Grips for video game controllers

Abstract

A grip for a video game controller has a body having a longitudinal axis, a base section, a finger grip section, and a palm support section, the body defining a cavity therein oriented along the longitudinal axis cavity sized to receive a handhold portion of a video game controller therein, the grip functions as a stand for holding the controller upright when placed on a flat surface, and provides comfortable support for a user's fingers, palm, and thumb pads during play.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention described herein relates to a video game controller cover and, more particularly, to an ergonomic grip for a video game controller having a built-in rest thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Video game systems such as the Xbox® and PlayStation 4® are very popular. These systems allow users to operate a variety of video games using controllers. Generally, a controller is a device featuring various buttons and joysticks that allow a user to control the actions of a character in the video game. Some of the more popular controllers may define a "batwing" shape and are held in one or both hands of a user, with each hand controlling a respective set of buttons and / or joystick. Controllers are typically fabricated from plastic materials that are relatively hard and non-porous. As a result, the exterior surface of a stock controller may have a poor tactile feel and may be uncomfortable to hold, especially for extended periods of use. As is often the case when playing video games, a user's actions may be quite vigorous during play, during which time the user's grip on the controller may be compromised.

[0003] Some attempts have been suggested in the prior art to improve the tactile feel of controllers. For example, devices such as SquidGrip™, KontrolFreak™, Dragon Grips™, and Venom Grip™ are pre-cut covers or wraps that are applied to the grip portion of the controller. These products are typically made from adhesive-backed neoprene, silicone, or similar materials with a textured surface to improve grip, provide some additional cushioning, and improved tactile feel of the controller. The problem with these materials is that they can be difficult to apply properly, can leave adhesive residue on the controller, are known to suffer from peeling or adhesive failure over time, are very thin, and provide minimal cushioning.

[0004] Another prior art approach is illustrated and is known as cover skins and is supplied by companies such as eXtremeRate, MXRC, Cybcamo, Sololife and others. These cover skins are essentially one-piece silicone covers that fit over the controller and cover most of the front of the controller as well as the top of the controller where the buttons and joysticks are located. The drawback of these types of covers is that they often do not fit properly, stretch over time, and tend to tear or rip when placed over the controller, which can prevent pressing the buttons on the controller and therefore prevent play.

[0005] What is needed is a device that improves the grip and feel of a video game controller that is simple to manufacture, provides long-term comfort and improved control, is easy to apply, and does not interfere with game play.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the problems and drawbacks associated with the prior art devices, the present invention has been devised, one of the objects of which is to provide an improved grip for a video game controller that is simple to manufacture and easy to apply.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved grip for a video game controller that is formed with a palm support section and a finger grip section for better holding the controller.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved grip for a video game controller that does not interfere with the buttons or joysticks on the controller.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved grip for a video game controller that provides long term comfort and improved control during use of the controller.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved grip for a video game controller that provides improved tactile feel and provides a comfortable hold resulting in less hand fatigue.

[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved grip for a video game controller that, when placed on a flat surface, can be used as a stand for storing the controller upright.

[0012] Various other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the following more detailed description proceeds. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The foregoing and other objects are realized in one embodiment by providing a grip for a video game controller, the grip having a body having a cavity defined therein, the cavity being configured (i.e., sized and shaped) to receive a hand-hold portion of a video game controller therein. The cavity is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body. The body further includes a palm support section, a finger grip section, and a base section. The grip functions as a stand for holding the controller in an upright position while providing comfortable support to a user's palm, fingers, and thumb pads during play. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partially transparent perspective view of a controller of a first game system shown with a grip of the present invention applied thereto. [Diagram 2] Specifically, it is a perspective view of a grip for use with a controller of a first game system, showing the right hand grip as viewed from the left side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the grip of FIG. 2 showing the front left side of the grip. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the grip of FIG. 2 showing the front right side of the grip. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the grip of FIG. 2 showing the rear right side of the grip. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the grip of FIG. 2 showing the top of the grip and, in particular, showing the grip cavity. [Figure 7] Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grip for use with a controller of a second game system, showing the right hand grip as viewed from the left side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the grip of FIG. 7 showing the front left side of the grip. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the grip of FIG. 7, showing the front right side of the grip. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the grip of FIG. 7, showing the rear right side of the grip. [Figure 11] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the grip of FIG. 7 showing the top of the grip and, in particular, showing the grip cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. Use of the term "exemplary" means illustrative or merely an example, and any reference to "the invention" described herein is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to any one or more features or steps of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. References to "exemplary embodiment", "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "various embodiments", and the like may indicate that the embodiment of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an exemplary embodiment", or "in an alternative embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may.

