Joystick

Details Joystick Joystick

1990-07-12

1991-04-30

Coven, Edward M.

Amusement devices: games

Games accessories

All video game accessories

A63B 7100

Patent

active

050111493

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a joystick controller, e.g. for use with computers when playing games.
In general known joystick controllers are either hand-held or arranged for mounting on the desk top and provided with suction pads for holding them down. The hand-held joystick controllers are generally suited to right handed people only.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention as seen from one aspect, there is provided a joystick controller comprising a base having a joystick projecting upwardly therefrom, the base being shaped for holding in the palm of the hand but having a portion which is displaceable to enable the joystick to be mounted on a desktop, the base being provided with a suction pad for holding the joystick to the desktop when said portion is appropriately displaced.
Preferably the base of the joystick is formed with a curved bottom suited equally for holding in the right or left hand. The displaceable portion of the base may be hinged outwards to form a flat bottom to the base, suited for standing on the desktop. Preferably there are two portions which hinge outwards in opposite directions and which are provided with respective suction pads.
Known joystick controllers generally include microswitches, leaf switches or small flexible tabs for effecting the different electrical contacts. All of these have limited reliability. The electrical contacts are generally disposed in the base of the joystick controller, with a tendency for the base to be rather large.
In accordance with this invention as seen from another aspect, there is provided a joystick controller, which comprises a base, an elongate element fixed to the base and projecting upwardly therefrom, a tubular joystick positioned around the fixed elongate element and pivotally mounted to the base, and electrical contacts carried by one of the tubular joystick and the elongate element arranged to make selectively with the other of the tubular joystick and the element depending on the direction in which the tubular joystick is tilted.
By removing the electrical contacts from the base and disposing them within the joystick itself, more room is left in the base for other components such as autofire circuitry. Also or instead, the base may be made smaller to suit a smaller hand.
The electrical contacts are preferably direct-acting so as to be more reliable. Preferably the contacts are adjustable for contact point distance so that the feel of the joystick controller can be adjusted to the user's preference. Further with these types of electrical contact, a "fire" button can be mounted at the top of the joystick, which is preferable to being positioned on the base.
Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical section through one embodiment of joystick controller in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-section on the line II--II of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical section through the upper end of a modified joystick;
FIG. 4 is a section on the line IV--IV of Fig. 3 shown with the electrical contacts removed from their carrier insert; and
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the components of the electrical contacts.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a joystick 20 projecting upwardly from the base. The base 10 has two bottom portions 12, 12 which are hinged to the upper portion 14 of the base at opposite edges 16, 16. The upper portion 14 has a flat bottom periphery and the hinged portions 12, 12 have flat surfaces which close onto the flat bottom of upper portion 14, as shown. When the hinged portions 12, 12 are closed as shown, they present a convex curved bottom surface 17 to the base, which is shaped for the joystick to be held comfortably in the palm of the hand, equally whether the right or left hand. However, when the portions 12, 12 of the base are hinged outwards in opposite directions from th

REFERENCES:
patent: 3268680 (1966-08-01), Anderson
patent: 4422640 (1983-12-01), Tamarkin
patent: 4504059 (1985-03-01), Weinreib
patent: 4520894 (1985-06-01), Hensler
patent: 4573682 (1986-03-01), Mayon

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