Accessory for a video game system

Abstract

The present invention provides a cap suitable for being worn over at least one of a wearer's finger and thumb when playing video games. The cap comprises a body portion having an inner surface suitable for facing the wearer's skin when in use and an outer surface comprising a front side and a rear side. The front side is suitable for covering a front portion of a wearer's finger, and the rear side is suitable for covering a back portion of a wearer's finger. The cap further comprises a gripping portion located on the front side of the outer surface. The gripping portion is limited to being positioned on the front side of the outer surface and is suitable for contacting a user-input device of a video game system. The cap can include at least one decal associated to a feature of a video game.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of accessories for video game systems, and more particularly to hand accessories for improving a wearer's grip of hand-held input devices commonly used with video game systems.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, video game systems such as XbOx™, GameCube™, and PlayStation™ have become increasingly popular. Thousands, if not millions, of people all over the world use these systems to play video games of all types. The video games, which are stored on computer readable media such as CDs or cartridges, range from fighting games, to car racing games to adventure/quest type games.

Video game systems generally include a central processing unit for reading the video games and displaying the video game graphics on a television or computer screen. These video game systems also include different types of user input devices for enabling a user to enter signals for playing the games. Such user input devices include hand controllers, joysticks and steering wheels, among others. These user input devices communicate with the central processing unit via wires, cables, radio frequency, and/or infrared.

The common thread between each of the user input devices described above is that they require the user to hold them and manipulate their buttons, levers, or other input devices continuously throughout the duration of the game. People who enjoy playing video games often end up playing these games for hours on end, which can result in their hands and/or fingers getting sweaty and tired. As such, a deficiency with existing user input devices is that when a player's hands and fingers get sweaty and tired, the player has a reduced ability to grip the user input device and manipulate the appropriate buttons, levers or other input devices.

In light of the above, it can be seen that there exists a need in the industry for an accessory that will improve a user's ability to grip and/or accurately manipulate the hand-held user input devices used to play video games.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a broad aspect, the present invention provides a cap suitable for being worn over at least one of a wearer's finger and thumb when playing video games. The cap comprises a body portion having an inner surface suitable for facing the wearer's skin when in use and an outer surface comprising a front side and a rear side. The front side is suitable for covering a front portion of a wearer's finger, and the rear side is suitable for covering a back portion of a wearer's finger. The cap further comprises a gripping portion located on the front side of the outer surface. The gripping portion is limited to being positioned on the front side of the outer surface and is suitable for contacting a user-input device of a video game system.

In accordance with yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a band suitable for being worn around a wearer's hand when playing video games. The band comprises a body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is suitable for facing the wearer's skin when in use, and the outer surface comprises a front side and a rear side. The front side being suitable for covering a wearer's palm and the rear side being suitable for covering the back of the wearer's hand. The band further comprising a gripping portion located on the front side of the outer surface. The gripping portion being limited to the front side of the outer surface and being suitable for contracting a user-input device of a video game.

In accordance with yet another broad aspect the invention provides an article suitable for being worn on at least a portion of a wearer's hand when playing video games. The article comprises a body portion having an inner surface suitable for facing the wearer's skin when in use, and an outer surface. The article further comprises a gripping portion and a decal located on the outer surface of the body portion. The gripping surface is suitable for contacting a user-input device of a video game system when in use, and at least one decal is associated with a feature of a video game.

In accordance with yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a consumer package comprising a computer readable storage medium including a program element suitable for execution by a computing apparatus for implementing a video game, and an article suitable for being worn around at least a portion of a wearer's hand when playing the video game. The article includes a body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is suitable for facing the wearer's skin when in use. The article further comprises a gripping portion located on the outer surface that is suitable for contacting a user-input device of a video game system.

These and other aspects and features of the present invention will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is provided herein below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a thumb cap in accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the thumb cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side elevation view of the thumb cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the thumb cap of FIG. 1 worn on a user's thumb;

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of the thumb cap of FIG. 1 worn on a user's thumb;

FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a thumb cap in accordance with a second non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a side elevation view of the thumb cap of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates the thumb cap of FIG. 1 in use;

FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of a hand band in accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a front elevation view of the hand band of FIG. 9 worn by a user;

FIG. 11 shows a right side view of the hand band of FIG. 9 worn by a user;

FIG. 12 shows a rear elevation view of the hand band of FIG. 9 worn by a user;

FIG. 13 shows a left side view of the hand band of FIG. 9 worn by a user; and

FIG. 14 shows a front elevation view of a hand band in accordance with a second non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention.

