Video game mask

Abstract

The invention relates to a video game mask that facilities display of game instructions and/or static graphics. A thin pliable plastic shell conforms to the shape of a video game controller. The shell serves as a mask that supports video game instructions and/or static graphics. Typical video games currently on the market are XBOX, SONY PLAYSTATION, and NINTENDO GAMECUBE. Instructions are mounted on the shell. The instructions inform the game user what functions are performed by each actuator button of the controller. The shell permits the actuator buttons of the controller to be operated from outside the shell so the shell remains in place and the instructions are displayed during game play.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] FIG. 1 shows a transparent shell designed to envelope the controller of an XBOX and its actuator buttons. The shell is injection or vacuum molded from thin plastic that conforms to the controller shape and has a visor extending forwardly toward a game console. In addition, the edges of the shell preferably wrap partially around the edges, and possibly the bottom, of the controller to secure the shell in place. Alternatively, the shell could be designed to attach to the shell by adhesive tape or the like.

[0002] FIG. 2 shows the transparent shell lying above an XBOX controller. Specifically, the shell has raised portions in registration with the protruding actuator buttons of the controller so as to receive the actuator buttons in a form-fitting manner. The raised portions permit the actuator buttons to be operated from outside the shell. The controller and its IR transmitter are visible through the transparent shell.

[0003] FIG. 3 shows the XBOX controller without a shell.

[0004] In FIG. 4 the shell is fitted over on the XBOX controller. As a result, the shell envelopes the controller and its actuator buttons with essentially no space between the them. As a result, the shell does not impair the sensitivity or responsiveness of the actuators buttons. The shell protrudes beyond the front of the controller, where the IR transmitter is located. The IR signal penetrates the shell on its way to the game console. The front visor portion of the shell, which is rigid enough to serve as a cantilever from the front of the controller, provides a surface for game instructions. Instead of raised portions, openings could be formed in the shell to permit the actuator buttons to be operated from outside the shell. The game instructions could be painted, printed, or cemented on the front portion of the shell. Thus, the game instructions and the actuator buttons on the controller are both visible to the game player. Preferably, the background on the visor portion is painted or otherwise made to blend with the background on the underlying controller.

[0005] FIG. 5 shows the transparent shell molded to fit the GAMECUBE controller. The shell conforms to the shape of the controller. To provide a snug fit, the shell preferably has a pocket into which the controller fits. As in the shell for XBOX, this shell has raised portions in registration with the protruding actuator buttons of the controller so as to receive the actuator buttons in a form-fitting manner. As a result, the shell envelopes the controller and its actuator buttons with essentially no space between the two and the shell does not impair the sensitivity of the actuators buttons. The shell also has a front visor portion that protrudes beyond the front of the controller, where an IR transmitter is located. The IR signal can penetrate the shell on its way to the game console. The front portion of the shell provides a surface for game instructions.

[0006] FIG. 6 shows the transparent shell molded to fit the PLAYSTATION controller. The shell conforms to the shape of the PLAYSTATION controller. To provide a snug fit, the shell preferably has a pocket into which the controller fits. As in the shell for XBOX and GAMECUBE, this shell has raised portions in registration with the protruding actuator buttons of the controller so as to receive the actuator buttons in a form-fitting manner. As a result, the shell envelopes the controller and its actuator buttons with essentially no space between the two and the shell does not impair the sensitivity of the actuators buttons. The shell also has a front visor portion that protrudes beyond the front of the controller, where an IR transmitter is located. The IR signal can penetrate the shell on its way to the game console. The front visor portion of the shell provides a surface for game instructions.

[0007] In each case, the instructions preferably comprise color coded (e.g., circular) markers and instructions for operating the actuator buttons that match the colors of the actuator buttons as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0008] FIG. 7 shows another transparent shell adapted for the PLAYSTATION controller. In this case, most of the shell, except for the portions overlying the acutator buttons, bear static graphics related to the theme of the game, in this case “Spiderman”, in addition to game instructions.

[0009] FIG. 8 illustrates how multiple instruction sheets can be used one at a time to match the particular game being played or the game level. A single shell is molded with a surface that receives the selected instruction sheet and holds it by means of static electricity or releasable tape. Alternatively the shell is molded with registration guides that accept instruction sheets one at a time.

