has been removed). The cover 109 can mechanically couple to the directional pad unit 111. The gamer can couple different types of covers 109 to the directional pad unit 111 to customize the feel of the directional pad control input 108. Similarly, the contact pad 107 of the thumbstick control input 106 can optionally be interchangeable, allowing the gamer to customize the feel of the thumbstick control input 106 (e.g., changing the surface shape of the contact pad 107, changing the surface material of the contact pad 107, changing the height of the thumbstick control input 106, etc.).

[0013] FIG. 2 shows the controller 100 with the face plate 104 removed, exposing a top surface 112 of the body 102 through which the control inputs are mounted. The face plate 104 can be removably coupled to the body 102 and can be readily removable (e.g., with the user's fingers, without the use of tools), which advantageously facilitates access to the components (e.g., control inputs 106, 108, 110) without having to disassemble the controller 100. The face plate 104 can have openings through which the control inputs 106, 108, 110 extend for the user to contact. The face plate 104 can optionally be mechanically coupled to the body 102. For example, the face plate 104 can clip onto the body 102 (e.g., the face plate 104 can have one or more resilient clips that extend into slots 113 in the surface 112). In another embodiment, the face plate 104 can magnetically couple to the body 102. For example, the underside of the face plate 104 can have one or more metal portions that engage magnets (not shown) disposed on the top surface 112 of the body 102. Alternatively, the underside of the face plate 104 can have one or more magnets that engage one or more metal portions disposed on the top surface 112 of the body 102.

[0014] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the top surface 112 of the body can optionally include one or more removable covers 114a, 114b that cover one or more optional compartments 130a, 130b in the body 102 (e.g., in handles 102a, 102b of the body 102). As shown in FIG. 4, the one or more compartments 130a, 130b can optionally removably house vibration motors 132a, 132b (e.g., rumble motors, eccentric rotating mass vibration motors) that can be selectively actuated by a signal communicated to the controller 100 from the video game console to provide vibration feedback to the body 102 (e.g., provide vibration feedback to one or both of the handles 102a, 102b of the body 102). Advantageously, the removable face plate 104 and optional removable covers 114a, 114b facilitate the easy removal and replacement of the one or more vibration rumble motors 132a, 132b, such as to service existing motors or replace malfunctioning motors. Moreover, since only the face plate 104 and the optional covers 114a, 114b need to be removed to replace the motors 132a, 132b, the motors 132a, 132b can be easily and quickly replaced, without having to disassemble the body 102 of the controller 100 (e.g., without removing the top surface 112 from the rest of the body 102). Additionally, the removable face plate 104 and optional covers 114a, 114b allow the modification or customization of the controller 110. For example, motors with different strengths or sizes can be installed. Alternatively, the motors 132a, 132b can be removed if haptic feedback provided by the vibration motors is not desired or required by the video game system being used. Optionally, the one or more compartments 130a, 130b can instead house one or more weights to increase the weight of the controller 100 in the user's hands, as preferred by the user. In another embodiment, the one or more compartments 130a, 130b can optionally be empty (e.g., not have any component disposed in them), for example if the user prefers a lighter controller 100. In another embodiment, the covers 114a, 114b are excluded, so that compartments 130a, 130b can optionally house vibration motor 132a, 132b, one or more weights, etc. In another embodiment, the compartments are excluded (see FIG. 18).

[0015] FIG. 3 shows the controller 100 with the face plate 104 removed to expose the top surface 112 of the body 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the directional pad unit 111 has been removed, exposing the compartment 116 in the body 102 that removably receives the directional pad unit 111 (also shown in FIG. 6). The directional pad unit 111 can removably couple to the body 102 with a coupling mechanism, optionally a mechanical coupling mechanism.

[0016] Optionally, the directional pad unit 111 can removably couple to the body 102 via one or more clips 118 in the compartment 116 that releasably engage corresponding members (e.g., tabs, ridges, etc.) on the directional pat unit 111. The directional pad unit 111 can optionally be aligned with features in the compartment 116 (e.g., alignment slot 116a), and advanced linearly into the compartment 116 until the directional pad unit 111 fixedly couples to the body 102 (e.g., clicks or snaps into place).

[0017] Alternative mechanisms for coupling the directional pad unit 111 in the compartment 116, such as a slot and key mechanism, a twist-lock mechanism, a threaded mechanism, can be used. In still another embodiment, the coupling mechanism can be a magnetic coupling mechanism, where one or more magnets are disposed in the compartment 116 or the directional pad unit 111 to engage one or more metal components in the directional pad unit 111 of the compartment 116. One or more contacts 120 (e.g., pins) can extend into the compartment 116 to effect an electrical contact between the directional pad unit 111 and the electronics (e.g., printed circuit board) housed in the body 102 under the top surface 112 when the directional pad unit 111 is installed in the compartment 116.