In the drawings, the embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to articles that are suitable for being worn on at least a portion of a wearer's hand in order to improve the wearer's ability to grip and manipulate hand-held user input devices for video games.

A Finger Cap 12

Shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an article 10 in accordance with a first non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention. As shown, the article 10 is in the form of a cap 12 for being worn over a wearer's thumb. Although the cap 12 will be described herein as being suitable for covering a wearer's thumb, it should be appreciated that a cap 12 that is suitable for being worn over a wearer's finger is also included within the scope of the present invention.

The cap 12 includes a body portion 14 and a gripping portion 16. The body portion 14 has an inner surface 18 and an outer surface 20, wherein the inner surface 18 is suitable for facing, and being in contact with, the wearer's skin when the cap 12 is being worn. The gripping portion 16 is positioned on the outer surface 20 of the cap.

The body portion 14 of the cap 12 further comprises a front side 22 and a rear side 24. The front side 22 is suitable for covering the front portion of the wearer's thumb or finger, and the rear side 24 is suitable for covering the back portion of the wearer's thumb or finger. As such, the rear side 24 of the cap 12 covers the wearer's fingernail. As shown in FIG. 1, the gripping portion 16 of the cap 12 is positioned on the front side 22 of the cap 12 such that when the cap 12 is worn by a user, the gripping portion 16 is positioned over the part of the wearer's finger that contacts the buttons, levers or other user activation element of a user input device. In accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation, the gripping portion 16 is limited to being positioned on the front side 22 of the cap 12.

In accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation, the body portion 14 of the cap 12 is made of a resilient material such as rubber, silicone, neoprene, plastic or a blend of these materials. These materials have a relatively high coefficient of friction, and thus enable the cap 12 to stay in place on the wearer's thumb or finger when worn. It should be appreciated that the body portion 14 of the cap 12 can be made of other materials known in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the body portion 14 of the cap 12 can be made of a fabric material such as spandex, lycra or a cotton/spandex, cotton/lycra blend. When the body portion 14 is made of a fabric material, it is desirable that the material has elastic properties such that it fits snugly over a wearer's thumb or finger and stays in place. In the case where the body portion 14 is formed of a fabric material, the shape of the body portion 14 can be formed by sewing the fabric into the appropriate form. Alternatively, the shape of the body portion 14 can be formed by adhesive, or heat sealing the material together.

In accordance with a non-limiting implementation, the gripping portion 16 is also made of rubber, silicone, neoprene, plastic or a combination of these materials. It should be appreciated, however, that the gripping portion can be made of any other material known in the art that provides a good gripping surface.

The gripping portion 16 can be made of the same material as the body portion 14 of the cap 12 or alternatively the gripping portion 16 can be made of a different material than the body portion 14 of the cap 12. In the case where the gripping portion 16 and the body portion 14 are made of the same material, the cap 12 can be molded as a single integral piece. For example, both the body portion 14 and the gripping portion 16 can be molded out of rubber. Methods of molding articles such as the cap 12 are known in the art, and as such will not be described in more detail herein.