[0016] It should also be noted that terms such as "preferably," "commonly," and "typically" are not used herein to limit the scope of the invention or to imply that a particular feature is critical, essential, or even essential to the structure or function of the invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0017] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. Like numerals used herein refer to like elements throughout. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is operable, enabling, and complete. Thus, the specific arrangements disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting with respect to the scope of the invention and any and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, are implicitly disclosed by the embodiments set forth herein and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary and customary meaning, not inconsistent with that applied in the relevant industry, without being limited to any specific embodiment described below. As used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. When only one item is intended, the terms "one and only one", "single", or similar language are used. When used herein to join a list of items, the term "or" indicates at least one of the items, but does not exclude multiple items of the list.

[0019] For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the order and / or arrangement of steps described herein is illustrative and not limiting. Thus, while various process or method steps may be shown and described as being in an order or temporal arrangement, it should be understood that any such process or method steps are not limited to being performed in any particular order or arrangement unless otherwise indicated. In fact, such process or method steps may generally be performed in a variety of different orders and arrangements while still being within the scope of the invention.

[0020] Additionally, any reference to advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the invention is not intended as an affirmation that the invention has previously been reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed. Similarly, unless otherwise specified, the use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or past tense) is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has previously been reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

[0021] For a better understanding of the present invention and its uses, turning now to the drawings, Figures 1-11 show a grip for use with a video game controller. The ergonomic grip provides the user with added comfort and tactile feedback, reducing hand fatigue, better control of the controller, and more enjoyable play, especially during extended periods of play. The grip can further be used as a stand to store the controller upright when placed on a flat surface.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1-6, shown therein is a controller 100 of a type typically used with a first gaming system, for example an Xbox gaming system. The controller 100 (shown in transparent form) has a pair of hand-hold sections 102 disposed on opposite sides of a central portion 104 that contains various buttons 106 and a joystick 108 used for play. A preferred grip 10 fits into each of the controller's respective hand-hold sections 102. The embodiment of grip 10 shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figures 2-6, while the embodiment of Figures 7-11 is adapted for use with a controller (not shown) for a second gaming system, for example a PlayStation 4 gaming system.

[0023] As is readily apparent when viewing FIG. 1, the grip 10 of the present invention preferably modifies the overall shape and configuration of the hand-hold portion 102 of the controller. This differs from prior art devices that merely added an additional layer of softer material to the controller, but did not change the ergonomic or position-specific characteristics of the hand-hold section 102, specifically as it relates to finger position and wrist orientation during use. When using one or more embodiments of the grip 10, the user's fingers are less constricted around the hand-hold section 102, increasing blood flow to the extremities and reducing joint and muscle fatigue over time. Additionally or alternatively, the base section 18 allows the user to rest the controller on a flat surface during use, reducing the weight in the user's hand and / or unnecessary rotation of the wrist over long periods of time.

[0024] The preferred embodiment of grip 10 has a unitary body 12 having a longitudinal axis 14. Body 12 defines a cavity 16 that is preferably oriented and extends along longitudinal axis 14. Cavity 16 is configured (i.e., sized and shaped) to closely receive hand-hold portion 102 of controller 100 therein. The term "hand-hold portion of controller" is used herein to identify that portion of a game controller that a user typically holds in their hand, in the palm of their hand during play, but may not include the controls, including one or more buttons 106 and / or joystick 108.

