Dual input adapter for a controller

Abstract

To provide a dual input adapter which enables a user to increase the number of input parts on a controller.SOLUTION: A dual input adapter for a controller includes a housing having a base defining a base hole and an arm extending radially outward from the base, the arm defining a recess. The dual input adapter further includes a first input disposed within the base bore and a second input disposed within the recess of the arm. The first wiring system of the first input and the second wiring system of the second input each extend through a base hole of the base.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments described herein relate to input adapters for controllers, and more particularly to dual input adapters that allow users to increase the number of inputs on a controller. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Arcade-style video game controllers are a staple in both casual and competitive gaming environments, providing a tactile and responsive interface for a variety of games. Traditional arcade-style controllers typically provide a joystick or button for movement and multiple buttons for in-game actions, such as jumping, dashing, kicking, punching, and other similar actions. Generally, the number of buttons utilized on a particular controller correlates to the number of actions a user can take within the game environment. However, as the video game industry advances, the number of actions a user can take within various game environments increases, and thus the number of buttons that a traditional arcade-style controller can accommodate may be insufficient to perform each of the actions available within the game environment.

[0003] As a result, users of traditional arcade-style controllers often resort to modifying their traditional controllers to add buttons or other input mechanisms to accommodate modern gaming environments. These modifications often introduce structural and / or wiring issues into the controller, which interfere with the ergonomic design of the controller and affect the user's gameplay experience. Therefore, there is a need for an input adapter for a controller that allows users to add additional buttons to a traditional controller. Summary of the Invention

[0004]

[0004] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a dual-input adapter is disclosed. The dual-input adapter for a controller includes a housing having a base defining a base hole and an arm extending radially outward from the base, the arm defining a recess. The dual-input adapter further includes a first input disposed within the base hole and a second input disposed within the recess of the arm. A first wiring system for the first input and a second wiring system for the second input each extend through the base hole in the base.

[0005] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a controller is disclosed. The controller includes a casing, a plurality of input holes formed in the casing, a plurality of inputs disposed within the plurality of input holes, and at least one dual-input adapter disposed within at least one of the plurality of input holes. The at least one dual-input adapter includes a housing having a base defining a base hole and an arm extending radially outward from the base, the arm defining a recess. The dual-input adapter further includes a first input disposed within the base hole and a second input disposed within the recess of the arm. A first wiring system of the first input and a second wiring system of the second input each extend through the base hole of the base and at least one of the plurality of input holes.

[0006] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is disclosed for retrofitting a controller with a dual input adapter, the method including the steps of removing inputs from input holes formed in a casing of the controller, extending a first wiring system of a first input of the dual input adapter and a second wiring system of a second input of the dual input adapter through a base of a casing of the dual input adapter, inserting the dual input adapter into the input holes such that the base of the casing of the dual input adapter extends into the input holes and the arms of the dual input adapter are positioned on a surface of the casing of the controller, and electrically coupling the first wiring system of the first input and the second wiring system of the second input to a circuit board of the controller via the input holes.

[0007]

[0007] These aspects and other advantages and features will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

[0008]

[0008] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are exemplary and illustrative in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a controller including a dual-input adapter according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2A] 2 is a perspective view of a housing of the dual input adapter of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2B] 2B is a top view of the housing of FIG. 2A according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of the dual input adapter of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 4] 2 is a front view of the dual input adapter of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 5] 2 is a rear view of the dual input adapter of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 6A] 2 is a left side view of the dual input adapter of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 6B] 2 is a right side view of the dual input adapter of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 7A] 2 is a bottom view of the dual input adapter of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 7B] 2 is a bottom perspective view of the dual input adapter of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an example flow diagram of a method for installing a dual-input adapter in a controller according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[0020]

[0003] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a dual-input adapter for a controller. The dual-input adapter for a controller includes a housing having a base defining a base hole and an arm extending radially outward from the base, the arm defining a recess. The dual-input adapter further includes a first input disposed within the base hole and a second input disposed within the recess of the arm. A first wiring system for the first input and a second wiring system for the second input each extend through the base hole in the base. In embodiments described herein, the dual-input adapter can replace a conventional controller input, thereby allowing a user to customize and / or modify a controller to increase the number of available inputs on the controller.