Alternatively, in the case where the gripping portion 16 is made of a different material, the gripping portion 16 can be applied to the body portion 14 by being printed or stamped onto the outer surface 20 of the cap 12. The material of the gripping portion 16 and the material of the body portion 14 can be different when it is desirable that the body portion 14 of the cap 12 and the gripping portion 16 have different coefficients of friction. For example, it may be desirable for the gripping portion 16 to have a higher coefficient of friction than the body portion 14. In the case where the body portion 14 is made of a fabric material, the gripping portion 16 is preferably made of a non-fabric material that is printed onto the body portion 14 of the cap 12.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the gripping portion 16 includes a plurality of projections 26 that extend from the outer surface 20 of the cap 12. It should be appreciated that in the case where the gripping portion 16 is printed onto the cap 12, the projections 26 may not extend very far from the outer surface 20 of the cap 12.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cap 12 includes a plurality of ventilation apertures 28. As mentioned in the background of the invention, after a prolonged period of playing video games, a player's hands and fingers can become sweaty. As such, it is desirable that the cap 12 includes ventilation apertures 28 that provide air to the wearer's fingers, and reduce any discomfort caused by sweating. These ventilation apertures 28 are particularly useful in the case where the body portion 14 of the cap 12 is made of a non-breathable material, such as rubber.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, only the rear side 24 of the cap 12 includes ventilation apertures 28. However, it should be appreciated that the ventilation apertures 28 can be located anywhere on the cap 12 without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the ventilation apertures 28 can be included on the front side 22 of the cap 12, on the sides of the cap 12, or uniformly over the entire surface of the cap 12 in order to provide a maximum amount of ventilation. In addition, it should be appreciated that the ventilation apertures 28 can be of any shape and size without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the ventilation apertures 28 could be star-shaped, triangular-shaped or heart-shaped, among other shapes. It should also be appreciated that the cap 12 may not include any ventilation apertures 28 at all.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rear side 24 of the cap 12 includes two decorative stripes 30. It should be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention for the cap 12 to include any type of decorative markings or decals. For example, the cap 12 may include decorative markings or decals in the form of patterns, shapes, text, sport team logos, images of popular characters from the video games or any other type of decorative marking imaginable. In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment, the cap 12 may include one or more decals that are associated with a feature of a video game. For example, the decal may be in the form of a video game logo or a video game character.

In addition, it should be appreciated that both the body portion 14 and the gripping portion 16 can be of any color possible, or alternatively may be translucent. The color of the body portion 14 and the color of the gripping portion 16 may be the same, or alternatively they may be different.

Although not shown in the Figures, the cap 12 may also include other decorative items or decals such as wings or fins that extend from the rear surface 24 of the cap 12. These components therefore add additional decoration to the cap 12 while avoiding interfering with the gripping portion 16 on the front side 22 of the cap 12. It is also possible for the outer surface 20 of the cap 12 to include different textured surface finishes. For example, the outer surface 20 of the cap 12 may be molded such that its surface finish is in the form of fish scales, wings, feathers or waves, for example. These fish scales, wings or feathers can be made to look like a plane or a bird, protruding from the sides or top like a fin.

Shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is the cap 12 being worn by a user. As shown, the cap 12 is of a length (L) that is sufficient to cover at least up to the first knuckle of the thumb.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the gripping portion 16 of the cap 12 is in the shape of a fingerprint. More specifically, the projections 26 of the gripping portion 16 are shaped and arranged so as to form an image of a fingerprint. It should be appreciated that the gripping portion 16 of the cap 12 can be of any shape and size, and can be arranged in any pattern or image, without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the gripping portion 16 may simply include a single circular projection 26 made of a material that has a relatively high coefficient of friction. Such a projection can be printed onto the outer surface 20 of the cap.

Shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a cap 34 in accordance with an alternative example of implementation of the present invention. The cap 34 includes a body portion 35 and a gripping portion 36. The projections 38 of the gripping portion 36 are in the form of circular bumps that are arranged in a grid like pattern. These projections 38 can be made of the same material as the body portion 35, such that the gripping portion 36 is simply a portion of the body portion 35 that is of a different texture.

Therefore, it should be appreciated that so long as the gripping portion of the cap provides a surface that is suitable for enhancing a wearer's grip of a hand held user input device, the projections can be of any shape, size, pattern or image, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Shown in FIG. 8 is the cap 12 positioned over a user input device 42 that is suitable for use in playing video games. Although not visible, the gripping portion 16 of the cap 12 is positioned such that it contacts the buttons 40 of the user-input device 42 for enhancing the user's ability to grip and manipulate the buttons 40.

A Hand Band 52

Shown in FIG. 9 is an article 50 in accordance with a second non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention. The article 50 is in the form of a band 52 for being worn around a wearer's hand, and specifically, around a wearer's palm.

The band 52 includes a body portion 54 and a gripping portion 56. The body portion 54 has an inner surface 58 and an outer surface 60. When the band 52 is worn, the inner surface 58 faces, and is in contact with, the wearer's skin.

