Amusement devices: games – Games accessories – All video game accessories
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-27
2001-06-05
Chiu, Raleigh W. (Department: 3711)
Amusement devices: games
Games accessories
All video game accessories
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241247
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention is directed to hand-held controllers such as controllers used to manipulate icons on a video screen and, more particularly to a controller that is ventilated to keep a user's hand dry and prevent perspiration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many types of hand-held controllers for electronic video games and portable electronic games. For example, one type of remote control is one which includes a housing with finger controls and is generally connected to a television or video screen by a cable. The housing is typically rectangular or square and is held so that the control buttons are within easy reach of the user's fingers and/or thumbs. Some remote controls may include handles or trigger grips. Most of the current controllers are usually made of hard plastic and may have a smooth surface. Alternatively, they may have a textured surface to enhance the gripping. Examples of such controllers can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,645,277, 5,046,739, Des. Pat. No. 362,692, Des. Pat. No. 342,762, and Des. Pat. No. 335,150.
However, users often hold the controllers for extended periods of time causing the hands to perspire. Perspiration may reduce the user's grip and may cause the controller to slip. Additionally, perspiration may simply create an uncomfortable feel for the user, promotes dirt build-up and contributes to the overall uncleanliness of the controller. Some controllers have attempted to overcome this problem by providing an absorbent material to wrap around or cover the controller. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,458 discloses such a cover for an electronic game controller. The cover is attached to the controller by a hook and loop fasteners. However, while this cover may be effective for absorbing perspiration it does nothing to prevent the hands from perspiring.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a controller that substantially eliminates the above-described problems by reducing or preventing perspiration build-up. The remote controller includes a housing with finger operated buttons that transmit signals to a video screen. This may be accomplished by wireless transmissions or through a cable. The controller may also be in the form of a computer mouse or a controller typically used with video games. The controller may further be in the form of a joy stick. In order to reduce perspiration build-up, the remote controller of the present invention includes ventilation holes to allow air to circulate through the housing. The ventilation holes may be located over the entire surface of the housing so that no matter where the user holds the housing the ventilation holes will be adjacent the users' hands. The housing encloses electronic components that are contained in a protective package that can be removed from the housing so that it can be easily and thoroughly cleaned. Alternatively, the ventilation holes may be located only at locations on the housing that are intended to be grasped by the user.
In another embodiment, the controller includes detachable handles that the user grips during use. The detachable handles include ventilation holes to allow air circulation as described above. The controller is preferably interchangeable with various detachable handles having ventilation holes that can be used for special marketing or handles of various sizes that can be adapted to the user's hand. For example, handles adapted for standard adult-sized hands may be attached to the controller housing for use by adults or teenagers. For smaller children, smaller handles adapted for standard child-sized hands may be attached to the controller housing. The detachable handle includes a portion that fits over or covers a part of the controller housing, such as a bottom portion. The detachable handle can be attached to the controller housing by any number of ways, including a snap-on attachment, friction fit or screws. This type of handle is especially adapted for controllers that have control buttons on a side of the housing facing away from the user. With this type of remote controller housing the user will typically hold the handles and wrap his or her hand around the remote controller housing to reach the control buttons. Thus, the detachable handles prevent perspiration build-up by providing air flow between the remote controller housing and the user's hand. In order to ensure adequate air flow a fan may be provided within the handle or cover portion. The fan may be connected to a power source within the controller housing.
Another aspect of the invention is that a membrane material may be located at an inner surface of the controller housing or the handle and cover portion to protect the electronic component package from dirt and other contaminants.
Additional objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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Sternberg Aaron
Ullman Noah T.
Chiu Raleigh W.
Stoel Rives LLP
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