[0025] The body 12 may include a base section 18, a finger grip section 20, and a palm support section 22. As best seen in FIG. 1, when attached to the controller 100, the grip 10 allows the controller 100 to remain upright when placed on a flat surface. For this reason, it is desirable for the base section 18 to define a generally flat bottom surface 24. In addition, the bottom surface 24 of the base section 18 preferably has a sufficient surface area to provide stable support for the controller. It may also be advantageous to create the base section 18 with a greater mass and / or a reinforced structure to provide the base section 18 with desired rigidity. Additionally, or alternatively, the body 12 may define a larger, wider, longer, or otherwise more pronounced lip region 36, as described in further detail below. Additionally, or alternatively, embodiments of the body 12 may define one or more recessed grooves, particularly around the perimeter of one or more sides of the grip 10.

[0026] The finger grip section 20 of the grip 10 preferably defines a plurality of spaced apart ridges 26, 28 and valleys 30, 32, 34 in the areas between the ridges 26, 28. The ridges 26, 28 and valleys 30, 32, 34 define spaces for accommodating the fingers of a user when holding the grip 10. In operating a game controller, the user's thumb and index finger are typically required to operate the various buttons 106 and joystick 108 on the controller to control game actions, while the remaining fingers are not used. Thus, the ridges 26, 28 and valleys 30, 32 on the finger grip section 20 are preferably configured to accommodate the middle, ring, and pinky fingers of a hand (not shown). If the index finger is not required for play, a valley 34 may be provided to accommodate the index finger.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the base section 18 may have an elongated forward protrusion forming lip region 36 (most prominent in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6) that may further support the user's fingers during play and help prevent the user's hand from slipping and losing contact with the controller. Additionally, or alternatively, the elongated forward protrusion forming lip region 36 is configured to facilitate the user "rolling" the controller slightly forward while the base section 18 is being placed, for example, on the user's leg. This may allow the user to change the angle of the controller during gameplay and / or allow for adjustment of the user's wrist for maximum comfort.

[0028] The palm support section 22 is generally located opposite the finger grip section 20 of the grip 10. When holding the controller 100, the user's hand is typically curved into a loose fist around the grip 10. When curved into a loose fist, the palm of the hand forms a concave surface. In order to best conform to the shape of the hand while using the controller, the palm support section 22 has a gently convex outer surface that corresponds to the curved concave surface of the palm.

[0029] The palm support surface 22 is contoured to be narrowest near the base section 18 and widest at the top end 40 of the body 12 away from the base section 18, giving the body 12 the overall shape and appearance of a frustum cone. The wider portion of the palm support section 22 at the top end 40 of the body 12 provides support for the thumb pad as the user's hand wraps around the grip 10. The configuration of the palm support section 22 forms a ridge 38 (FIG. 6) that conforms to the point where the user's palm and thumb pad join the wrist, commonly known as the "base" of the hand. The ridge 38 defines the boundary between the palm support section 22 and the finger grip section 20. Thus, the grip 10 supports the user's entire hand (palm, fingers, thumb pad) while still allowing unrestricted movement of the thumb and index finger to operate the various buttons 106 and joystick 108 on the controller 100.

[0030] Referring now to the embodiment of Figures 7-11, the grip 210 shown therein is configured to fit a controller for a second gaming system, e.g., a PlayStation 4 gaming system, and is essentially the same as the grip 10 shown in Figures 1-6, apart from appearance differences resulting from the different shapes of the respective controllers.

[0031] The grip 210 has a unitary body 212 having a longitudinal axis 214. The body 212 may define a cavity 216 oriented along the longitudinal axis 214. The cavity 216 is configured (i.e., sized and shaped) to closely receive therein a hand-hold portion of a controller of a second game system.