[0011]

[0021] As can be appreciated, arcade-style video game controllers are commonly used in both casual and competitive gaming environments, providing a tactile and responsive interface for a variety of games. Traditional arcade-style controllers typically provide a joystick or button for movement and multiple buttons for in-game actions, such as jumping, dashing, kicking, punching, and other similar actions. However, standard arcade-style controllers are limited when users want to customize the controller with additional buttons. For example, existing controllers do not support adding extra buttons through standard button holes. Instead, users are often forced to drill additional holes in the controller casing or rely on other cumbersome and unreliable modification methods. These modifications often result in messy, non-flush wiring and can further compromise the integrity and aesthetics of the controller. Furthermore, such modifications often interfere with the ergonomic design of the controller, which can negatively impact a user's gameplay experience.

[0012]

[0022] The disclosed dual input adapter aims to solve these problems by providing a button extender that allows users to add additional buttons to a conventional arcade-style controller without modifying the controller's physical structure. In particular, the dual input adapter includes multiple input mechanisms, such as a primary button and a secondary button, each of which may be secured within the adapter's housing. In these embodiments, the primary button may be receivable within a standard buttonhole formed within the casing of a conventional controller, and the secondary button may be attached to an arm of the housing that extends outward from the primary button. Wiring for the secondary button may extend through the adapter's housing and into the buttonhole in which the primary button is secured, allowing the secondary button to be seamlessly integrated into the controller casing without compromising the controller's structural integrity. By utilizing the dual input adapter described herein, users can customize their arcade-style controllers with additional buttons, enhancing controller functionality while preserving the controller's original design and ergonomics.

[0013]

[0023] Embodiments of a dual-input adapter, a controller, and a method for installing a dual-input adapter will now be described in further detail herein. These dual-input adapters, controllers, and methods will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which like numbers refer to like structure.

[0014]

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a controller 10 is shown. In these embodiments, the controller 10 may be an arcade-type video game controller or any other similar video game controller configured to allow a user to provide input to a game environment. As further shown in FIG. 1 , the controller 10 may include a casing 12, such as a shell or any other similar housing-like structure, and a plurality of inputs 14. In these embodiments, the plurality of inputs 14 may include buttons, a D-pad, triggers, bumpers, analog sticks, a touchpad, or any other similar inputs that allow a user to interact with a game environment. The plurality of inputs 14 may be received within a plurality of input holes 16 formed in the casing 12 of the controller 10. For example, in these embodiments, each of the plurality of inputs 14 may be associated with one of the plurality of input holes 16 such that the number of the plurality of inputs 14 equals the number of the plurality of input holes 16.

[0015]

[0025] As further shown in FIG. 1 , the controller 10 may further include a dual input adapter 20, which may enable a user to increase the number of multiple inputs 14 on the controller 10 without modifying the casing 12 of the controller 10 or increasing the number of multiple input holes 16. In these embodiments, the dual input adapter 20 may include multiple inputs that are confined within the casing 22 of the dual input adapter 20, with the wiring and / or circuitry of each of the multiple inputs extending through a common one of the multiple input holes 16 formed in the casing 12 of the controller 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the dual input adapter 20 may include at least a first input and a second input secured within the casing 22 of the dual input adapter 20. Thus, by utilizing the dual input adapter 20 shown in FIG. 1 , a user can customize and / or modify the controller 10 so that the number of multiple inputs 14 exceeds the number of multiple input holes 16.

[0016]

[0026] 1 is shown including a single dual input adapter 20, it should be understood that the controller 10 may include any number of dual input adapters 20 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in these embodiments, each of the multiple input holes 16 may receive a dual input adapter 20, thereby allowing a user to double the number of multiple inputs 14 of the controller 10 without making structural modifications to the casing 12 of the controller 10. Dual input adapters 20 are described in further detail herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-8B.