[0018] Advantageously, the removable face plate 104 and coupling mechanism between the directional pad unit 111 and the compartment 116 (e.g., the clips 118) facilitate the removal and replacement of the directional pad unit 111, such as to service the directional pad unit 111 or replace a malfunctioning unit 111. Moreover, since only the face plate 104 needs to be removed to replace the directional pad unit 111, the directional pad unit 111 can be easily and quickly replaced, without having to disassemble the body 102 of the controller 100 (e.g., without removing the top surface 112 from the rest of the body 102).

[0019] FIG. 5 shows the controller 100 with the face plate 104 removed to expose the top surface 112 of the body 102. In the illustrated embodiment, a mechanical cover 105 of the thumbstick control input 106 has been removed, exposing the underlying thumbstick unit 122 and post 124. The mechanical cover 105 can have a channel or bore (not shown) that slides over and engages (e.g., frictionally engages) the post 124. Advantageously, the removable face plate 104 and mechanical cover 105 facilitate the servicing and / or modification of the thumbstick control input 106. For example, different covers 105 can be installed on the underlying thumbstick unit 122 (e.g., having different shapes or materials for the contact pads 107, different heights for the thumbstick, etc.). Additionally, the underlying thumbstick unit 122 can be serviced. Moreover, since only the face plate 104 needs to be removed to replace the mechanical cover 105 for the thumbstick control unit 106, the cover 105 can be easily and quickly replaced, without having to disassemble the body 102 of the controller 100 (e.g., without removing the top surface 112 from the rest of the body 102).

[0020] FIG. 7 shows a back side of the controller 100 with a paddle unit 140 that can be engaged by the user's fingers to generate one or more signals that can be communicated to the video game console to effect a command in the video game. The paddle unit 140 can optionally be a single piece. The paddle unit 140 can optionally have a pair of wings 142, 144, where the user can generate a command signal by pressing one or both of the pair of wings 142, 144. In accordance with the invention, a locking switch 150 on the body 102 can removably engage (e.g., lock) a member (e.g., lever) on an underside of the paddle unit 140. The switch 150 can be actuated (e.g., slid) to unlock the paddle unit 140 allowing it to be removed, thereby exposing a bottom surface 117 of the body 102 that is disposed under the paddle unit 140. One or more levers 115a, 115b can be disposed on the bottom surface 117 (e.g., extending at an angle relative to the central axis of the controller 100). The paddle unit 140 can engage the levers 115a, 115b when pressed (e.g., when one of both of the wings 142, 144 are pressed), which can actuate one or more switches disposed within the body 102 under the bottom surface 117. The paddle unit 140 can advantageously be easily replaced (e.g., with paddle units having different ornamental designs, materials or shapes), thereby further allowing for the customization of the controller 100. Moreover, the ease in removing the paddle unit 140 allows access to the bottom of the controller 100 to facilitate servicing of one or more components on the underside of the controller 100, such as the switches that are engaged by the levers 115a, 115b.

[0021] FIGS. 9-15 show another embodiment of a video game controller 100' (the "controller"). The controller 100' is constructed in a similar manner as the controller 100 shown in FIGS. 1-8, except as noted below. Therefore, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the controller 100' are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the controller 100 in FIGS. 1-8, except that a " ' " has been added to the reference numerals.

[0022] The controller 100' can have a body 102' and a face plate 104'. Advantageously, the face plate 104' can readily be decoupled from the body 102' (e.g., without the use of tools) to expose one or more components in the body 102', as further discussed below. The removable face plate 104' facilitates the customization of the controller 100' (e.g., by using face plates with different ornamental designs). The controller 100' can have a plurality of control inputs, such as one or more of the following: thumbsticks 106', directional pads 108', and buttons 110'. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 110' has two thumbsticks 106', one directional pad 108' and a plurality of buttons 110' and be adapted for use with an Nintendo ®< video game console.

[0023] FIGS. 13-14 shows the controller 100' with the face plate 104' removed, exposing a top surface 112' of the body 102' through which the control inputs are mounted. The face plate 104' can be removably coupled to the body 102' and can be readily removable (e.g., with the user's fingers, without the use of tools), which advantageously facilitates access to the components (e.g., control inputs 106', 108', 110') without having to disassemble the controller 100'. The face plate 104' can have openings (see FIGS. 13, 15) through which the control inputs 106', 108', 110' extend for the user to contact. The face plate 104' can optionally be mechanically coupled to the body 102'. For example, the face plate 104' can clip onto the body 102' (e.g., the face plate 104' can have one or more resilient clips that extend into slots 113' in the surface 112'). In another embodiment, the face plate 104' can magnetically couple to the body 102'. For example, the underside of the face plate 104' can have one or more metal portions that engage magnets (not shown) disposed on the top surface 112' of the body 102'. Alternatively, the underside of the face plate 104' can have one or more magnets that engage one or more metal portions disposed on the top surface 112' of the body 102'.