[0032] The body 212 has a base section 218, a finger grip section 220, and a palm support section 222. When attached to the controller, the base section 218 allows the controller to remain upright when placed on a flat surface. For this reason, it is desirable for the base section 218 to have a generally flat bottom surface 224. Furthermore, the bottom surface 224 of the base section 218 preferably has a sufficient surface area to provide stable support for the controller. It may also be advantageous to create the base section 218 with a greater mass and / or a reinforced structure to provide the base section 218 with desired rigidity. Additionally or alternatively, the body 212 may define a larger, wider, longer, or otherwise more pronounced lip region 236, as described in further detail below. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of the body 212 may define one or more recessed grooves, particularly around the perimeter of one or more aspects of the grip 210.

[0033] The finger grip section 220 of the grip 210 may define a plurality of spaced apart ridges 226, 228 and valleys 230, 232, 234 in the areas between the ridges 226, 228, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. The ridges 226, 228 and valleys 230, 232, 234 define spaces for accommodating the fingers of a user when holding the grip 210. When operating a game controller, the user's thumb and index finger are typically required to operate various buttons on the controller to control game actions, while the remaining fingers are not used. Thus, the ridges 226, 228 and valleys 230, 232 on the finger section 220 are preferably configured to accommodate the middle, ring, and pinky fingers of a hand. If the index finger is not required for play, a valley 234 may be provided to accommodate the index finger.

[0034] In an embodiment, the base section 218 may have an extended forward protrusion forming a lip region 236 that may further support the user's fingers during play and help prevent the user's hand from slipping and losing contact with the controller. The extended lip region 236 also increases the surface area of ​​the base section 218, which helps provide a stable stand when the controller is stored upright. Additionally or alternatively, the extended forward protrusion forming lip region 236 is configured to facilitate the user "rolling" the controller slightly forward while the base section 218 is being placed, for example, on the user's leg. This may allow the user to change the angle of the controller during gameplay and / or allow for adjustment of the user's wrist for maximum comfort.

[0035] The palm support section 222 is generally located opposite the finger grip section 220 of the grip 210. When holding the controller, a user's hand is typically curved into a loose fist around the grip 10. When curved into a loose fist, the palm of the hand forms a concave surface. In order to best conform to the shape of the hand while using the controller, the palm support section 222 has a gently convex outer surface that corresponds to the curved concave surface of the palm.

[0036] The palm support surface 222 is contoured to be narrowest near the base section 218 and widest at the top end 240 of the body 212 away from the base section 218, giving the body 212 the overall shape and appearance of a frustum cone. The wider portion of the palm support section 222 at the top end 240 of the body 212 supports the pad of the thumb when the user's hand wraps around the grip 210. The configuration of the palm support section 222 forms a ridge 238 that conforms to the base of the hand (i.e., the point where the palm and thumb pad meet the wrist). Thus, the grip 210 supports the user's entire hand (palm, fingers, thumb pad) while still allowing unrestricted movement of the thumb and index finger to operate the various buttons and joysticks on the controller.

[0037] The grips 10, 210 can be made from a number of different materials, but it is preferred to use a material that provides a comfortable tactile feel to the user and is soft and easy to hold. Most preferred are natural or synthetic polymers and blends thereof, such as silicone rubber blends. The grips 10, 210 can be made by any suitable process consistent with the material selected to make the grips, such as casting, molding, 3D printing, etc.

[0038] In the drawings and specification, preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and specific terms have been employed, but they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the appended claims. Modifications and alternatives which may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing disclosure are intended to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A grip for a video game controller of the type having a hand-hold section, said grip comprising a one-piece body; The one-piece body comprises: a finger-grip section defining a plurality of spaced apart ridges, the plurality of spaced apart ridges defining valleys between the ridges, the valleys and the ridges defining spaces sized to receive one or more fingers of a user; a base section, the unitary body defining a longitudinal axis and the finger-grip section terminating in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis; the one-piece body defines a cavity oriented along the longitudinal axis, the cavity sized and shaped to receive a handhold section of the video game controller therein, and the base section configured to function as a stand to allow the video game controller to remain upright when placed on a flat surface; A grip, wherein the base section defines an elongated forward protrusion extending beyond a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis, the elongated forward protrusion defines a lip protrusion located distal to the longitudinal axis and located beyond a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis, a portion of the elongated forward protrusion extending beyond the plane parallel to the longitudinal axis, the lip protrusion defining upper and lower surfaces extending away from the flat surface, and the elongated forward protrusion and lip protrusion form a lip area to support a user's fingers and prevent the user's little finger from moving laterally and / or longitudinally away from the video game controller.