[0017]

[0027] 2A and 2B , the housing 22 of the dual input adapter 20 is shown in further detail. In these embodiments, the housing 22 may include a base 30 that may be configured to receive a first input of the multiple inputs 14. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the base 30 of the housing 22 may be circular in shape and may further include multiple protrusions 32 extending radially outward from the base 30 of the housing 22. In these embodiments, the multiple protrusions 32 may be elastically deformable (e.g., depressible in the +x direction shown on the coordinate axes in FIGS. 2A and 2B ) to allow the base 30 of the housing 22 to be positioned within one of the multiple input holes 16 formed in the casing 12 of the controller 10 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). For example, in these embodiments, a user can depress each of the multiple protrusions 32 to position the base 30 of the housing 22 within one of the multiple input holes 16. When the base 30 of the housing 22 is positioned within a corresponding one of the multiple input holes 16, the multiple protrusions 32 can be released, such that each of the multiple protrusions 32 is forced radially outward, securing the base 30 of the housing 22 within the corresponding one of the multiple input holes 16.

[0018]

[0028] 2A and 2B, the base 30 may further include a rim 34 extending around (e.g., circumferentially) the periphery of the base 30, the rim 34 defining a base hole 36 extending through the base 30. In these embodiments, an input, such as a first input, may be disposed within the base hole 36 such that the input contacts the rim 34 of the base 30, while the first wiring of the input extends through the base hole 36 to be coupled to the internal circuitry of the controller 10. The input's interface and the housing 22 of the dual input adapter 20 are described in further detail herein with reference to FIGS. 3-8B.

[0019]

[0029] 2A and 2B, the housing 22 may further include an arm 40 that may extend radially outward from the base 30 of the housing 22. In these embodiments, the arm 40 may include a recess 42 that may be configured to receive an input, such as a second input, as described in further detail herein with reference to FIGS. 3-8B. The recess 42 may further include an arm opening 44 that extends at least partially through the arm 40, such that a second wiring system from the second input can extend through the arm opening 44. In these embodiments, the base 30 may also include a base opening 38 disposed adjacent to the opening 44 that extends at least partially through the arm 40. Thus, the second wiring system of the second input can extend through the arm opening 44, the base opening 38, into the base hole 36, and back through the base hole 36, such that the first wiring system and the second wiring system for each of the first input and second input of the dual input adapter 20 can be received in the same one of the multiple input holes 16 formed in the controller 10.

[0020]

[0030] 3-7B, a dual-input adapter 20 is shown having multiple inputs disposed within housing 22. For example, in these embodiments, base 30 may be configured to receive first input 50, and arm 40 of housing 22 may be configured to receive second input 60.

[0021]

[0031] As described above herein, the first input 50 may be a button or any other similar input that may be configured to be received within the base 30 of the housing 22. For example, in these embodiments, the first input 50 may be a circular button such that an edge of the button abuts the rim 34 of the base 30 of the housing 22 when the first input 50 is placed within the housing 22. In these embodiments, a first wiring system (not shown) of the first input 50 may extend through a base hole 36 formed in the base 30 such that the first input 50 may be coupled to the internal circuitry of the controller 10. Once the first input 50 is secured within the base 30 of the housing 22 and communicatively coupled to the controller 10, the first input 50 may be actuated (e.g., depressed, etc.) to enable a user to manipulate the game environment.

[0022]

[0032] 3-7B , the second input 60 may be a button or any other similar input that may be configured to be received within a recess 42 formed in the arm 40 of the housing 22. For example, in these embodiments, the second input 60 may be a square-shaped button such that an edge of the second input 60 abuts the recess 42 formed in the arm 40 of the housing 22. In these embodiments, the second wiring 62 of the second input 60 may extend through an arm opening 44 formed in the recess 42 of the arm 40 and through a base opening 38 formed in the base 30 of the housing 22. Accordingly, the second wiring 62 of the second input 60 may extend through a base hole 36 formed in the base 30 of the housing 22, and thus the second input 60 and the first input 50 can be communicatively coupled to the controller 10 via a common (e.g., shared) input hole 16 formed in the controller 10.

