US5046739A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ergonomic handle for game controller
Assignee: Arista Products Inc
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Filing: 1990-10-31
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Granted: 1991-09-10
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Expires: 2010-10-31
Abstract
Abstract An ergonomic handle for a game controller forms a pocket which receives the controller. The handle is made of a substantially moldable, pliable material which provides support and cushioning to the hands, fingers and thumbs while manipulating the controls for preventing cramping and stiffness. The handle wraps around the back and sides of the controller to retain the handle on the controller. The handle portion includes cushioning sides and a ridge around the front for supporting the base of the thumb. The face of the controller remains substantially open so that the thumb and fingers have free access to the controls. The rear of the handle has a cushioning shoulder forming a recess receiving the fingertips of fingers which wrap around the back of the handle. The shoulder and recess support the fingers in a natural holding position. In addition, a small peak portion for each hand extends down from the bottom of the handle for a lower finger of each hand to wrap around and rest against.
Inventors
- 👤 James R. Reichow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 11:52
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/039; A63F13/02; A; A63; A63F; A63F13/00; A63F13/20; A63F13/90; A63F13/98; G06F15/00; G06F15/02; G06F15/0216; A63F13/92; A63F2250/00; A63F2250/48; A63F2300/00; A63F2300/10; A63F2300/1043; A63F2300/20; A63F2300/204; H; H01; H01H; H01H2231/00; H01H2231/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
An ergonomic handle for a hand-held controller, the controller having controls on a front face thereof, the handle comprising: a) controller holding means; b) a side portion adapted for fitting the palm of the hand; c) a front ridge portion extending along a side of the controller and adapted for providing support for the base of the thumb; d) a bottom portion having a curving segment curving inward with the palm and forming a peak, the bottom portion curving back toward the device and adapted for providing a resting pad for at least one finger; and e) a back portion having an outer shoulder forming a recess in the center of the back portion adapted for receiving one or more fingers wrapping around the back of the handle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
An ergonomic handle for a hand-held controller, the controller having controls on a front face thereof, the handle comprising: a) controller holding means; b) a side portion adapted for fitting the palm of the hand; c) a front ridge portion extending along a side of the controller and adapted for providing support for the base of the thumb; d) a bottom portion having a curving segment curving inward with the palm and forming a peak, the bottom portion curving back toward the device and adapted for providing a resting pad for at least one finger; and e) a back portion having an outer shoulder forming a recess in the center of the back portion adapted for receiving one or more fingers wrapping around the back of the handle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the controller holding means wraps around at least three sides of the controller.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
An ergonomic handle according to claim 2, wherein the controller holding means frictionally engages the controller.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
An ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the controller holding means wraps around the two sides and bottom of the controller.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle is comprised of a moldable grade elastomer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
An ergonomic handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle is made of a moldable grade elastomer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
136 words
An ergonomic handle fitting to a hand-held controller, the controller having finger controls on the face thereof, comprising: a) controller retaining means wrapping around the sides and bottom of the controller and around the edges of the front and back of the controller; b) palm supporting means along each side of the controller for supporting the palms of the hands during operation; c) lower finger support means extending from the bottom of the controller, having a concave face for receiving the lower fingers; d) thumb supporting means along the edges of the front of the handle and adapted for supporting the base of the thumb; e) back finger supporting means extending along the back of the controller and forming a shoulder along the sides of the handle and a recess for receiving one or more fingertips.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
136 words
An ergonomic handle fitting to a hand-held controller, the controller having finger controls on the face thereof, comprising: a) controller retaining means wrapping around the sides and bottom of the controller and around the edges of the front and back of the controller; b) palm supporting means along each side of the controller for supporting the palms of the hands during operation; c) lower finger support means extending from the bottom of the controller, having a concave face for receiving the lower fingers; d) thumb supporting means along the edges of the front of the handle and adapted for supporting the base of the thumb; e) back finger supporting means extending along the back of the controller and forming a shoulder along the sides of the handle and a recess for receiving one or more fingertips.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
An ergonomic handle according to claim 7, wherein the concave face has an orifice extending therethrough providing for extending a cord through the handle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
An ergonomic handle according to claim 7, wherein the handle is detachable from the controller.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
107 words
A pair of detachable controller handles adapted for attaching to a hand-held controller at opposing ends thereof, each attachment comprising: a) controller attaching means wrapping around the end and a portion of the top and bottom of the controller; b) a ridge extending along the end and bottom of each handle and curving slightly to fit the palm of the hand; c) a peak portion extend below the handle for supporting at least one lower finger; d) a shoulder portion extending around the back of each handle substantially even with the edge of the end of the controller forming a recess for receiving at least one fingertip.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
107 words
A pair of detachable controller handles adapted for attaching to a hand-held controller at opposing ends thereof, each attachment comprising: a) controller attaching means wrapping around the end and a portion of the top and bottom of the controller; b) a ridge extending along the end and bottom of each handle and curving slightly to fit the palm of the hand; c) a peak portion extend below the handle for supporting at least one lower finger; d) a shoulder portion extending around the back of each handle substantially even with the edge of the end of the controller forming a recess for receiving at least one fingertip.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A pair of handles according to claim 10, wherein the handles are made of a moldable grade elastomer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
A pair of handles according to claim 10, wherein a first handle is adapted for the left hand and a second handle is adapted for the right hand.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4573682A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-09-09 | 1995-03-11 | 1995-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-09-09 | 1999-03-11 | 1999-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-09-09 | 2003-03-11 | 2003-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |