Patent Application
20140098022
Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
This disclosure relates to a joystick designed to allow the user to manipulate the arrow keys of a computer keyboard in a fluid like manner so as to facilitate improved control of those keys. While the disclosure is specifically directed to computer keyboards, those skilled in the art will recognize the wider applicability of the inventive concept disclosed hereinafter.
Computer games are and continue to be popular diversions for computer use. The games generally have various skill levels which players try to obtain. Often separate joysticks can be purchased for operating the game. However, it is common to provide a default control of the game through the use of the keyboard arrow keys. Separate joysticks tend to be relatively expensive and are not easily mobile, for example when traveling with a corresponding laptop device. In those and other similar situations, use of the arrow keys previously has been the only practical way for game control. For many users the hand/eye coordination required to rapidly manipulate the arrow keys is quite difficult and as such achieving the level of control (or scores) desired can prove difficult. We have developed a low cost alternative to the conventional separate joystick that takes advantage on the keyboard arrow keys. By encompassing all arrow keys simultaneously control is markedly improved as manipulation is facilitated by merely applying pressure in the direction of the desired key. The design simulates the conventional separate joystick in that a user no longer has to depress the individual arrow keys during game operation.
One of the features of the present disclosure is to provide a temporary mounting of a control device to the keyboard of an associated computer.
Another feature of the disclosure is to provide a device that allows its easy removal from a computer keyboard and returns the keyboard to normal operation upon such removal.
Still another object of the disclosure is to provide a removable joystick having an ergonomic design to provide better control of the affected keys.
Another feature of the disclosure is a joystick design which provides better travel or movement with the exertion of less force by the user, thereby enabling the device to remain in position on the keyboard.
Another feature of the disclosure is a construction and design which will accommodate a variety of keyboard designs.
Other features of the present disclosure illustratively described herein will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
In accordance with this disclosure, generally stated, a joystick is provided which is removably mounted on a computer keyboard. In one preferred embodiment the joystick includes a base, the base having a center section and a plurality of extensions projecting outwardly from the center section arranged such that each of the extensions have at least one key engaging or activating surface associated with it for activating selective keys of the associated keyboard. A handle is mounted to the base, the handle having a first end for engagement with a user and a second end adapted to transmit force to respective keys of the keyboard when the handle is moved in any of the north, south, east or west directions in response to the commands of a user.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings.
In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.
The following detailed description illustrates the present disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the development which we believe to be new and unobvious, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the system, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the inventive principles described in this specification.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the particular design configuration of the base 3 may vary in other embodiments of the base 3. In the preferred embodiment shown, the design attempts to provide the projections 8 and 9 and central section 4 in a manner to conserve material used in the construction of the base 3 in general and the central section 4 in particular. The other consideration in defining the preferred design is that the base 3 and the arms 5, 6, and 7 each have at least one convex pad 22 extending downwardly or outwardly from the bottom side 14 to enable individual ones of the arms 6, 7, and 8 to actuate one of the arrow keys of associated computer keyboard 1 through the arrow key operative contact with the pads 22.
Each of the projections 8 and 9 have an aligned opening 16 formed in them, which is used to attach the handle 30 of the joystick 2 to the base 3 as described hereinafter. The projections 8 and 9 are generally centrally located along the base 3, and each of the arms 5, 6, and 7 are positioned outboard of the projections. Each of the arms 5, 6, and 7 has an indentation 24 and on the side 10 of the base 3. The indentations 24 in turn define the respective actuator pads 22 on the bottom side 14 of the base 3.
As can be best seen in
The mounting part 32 has an opening 33 extending through it, which aligns with the openings 16 in the projections 8 and 9 in the mounted position of the handle 30. The handle 30 is attached to the respective projections 8 and 9 by the insertion of a brass decorative finishing nail or brad 35 which is inserted through the openings 16 and 33 to mount the handle 30 to the base 3. Other attachment methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
As best seen in
If desired, additional mounting devices may be utilized to hold the joystick 2 in position on the board 1. In particular, we have found that hook and loop fastening devices 48 may be used in conjunction with the pads 22 to aid retention of the joystick 2 on the keyboard 1.
Operation of the joystick is simple in operation and use. The joystick is mounted on the keyboard 1 so that the pads 22 and the rib 40 ride or are operatively associated with the arrow keys on the keyboard 1. Thereafter, movement of the handle 30 forward, rearward, leftward, or rightward actuates the respective arrow keys of the keyboard 1. As indicated above, embodiments of the joystick 2 may employ hook and loop fasteners, or similar additional attachment methods to hold the joystick 2 to the keyboard 1. Merely by way of example, double sided tape, with or without foam backing, may be used, if desired.
Numerous variations, within the scope of the appended claims, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Merely by way of example, and not of limitation, the silhouette of the base 3 and/or the handle 30 may vary in other embodiments of the joystick 2. The joystick 2 preferably is a plastic molded part, but other materials and construction methods may be utilized in other embodiments of the invention. Likewise, while the handle 30 is attached to the projections 8 and 9 through the use of a pin other attachment methods may be employed if desired. By way of example, the handle 30 may be releasable with respect to the base 3 to permit its removal for storage. Additionally, the joystick could be used on other keys like the “A”, “S”, “D” and “W” keys. These variations are merely illustrative.