[0023]

[0033] In the embodiments described herein, the second input unit 60 may be a low-profile input unit, such as a low-profile button. For example, as most clearly shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , a low-profile button may be utilized as the second input unit 60 such that the second input unit top surface 60 a of the second input unit 60 and the first input unit top surface 50 a of the first input unit 50 are disposed on a common plane. By disposing the top surface 50 a of the first input unit 50 and the top surface 60 a of the second input unit 60 on a common plane, a user can use their thumb or finger to manually translate between the first input unit 50 and the second input unit 60 without obstruction.

[0024]

[0034] To further assist a user in minimizing interference when translating between the first input unit 50 and the second input unit 60, the arm 40 of the dual input adapter 20 may further include an arched portion 46. As shown in FIGS. 3-7B , the arched portion 46 of the arm 40 may extend between the base 30 of the housing 22 and a recess 42 formed in the arm 40. In these embodiments, the arched portion 46 of the arm 40 may be configured to adjust the height of the arm 40 relative to the base 30 of the housing 22. Thus, the curvature of the arched portion 46 of the arm 40 may be configured such that the top surface 50 a of the first input unit 50 and the top surface 60 a of the second input unit 60 are positioned in a common plane when the dual input adapter 20 is placed within the casing 12 of the controller 10.

[0025]

[0035] 1-7B , it should be understood that the base 30 of the housing 22 may extend into at least one of the plurality of input holes 16 formed in the casing 12 of the controller 10, while the arm 40 of the housing 22 is disposed on the surface of the casing 12 of the controller 10. Thus, in these embodiments, the arched portion 46 of the arm 40 may further increase the versatility of the position of the dual input adapter 20 when the dual input adapter 20 is secured to the controller 10. For example, in some embodiments, the curvature of the arched portion 46 of the arm 40 may be such that the arm 40 may be positioned to extend at least partially over the rim of an adjacent one of the plurality of inputs 14. In these embodiments, the overlap between the arm 40 and the rim of the adjacent input may reduce the proximity between the second input 60 and the adjacent input on the controller 10, thereby enhancing the user's ability to customize the overall layout of the plurality of inputs 14 on the controller 10.

[0026] 1-7B , it should be further understood that the length of the arm 40 can be configured to accommodate various ergonomic preferences. For example, a user with relatively small hands may prefer that the first input unit 50 be positioned closer to the second input unit 60, while a user with larger hands may prefer that there be greater proximity between the first input unit 50 and the second input unit 60. It should be further understood that in the embodiments described herein, the proximity (e.g., closeness) of the first input unit 50 and the second input unit 60 may further allow a user (of any hand size) to adjust the proximity of the first input unit 50 and / or the second input unit 60 relative to additional input units 14 disposed on the controller 10. In particular, the proximity of the inputs (e.g., first input 50 and second input 60 and multiple inputs 14) may alter the ergonomic range of motion required to reach multiple inputs 14 disposed on controller 10, so that a user can reach each of the inputs with minimal effort and hand strain. In these embodiments, the proximity of first input 50 and second input 60 also allows a user to utilize multiple inputs simultaneously with a single finger or thumb. Accordingly, it should be understood that arm 40 may be configured to have any length, as may be desired by a particular user, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027]

[0036] Furthermore, while the first input unit 50 is illustrated as a circular button and the second input unit 60 is illustrated as a square button, it should be understood that the first input unit 50 and the second input unit 60 can be input units of any size and / or shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that in these embodiments, the first input unit 50 and the second input unit 60 can be the same input unit or different input units. For example, in some embodiments, the first input unit 50 and the second input unit 60 can each include a square button, a circular button, or any other similar input unit, while in other embodiments (such as those shown in FIGS. 1-7B ), the first input unit 50 and the second input unit 60 can be input units having different types (e.g., shapes, sizes, and / or functions).