2. The grip of claim 1 , wherein the base section defines a flat bottom surface.

3. The grip of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a palm support section.

4. The grip of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a palm support section, and the base section has a flat bottom surface.

5. 2. The grip of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a palm support section, the base section having a flat bottom surface, the palm support section positioned opposite the finger grip section, the palm support section having a convex outer surface.

6. 2. The grip of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a palm support section, the palm support section defining a shape that is narrowest adjacent the base section and widest at an upper end of the body, the upper end being distal to the base section.

7. 2. The grip of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a palm support section, the palm support section defining a shape that is narrowest adjacent the base section and widest at an upper end of the body, the upper end being spaced from the base section, the palm support section further including a ridge defining a boundary between the finger grip section and the palm support section.

8. 10. The grip of claim 1 comprising a silicone rubber material.

9. The grip of claim 1 , wherein the base section is stronger relative to the unitary body.

10. The grip of claim 1 , wherein the grip is formed from a natural or synthetic polymeric material.

11. 2. The grip of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a palm support section, the base section being stronger relative to the unitary body and having a generally flat bottom surface, the palm support section being positioned opposite the finger-grip section, the palm support section having a convex outer surface, the palm support section defining a shape that is narrowest adjacent the base section and widest at an upper end of the body, the upper end being away from the base section, the body defining a frusto-conical shape, and the palm support section further including a ridge defining a boundary between the finger-grip section and the palm support section.

12. A grip for a video game controller of the type having a hand-hold section, comprising: the grip comprises a unitary body including a finger-grip section and a base section, the unitary body defining a longitudinal axis, the finger-grip section terminating in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis; the unitary body defining a cavity oriented along the longitudinal axis; the cavity is sized and configured to receive a hand-hold section of the video game controller therein; A grip, wherein the base section is configured to function as a stand to allow the video game controller to remain upright when placed on a flat surface, the base section defines an elongated front protrusion extending beyond a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis, the elongated front protrusion defines a lip protrusion located distal to the longitudinal axis and located beyond the plane parallel to the longitudinal axis, a portion of the elongated front protrusion extends beyond the plane parallel to the longitudinal axis, the lip protrusion defines upper and lower surfaces extending away from the flat surface, and the elongated front protrusion and the lip protrusion form a lip area to support the user's fingers and prevent the user's little finger from moving laterally and / or longitudinally from the video game controller.

13. A grip as described in claim 12, wherein the base section defines a flat bottom surface.

14. A grip as described in claim 12, wherein the base section has a flat bottom surface and the finger grip section has a plurality of spaced apart ridges defining valleys between the ridges, the valleys and ridges defining spaces sized to receive one or more fingers of a user.

15. A grip as described in claim 12, wherein the body further comprises a palm support section.

16. A grip as described in claim 15, wherein the palm support section is positioned opposite the finger grip section, and the palm support section has a convex outer surface.

17. A grip as described in claim 15, wherein the palm support section further includes a ridge defining a boundary between the finger grip section and the palm support section.

18. The body further comprises a palm support section, the base section being stronger than the one-piece body and having a flat bottom surface; the finger grip section having a plurality of spaced apart ridges defining valleys between the ridges, the valleys and ridges defining a space sized to receive one or more fingers of a user; the palm support section is positioned opposite the finger grip section, the palm support section having a convex outer surface; the palm support section defines a shape that is narrowest adjacent the base section and widest at an upper end of the body, the upper end being distal to the base section; the body defines a frusto-conical shape; The grip of claim 1 , wherein the palm support section further includes a ridge defining a boundary between the finger grip section and the palm support section.

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