Patents by Inventor Thomas John Roberts

Thomas John Roberts has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6290228
    Abstract: An accessory for a computer game can be placed on a table top or in a person's lap. The accessory has a pair of extensions which can be moved between retracted and exposed positions. In the retracted position, the extensions serve as legs which support the accessory on a table top. In their exposed position, the extensions extend from a bottom or side edge of the accessory and wrap partially around the player's lap, enhancing the stability of the accessory. The accessory can also include a contoured underside having concavities sized and spaced to fit against the lap of the game player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Mad Catz, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas John Roberts, Kelly D. Tyler
  • Patent number: 6203432
    Abstract: An input device for a computer game has an adjustable response characteristic so that its end-of-range positions can be configured by the player. The response characteristic can be adjusted by selecting one of several sensitivity options, or by moving the device to a position that the player wishes to be a predetermined position. If the input device is a steering wheel, then the selected sensitivity adjusts the positions of the wheel where maximum left and right turn signals are generated. Adjusting the sensitivity lets the player choose whatever positions of the input device he or she finds comfortable for a particular game. The input device can also be configured to have a dead zone at and around its neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Madcatz, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas John Roberts, Douglas Frank Shepherd
  • Patent number: D428064
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Mad Catz, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas John Roberts, David Wayne Preller