[0028]

[0037] Although not shown, it should be understood that in embodiments, housing 22 may include multiple arms 40. Thus, in these embodiments, dual input adapter 20 may include any number of inputs equal to the number of arms 40 extending from housing 22. As such, dual input adapter 20 may include three, four, five, or any other number of inputs with wiring extending through a shared input hole of multiple input holes 16 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0029]

[0038] 1-7B , it should be understood that the housing 22 is formed as a single, unitary structure such that the arm 40 is integrally formed with and extends from the base 30 of the housing 22 of the dual input adapter 20. Thus, the arm 40 of the housing 22 may be fixed (e.g., with respect to proximity and angular orientation) relative to the base 30 of the housing 22. In these embodiments, when the base 30 of the housing 22 is inserted into one of the multiple input holes 16 formed in the controller 10, the arm 40 may be positioned on the surface of the controller 10 in a specific location desired by the user. The unitary structure of the housing 22 may then ensure that the second input portion 60 does not translate relative to the first input portion 50 during the user's gameplay.

[0030]

[0039] It should be further understood that, although not shown, in some embodiments, the arm 40 may be a separate structure coupled to the base 30 of the housing 22. In these embodiments, the arm 40 may be rotatable about the base 30 of the housing 22 so that a user can adjust the placement of the arm 40 on the surface of the controller 10 after the base 30 of the housing 22 is secured within one of the plurality of input holes 16. In this embodiment, the arm 40 and / or the base 30 of the housing 22 may further include a locking mechanism configured to secure the arm 40 in a desired orientation relative to the base 30 of the housing 22.

[0031]

[0040] Additionally, in other embodiments, the arm 40 may be extendable relative to the base 30 of the housing 22 to allow a user to adjust the proximity between the first input 50 and the second input 60. In these embodiments, the arm 40 may include a first arm member and a second arm member, the second arm member including a recess 42 for accommodating the second input 60 and being translatable relative to the first arm member. As will be appreciated, translation (e.g., longitudinally) of the second arm member relative to the first arm member may allow a user to adjust the proximity between the second input 60 and the first input 50 secured within the base 30 of the housing. In these embodiments, the first arm member and / or the second arm member may further include a locking mechanism configured to lock the first arm member and / or the second arm member in place when the user achieves a desired proximity between the first input and the second input.

[0032]

[0041] 8, an exemplary flow diagram of a method 800 for retrofitting a controller with a dual input adapter is disclosed. As shown in block 810, the method may include removing an input from an input hole formed in a casing of the controller.

[0033]

[0042] With the inputs removed from the input holes, the method may proceed to block 820 and may include extending a first wiring system for the first input of the dual input adapter and a second wiring system for the second input of the dual input adapter through a base of a housing of the dual input adapter. In these embodiments, the housing may include a base configured to accommodate the first input and an arm configured to accommodate the second input, the arm extending radially outward from the base of the housing. Further, in embodiments described herein, the method of extending a second wiring system for the second input through a base of the housing may further include extending the second wiring system through an arm opening formed in a recess of the arm and through a base opening formed in the base of the housing.

[0034]

[0043] After the first wiring system of the first input and the second wiring system of the second input are each inserted through the base, the method may proceed to block 830 and may include inserting the dual input adapter into the input hole such that the base of the housing of the dual input adapter extends into the input hole and the arms of the dual input adapter are positioned on a surface of the casing of the controller. With the dual input adapter positioned on the controller, the method may proceed to block 840 and may include electrically coupling the first wiring system of the first input and the second wiring system of the second input to a circuit board of the controller via the common input hole.

[0035]

[0044] In view of the above, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein relate to a dual-input adapter for a controller, a controller, and a method for modifying a controller using the dual-input adapter. The dual-input adapter for a controller includes a housing having a base defining a base hole and an arm extending radially outward from the base, the arm defining a recess. The dual-input adapter further includes a first input disposed within the base hole and a second input disposed within the recess of the arm. A first wiring system for the first input and a second wiring system for the second input each extend through the base hole in the base. In the embodiments described herein, the dual-input adapter can replace a conventional controller input, thereby allowing a user to customize and / or modify a controller to increase the number of available inputs on the controller.