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 13-14, the top surface 112' of the body can optionally include one or more removable covers 114a', 114b' that cover one or more compartments in the body 102' (e.g., compartments similar to compartments 130a, 130b in handles 102a', 102b' of the body 102'). Advantageously, the removable face plate 104' and optional removable covers 114a', 114b', where present, facilitate the quick and easy removal and replacement of the one or more components in said compartments, without having to disassemble the body 102' of the controller 100' (e.g., without removing the top surface 112' from the rest of the body 102'). Additionally, the removable face plate 104' and optional covers 114a', 114b' allow the modification or customization of the controller 110'. For example, the one or more compartments can optionally house vibration motors or one or more weights to increase the weight of the controller 100' in the user's hands, as preferred by the user. In another embodiment, the one or more compartments can optionally be empty (e.g., not have any component disposed in them), for example if the user prefers a lighter controller 100'. In another embodiment, the covers 114a', 114b' are excluded, so that empty compartments are included that can optionally house vibration motors, one or more weights, etc. In another embodiment, the compartments are excluded (see FIG. 18).

[0025] FIG. 14 shows the controller 100' with the face plate 104' removed to expose the top surface 112' of the body 102'. In the illustrated embodiment, the directional pad unit 111' that includes the directional pad control input 108' is removably coupled in a compartment 116' in the body 102'. The directional pad unit 111' can removably couple to the body 102' with a coupling mechanism, optionally a mechanical coupling mechanism.

[0026] Optionally, the directional pad unit 111' can removably couple to the body 102' via one or more clips 118' in the compartment 116' that releasably engage corresponding members (e.g., tabs, ridges, etc.) on the directional pat unit 111'. The directional pad unit 111' can optionally be aligned with one or more features in the compartment 116' (e.g., with one or more alignment slots), and advanced linearly into the compartment 116' until the directional pad unit 111' fixedly couples to the body 102' (e.g., clicks or snaps into place).

[0027] Alternative mechanisms for coupling the directional pad unit 111' in the compartment 116', such as a slot and key mechanism, a twist-lock mechanism, a threaded mechanism, can be used. In still another embodiment, the coupling mechanism can be a magnetic coupling mechanism, where one or more magnets are disposed in the compartment 116' or the directional pad unit 111' to engage one or more metal components in the directional pad unit 111' to the compartment 116'. Though not shown, one or more contacts (e.g., pins), similar to contacts 120, that can extend into the compartment 116' to effect an electrical contact between the directional pad unit 111' and the electronics (e.g., printed circuit board) housed in the body 102' under the top surface 112' when the directional pad unit 111' is installed in the compartment 116'.

[0028] Advantageously, the removable face plate 104' and coupling mechanism between the directional pad unit 111' and the compartment 116' (e.g., the clips 118') facilitate the removal and replacement of the directional pad unit 111', such as to service the directional pad unit 111' or replace a malfunctioning unit 111'. Moreover, since only the face plate 104' needs to be removed to replace the directional pad unit 111', the directional pad unit 111' can be easily and quickly replaced, without having to disassemble the body 102' of the controller 100' (e.g., without removing the top surface 112' from the rest of the body 102'). Advantageously, the directional pad unit 111' is substantially similar to the directional pad unit 111, so that the same directional pad unit can be used in the controller 100 and the controller 100', thereby simplifying the process of replacing control units in different controllers that are adapted for use with different video game console systems.

[0029] With continued reference to FIGS. 13-14, the thumbstick input control 106' can have a mechanical cover 105' that can be removed once the face plate 104' has been decoupled from the body 102' of the controller 100'. Though not shown, the mechanical cover 105' can have substantially the same shape as the mechanical cover 105 of the controller 100, and removal of the mechanical cover 105' can expose an underlying thumbstick unit (e.g., similar to the thumbstick unit 122 having post 124). The mechanical cover 105' can slide over and frictionally engage a post of the thumbstick unit. Advantageously, the removable face plate 104' and mechanical cover 105' facilitate the servicing and / or modification of the thumbstick control input 106'. For example, different covers 105' can be installed on the underlying thumbstick unit (e.g., having different shapes or materials for the contact pads 107', different heights for the thumbstick, etc.). Additionally, the underlying thumbstick unit can be serviced. Moreover, since only the face plate 104' needs to be removed to replace the mechanical cover 105' for the thumbstick control unit 106', the cover 105' can be easily and quickly replaced, without having to disassemble the body 102' of the controller 100' (e.g., without removing the top surface 112' from the rest of the body 102').