[0010] FIG. 9 shows in sequential steps how a controller is inserted in a pocket shaped shell. The pocket has an opening at its visor end (facing upward) for receiving the controller. As shown on the left, the shell approaches the controller in the direction of the arrow. As shown in the middle, the shell slides into the open end of the pocket. As shown on the right, the controller is fully contained in the pocket in the installed position of the shell.

[0011] With regard to the intrinsic look and feel of the GAMESKIN itself, the following can be accomplished:

[0012] GAMESKIN's can be clear or solid in color either by painting, printing, silk screening or by using solid colored plastic in the vacu-forming or injection molding process.

[0013] GAMESKIN's can be branded with advertising; information on game play, game theme, logos etc., via the methods described above.

EXAMPLES

[0014] SONY PICTURES could use the Spiderman theme to create a skin for the Spiderman Sony Playstation Game that incorporates the look and feel of the Spiderman Property along with instructions on game play. See included comp given to you last week.

[0015] The NFL or other franchises—could create GAMESKINS for all teams with team logos.

[0016] McDonalds could team with motion picture companies and give away a co-branded GAMESKIN, which includes their logo, with meal purchase.

[0017] With regard to the instructions on the GAMESKIN, instructions may be:

[0018] Painted/printed/silk screened on the skin.

[0019] Vacu-formed in raised letters imbedded into the plastic.

[0020] Painted/printed/silk screened on vinyl or plastic pieces, which are held in place via static electricity or magnets.

[0021] Painted/printed/silk screened on separate cards, which can slide into grooves on the skin. This would allow the user to interchange different instruction cards for different games via one GAMESKIN or for various levels of play and complexity via a branded GAMESKIN.

[0022] The described embodiment of the invention is only considered to be preferred and illustrative of the inventive concept; the scope of the invention is not to be restricted to such embodiment. Various and numerous other arrangements may be devised by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A mask for a video game controller having a plurality of actuators, the mask comprising:

a thin plastic shell that conforms to the shape of the controller;

means permitting the actuators to be operated from outside the shell; and

a visible actuator guide mounted on the shell to facilitate game play.

2. The mask of claims 1, in which the permitting means comprises openings in the shell in registration with the actuators.

3. The mask of claim 1, in which the guide visually identifies game influencing functions of the actuators.

4. The mask of claim 1, in which the guide has a first visible column that identifies the actuators and a second visible column that identifies game influencing actuator functions, the columns being aligned with each other.

5. The mask of claim 1, additionally comprising means for releasably securing the shell to the controller.

6. The mask of claim 5, in which the securing means comprises flexible integral side panels on the shell that curl around the controller.

7. The mask of claim 1, in which the guide is mounted on the shell with adhesive.

8. The mask of claim 1, in which the guide is secured to the shell by impressions on the surface of the shell.

9. The mask of claim 1, additionally comprising a guide holder on the shell, the guide being mounted on the shell in the guide holder.

10. The mask of claim 9, additionally comprising one of more other guides that can be substituted for the guide in the holder.

11. The mask of claim 1, in which a major portion of the shell is rigid and the permitting means comprises resilient portions of the shell in registration with the actuators.

12. The mask of claim 1, in which the shell is imprinted with an image suggestive of the game.

13. A set of masks for a video game controller having a plurality of actuators, each mask corresponding to a different video game, each mask comprising:

a thin plastic shell that conforms to the shape of the controller;

means permitting the actuators to be operated from outside the shell; and

a visible actuator guide unique to each video game mounted on the shell to facilitate use of the controller.

14. The mask of claim 1, in which each shell is imprinted with game instructions with a different image suggestive of the game to which its mask corresponds.

15. The mask of claim 14, in which the actuators are color coded and the guides identify actuator functions that are color coded to correspond to the actuators.

16. A method for human operation of a video game controller having a plurality of actuators, the method comprising:

placing a shell over the controller;

attaching to the shell a guide relating the actuators to game functions; and

operating the actuators to play the game while viewing the guide.