[0036]

[0045] The embodiments disclosed herein can be further described with reference to the following aspects.

[0037]

[0046] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, a dual input adapter for a controller includes a housing including a base defining a base hole, an arm extending radially outward from the base, the arm defining a recess, a first input disposed within the base hole, and a second input disposed within the recess in the arm, wherein a first wiring system of the first input and a second wiring system of the second input each extend through the base hole in the base.

[0038]

[0047] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the base further comprises a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the base.

[0039]

[0048] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of protrusions are elastically deformable.

[0040]

[0049] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the base further comprises a rim extending around an outer periphery of the base, and the first input portion is disposed within the base so as to abut the rim of the base.

[0041]

[0050] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the arm recess further includes an arm opening extending at least partially through the arm.

[0042]

[0051] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the base further comprises a base opening disposed adjacent the arm opening.

[0043]

[0052] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the second wiring system of the second input extends through the arm opening and the base opening and into the base hole.

[0044]

[0053] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the second input is a low-profile button.

[0045]

[0054] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the first input portion top surface of the first input portion and the second input portion top surface of the second input portion are disposed on a common plane.

[0046]

[0055] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the arm further comprises an arch portion extending between the recess and the base.

[0047]

[0056] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, a controller includes a casing, a plurality of input holes formed in the casing, a plurality of inputs disposed within the plurality of input holes, and at least one dual input adapter disposed in at least one of the plurality of input holes, the at least one dual input adapter comprising: a housing having a base extending into at least one of the plurality of input holes, the base defining a base hole; and an arm extending radially outward from the base and disposed on a surface of the casing of the controller, the arm defining a recess; a first input disposed within the base hole; and a second input disposed within the recess of the arm, wherein a first wiring system of the first input and a second wiring system of the second input each extend through the base hole of the base and at least one of the plurality of input holes.

[0048]

[0057] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the base of the dual-input adapter further comprises a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the base to abut against the casing of the controller.

[0049]

[0058] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the arm recess of the dual input adapter further includes an arm opening extending at least partially through the arm.

[0050]

[0059] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the base of the dual-input adapter further comprises a base opening disposed adjacent to the arm opening.

[0051]

[0060] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, a second wiring system of the second input extends through the arm opening and the base opening and into a base hole disposed within at least one of the plurality of input holes.

[0052]

[0061] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the second input of the dual-input adapter is a low-profile button.

[0053]

[0062] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the first input portion top surface of the first input portion and the second input portion top surface of the second input portion are disposed on a common plane.

[0054]

[0063] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, the arm of the dual-input adapter further comprises an arch portion extending between the recess and the base.

[0055]

[0064] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, an arch portion of the arm of the dual input adapter has a curvature such that the arm of the dual input adapter extends at least partially over adjacent ones of the inputs of the controller.

[0056]

[0065] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, and potentially in combination with other disclosed aspects of the present disclosure, a method of retrofitting a controller with a dual input adapter includes the steps of removing an input from an input hole formed in a casing of the controller; extending a first wiring system of a first input of the dual input adapter and a second wiring system of a second input of the dual input adapter through a base of a casing of the dual input adapter; inserting the dual input adapter into the input hole such that the base of the casing of the dual input adapter extends into the input hole and the arms of the dual input adapter are positioned on a surface of the casing of the controller; and electrically coupling the first wiring system of the first input and the second wiring system of the second input to a circuit board of the controller via the input hole.

[0057]

[0066] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural, including "at least one," unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. "Or" means "and / or." As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprising" or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term "or combinations thereof" means combinations including at least one of the aforementioned elements.

[0058]

[0067] It should be noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" may be utilized herein to express the inherent degree of uncertainty that may result from any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to express the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from the stated standard without resulting in an alteration in the basic functionality of the subject matter in question.