[0030] FIG. 11 shows a back side of the controller 100' with a paddle unit 140' that can be engaged by the user's fingers to generate one or more signals that can be communicated to the video game console to effect a command in the video game. The paddle unit 140' can optionally be a single piece. The paddle unit 140' can optionally have a pair of wings 142', 144', where the user can generate a command signal by pressing one or both of the pair of wings 142', 144'. The paddle unit 140' is optionally removable to expose a bottom surface of the body 102' and one or more switch mechanisms (e.g., levers, such as levers 115a, 115b in controller 100) that are actuated when the paddle unit 140' is pressed (e.g., when one or both of the wings 142', 144' are pressed) by the user, which can actuate one or more switches disposed within the body 102' under the bottom surface of the body 102'. The paddle unit 140' can advantageously be easily replaced (e.g., with paddle units having different ornamental designs, materials or shapes), thereby further allowing for the customization of the controller 100'. Moreover, the ease in removing the paddle unit 140' allows access to the bottom of the controller 100' to facilitate servicing of one or more components on the underside of the controller 100', such as one or more switches that are engaged by the paddle unit 140'.

[0031] FIGS. 16-20 show another embodiment of a video game controller 100" (the "controller"). The controller 100" is constructed in a similar manner as the controller 100' shown in FIGS. 9-15, except as noted below. Therefore, the reference numerals and description used to designate the various components of the controller 100" are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the controller 100' in FIGS. 9-15, except that a " " " has been added to the reference numerals. The controller 100" can be adapted for use with a Nintendo ®< video game console system.

[0032] FIG. 17 shows the controller 100" with the face plate 104" removed from the body 102". In the illustrated embodiment, the body 102" does not have any covers in the handles 102a", 102b" like the covers 114a', 114b' in controller 100'. Additionally, the compartment 116" that receives the directional pad unit 111" has an alignment slot 116a" to facilitate aligning of the directional pad unit 111" with the compartment 116" before advancing and installing the directional pad unit 111" in the compartment 116".

[0033] FIG. 18 shows the controller 100" with the face plate 104" removed from the body 102" and the directional pad unit 111" removed from the compartment 116". The compartment 116" has one or more clips 118" that releasably engage corresponding members (e.g., surfaces, tabs, ridges, etc.) on the directional pad unit 111". One or more contacts 120" (e.g., pins) can extend into the compartment 116" to effect an electrical contact between the directional pad unit 111" and the electronics (e.g., printed circuit board) housed in the body 102" under the top surface 112" when the directional pad unit 111" is installed in the compartment 116". The directional pad unit 111" is substantially similar to the directional pad unit 111', 111, allowing for the use of the same directional pad unit in any of the controllers 100, 100', 100".

[0034] FIGS. 19-20 shows a back side of the controller 100" with a paddle unit 140" that can be engaged by the user's fingers to generate one or more signals that can be communicated to the video game console to effect a command in the video game. The paddle unit 140" can optionally be a single piece. The paddle unit 140" can optionally have a pair of wings 142", 144", where the user can generate a command signal by pressing one or both of the pair of wings 142", 144". A locking switch 150" on the body 102" can removably engage (e.g., lock) a member (e.g., lever) on an underside of the paddle unit 140". The switch 150" can be actuated (e.g., slid) to unlock the paddle unit 140" allowing it to be removed, thereby exposing a bottom surface 117" of the body 102" that is disposed under the paddle unit 140". One or more levers 115a", 115b" can be disposed on the bottom surface 117" (e.g., extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the controller 100"). The paddle unit 140" can engage the levers 115a", 115b" (e.g., with protrusions 146a", 146b") when pressed (e.g., when one of both of the wings 142", 144" are pressed), which can actuate one or more switches disposed within the body 102" under the bottom surface 117". The paddle unit 140" can advantageously be easily replaced (e.g., with paddle units having different ornamental designs, materials or shapes), thereby further allowing for the customization of the controller 100". Moreover, the ease in removing the paddle unit 140" allows access to the bottom of the controller 100" to facilitate servicing of one or more components on the underside of the controller 100", such as the switches that are engaged by the levers 115a", 115b". As best shown in FIG. 20, the paddle unit 140" can have protrusions 147a", 147b", 147c" that allow it to couple to the body 102" (e.g., couple to openings in the bottom surface 117").