[0059]

[0068] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter are described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10...controller, 12...casing, 14...input section, 16...input hole, 20...dual input adapter, 22...housing, 30...base, 32...protrusion, 36...base hole, 38...base opening, 40...arm, 42...recess, 44...arm opening, 46...arch portion, 50...first input section, 50a...top surface of first input section, 60...second input section, 60a...top surface of second input section, 62...second wiring system

Claims

1. a base defining a base hole; an arm extending radially outward from the base, the arm defining a recess; a housing comprising: a first input portion disposed within the base hole; a second input portion disposed within the recess of the arm; Equipped with a first wiring system of the first input portion and a second wiring system of the second input portion each extending through the base hole of the base; Dual input adapter for controllers.

2. The dual-input adapter of claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the base.

3. The dual-input adapter of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are elastically deformable.

4. 2. The dual-input adapter of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a rim extending around an outer periphery of the base, the first input being positioned within the base so as to abut the rim of the base.

5. The dual-input adapter of claim 1 , wherein the recess in the arm further includes an arm opening extending at least partially through the arm.

6. The dual-input adapter of claim 5 , wherein the base further comprises a base opening disposed adjacent the arm opening.

7. 7. The dual-input adapter of claim 6, wherein the second wiring system of the second input extends through the arm opening and the base opening and into the base hole.

8. 10. The dual-input adapter of claim 1, wherein the second input is a low-profile button.

9. 2. The dual-input adapter of claim 1, wherein a first input top surface of the first input portion and a second input top surface of the second input portion are disposed on a common plane.

10. The dual-input adapter of claim 1 , wherein the arm further comprises an arch portion extending between the recess and the base.

11. A casing; a plurality of input holes formed in the casing; A plurality of input units arranged in the plurality of input holes; at least one dual input adapter disposed in at least one of the plurality of input holes; A controller comprising: the at least one dual input adapter: a base extending into the at least one of the plurality of input holes, the base defining a base hole; an arm extending radially outward from the base and disposed on a surface of the casing of the controller, the arm defining a recess; a housing comprising: a first input portion disposed within the base hole; a second input portion disposed within the recess of the arm; Equipped with a first wiring system of the first input portion and a second wiring system of the second input portion each extending through the base hole of the base and the at least one of the plurality of input holes; controller.

12. The controller of claim 11 , wherein the base of the dual-input adapter further comprises a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the base for abutting the casing of the controller.

13. The controller of claim 11 , wherein the recess in the arm of the dual-input adapter further includes an arm opening extending at least partially through the arm.

14. The controller of claim 13 , wherein the base of the dual-input adapter further comprises a base opening disposed adjacent the arm opening.

15. 15. The controller of claim 14, wherein the second wiring system of the second input extends through the arm opening and the base opening and into the base opening disposed within the at least one of the plurality of input holes.

16. The controller of claim 11 , wherein the second input of the dual-input adapter is a low-profile button.

17. The controller of claim 11 , wherein a first input top surface of the first input portion and a second input top surface of the second input portion are disposed on a common plane.

18. The controller of claim 11 , wherein the arm of the dual-input adapter further comprises an arch portion extending between the recess and the base.

19. 20. The controller of claim 18, wherein the arched portion of the arm of the dual-input adapter has a curvature such that the arm of the dual-input adapter extends at least partially over adjacent ones of the plurality of inputs of the controller.

20. 1. A method for modifying a controller using a dual input adapter, comprising: removing an input unit from an input hole formed in a casing of the controller; extending a first wiring system for a first input of the dual-input adapter and a second wiring system for a second input of the dual-input adapter through a base of a housing of the dual-input adapter; inserting the dual input adapter into the input hole such that the base of the housing of the dual input adapter extends into the input hole and an arm of the dual input adapter is positioned on a surface of the casing of the controller; electrically coupling the first wiring system of the first input portion and the second wiring system of the second input portion to a circuit board of the controller through the input holes; A method comprising:

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