[0035] Advantageously, the video game controller 100, 100', 100" has various features that facilitate the serviceability of the controller 100, 100', 100", thereby facilitating repairs to controllers (e.g., when one or more input controls are malfunctioning or have worn out) and inhibiting the need to buy a new controller which can be a significant expense. Additionally, the controller 100, 100', 100" has a removable face plate 104, 104', 104" that allows access to the control inputs (e.g., thumbsticks 106, 106', 106"; directional pads 108, 108', 108"; buttons 110, 110', 110") to service or modify them (e.g., replace them with control inputs having different shapes, heights, materials, etc.). Further, the removable / replaceable control units (e.g., thumbstick mechanical covers 105, 105', 105", directional pad units 111, 111', 111", etc.) in the controllers 100, 100', 100" are advantageously substantially similar in shape, allowing the same control input (e.g., thumbsticks 106, 106', 106"; directional pads 108, 108', 108"; buttons 110, 110', 110'') to be used in any controller 100, 100', 100', thereby avoiding having to purchase or use different directional pad control inputs 108, 108', 108" for the different controllers 100, 100', 100', thereby simplifying the serviceability of the controllers 100, 100', 100'. Additionally, the removable paddle unit 140, 140', 140'' can advantageously facilitate the adjustment of the operability of one or more control inputs. In one embodiment, the travel of the triggers 101, 101' can be mechanically adjusted, for example by moving (e.g., sliding) a switch or lever 119a, 119b accessible by removing the paddle unit 140, 140', where the switch or lever 119a, 119b is mechanically coupled to the trigger mechanism, thereby allowing the user to adjust the travel motion of the trigger required to generate the signal (e.g., "shot" signal) to the video game console. Optionally, the removable cover or paddle unit 140, 140', 140'' (e.g., when decoupled from the body 102, 102', 102") allows the trigger stops (actuated by the switch or lever 119a, 119b) to be engaged, disengaged or removed completely. Optionally, one or more of the switch or lever 119a, 119b can be removed and / or replaced when the removable cover or paddle unit 140, 140', 140" is decoupled from the body 102, 102', 102".

[0036] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[0037] Conditional language, such as "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0038] Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0039] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms "approximately," "about," "generally," and "substantially" as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately", "about", "generally," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms "generally parallel" and "substantially parallel" refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

Claims

1. A video game controller, comprising: a controller body (102) having a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of control inputs (108) removably mounted on the controller body through the top surface to releasably connect with electronics disposed within the controller body below the top surface of the controller body, each of the plurality of control inputs operable to control one or more operations of the video game controller; a face plate (104) removably coupleable to the controller body over the top surface so that the plurality of control inputs extend through a plurality of openings in the face plate, wherein one or more of the plurality of control inputs are removable and replaceable by decoupling the face plate from the controller body and decoupling said one or more of the control inputs from the controller body without disassembling the controller body; and characterized by further comprising a paddle unit (140) disposed on an underside of the controller body wherein the paddle unit is configured to be removable to allow access to one or more components on the underside of the controller to facilitate servicing, and further comprising a locking switch (150) on the body configured to removably engage a member on an underside of the paddle unit, where the locking switch can be actuated to unlock the paddle unit allowing it to be removed, thereby exposing a bottom surface of the body that is disposed under the paddle unit.

2. The video game controller of claim 1, wherein the plurality of control inputs comprises one or more of thumbsticks, one or more directional pad, and one or more buttons.

3. The video game controller of claim 2, wherein the one or more thumbsticks are interchangeable thumbsticks having different heights or shapes.

4. The video game controller of claim 1, wherein said one or more of the plurality of control inputs are mechanically coupled to the controller body.

5. The video game controller of claim 4, wherein said one or more of the plurality of control inputs are coupled to the controller body by a clip mechanism.

6. The video game controller of claim 1, wherein said one or more of the plurality of control inputs is installed by aligning the control input with a compartment in the controller body and linearly advancing the control input into the compartment.

7. The video game controller of claim 1, further comprising one or more depressible triggers coupled to the controller body, the one or more depressible triggers having an adjustable travel distance.

8. The video game controller of claim 7, further comprising one or more movable switches actuatable to adjust the travel distance of the one or more depressible triggers.

9. The video game controller of claim 1, wherein the paddle unit is a single piece movable relative to the bottom surface of the controller body and comprises a pair of wings where a user can generate a command signal by pressing one or both of the pair of wings.

10. The video game controller of claim 1, wherein the face plate is magnetically coupled to the controller body.