The body portion 54 of the band 52 can be made of a variety of different materials without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation, the body portion 54 is made of a fabric material such as spandex, lycra, cotton, wool or a blend of these materials. In the case where the body portion 54 is formed of a fabric material, the shape of the body portion 54 can be formed by sewing the fabric into the appropriate form. Alternatively, the shape of the body portion 54 can be formed by using adhesive, or heat sealing the material together.

It should be appreciated that the band 52 can also be made of other materials, both synthetic and non-synthetic, as well. It is desirable that the material from which the band 52 is made has some elastic properties such that it can easily be put on and removed from a wearer's hand. In accordance with a further non-limiting example of implementation, the band 52 can be made of a material such as rubber, silicone, neoprene or plastic. In the case where the band 52 is formed of a non-fabric material, the shape of the body portion 54 can be formed via molding.

The band 52 comprises a thumb aperture 57. As shown in FIGS. 10 through 13, the thumb aperture 57 is adapted for receiving a wearer's thumb. When worn, the thumb aperture 57 causes the band 52 to remain in place, and be properly positioned across the central region of the wearer's palm. In a non-limiting embodiment, the thumb aperture 57 includes stitching around the circumference of the aperture 57. In an alternative embodiment not shown in the Figures, the band 52 can be made without a thumb aperture. In such an embodiment, the band 52 could simply stretch over the area between the thumb and the index finger.

Shown in FIGS. 10 through 13 is the band 52 being worn by a user. As shown, the band 52 includes a front side 62, a rear side 64, a thumb side 66 and a pinky side 68. The front side 62 covers at least a portion of the wearer's palm, and the rear side 64 covers at least a portion of the back of the wearer's hand. The thumb aperture 57 is located on the thumb side 66.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the thumb side 66 of the band 52 further includes decorative stripes 71. It should be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention for the band 52 to include any kind of decorative markings or decals. For example, the band 52 can include decorative markings in the form of patterns, shapes, text, sport team logos or images of popular characters from video games, among others. In addition, it should be appreciated that the decorative markings or decals can be positioned at any location on the body portion 54 of the band 52. In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment, the band 52 may include one or more decals that are associated with a feature of a video game. For example, the decal may be in the form of a video game logo or a video game character.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the gripping portion 56 includes five gripping regions 59a, 59b, 59c, 59d and 59e that are positioned in the corners and center of the front side 62 of the band 52. The band 52 is suitable for being worn when a wearer is using a user input device such as a joystick or a steering wheel, wherein the user's hand is wrapped around the user-input device. In such cases, the gripping regions 59a, 59b, 59c, 59d and 59e contact the user-input device and therefore improve the wearer's grip.

As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, each of the gripping regions 59a, 59b, 59c, 59d and 59e of the gripping portion 56 includes a plurality of projections 70 that extend from the outer surface 60 of the front side 62. In accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation, the projections 70 are made of rubber, silicone, neoprene, plastic, silkscreen, or a combination of these materials. It should be appreciated, however, that any other material known in the art that would provide a good gripping surface is also included within the scope of the present invention.

The projections 70 can be formed integrally with the band 52, or alternatively, the projections 70 can be printed onto the material of the band 52. It should be appreciated that in the case where the gripping portion 56 is printed onto the band 52, the projections 70 will not extend very far from the outer surface 62 of the band 52. In addition, in the case where the projections 70 are printed onto the outer surface 60 of the band 52, the projections 70 are made of a different material than the body portion 54 of the band 52. As such, the material of the gripping portion 56 will have a different coefficient of friction than the material of the band 52. When in the band 52 is made of a fabric material, the gripping portion 56 is preferably made of a non-fabric material that is printed onto the body portion 54 of the band 52.

Although not shown in the Figures, in the case where the band 52 is made of a non-breathable material, such as rubber or plastic, the band 52 can include one or more ventilation apertures in order to prevent the wearer's hand from becoming sweaty. The ventilation apertures can be positioned at any location along the body portion 54 of the band 52, and can be of any shape or size.

In addition, it should be appreciated that both the body portion 54 and the gripping portion 56 of the band 52 can be of any color possible, or can be translucent. The color of the body portion 54 and the color of the gripping portion 56 may be the same, or alternatively they may be different.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the projections 70 are in the shape of parallel lines. It should be appreciated that the gripping portion 56 can include projections 70 of any shape and size, and arranged in any manner, without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the text “Get A Grip” in the center of the band 52 also forms part of the gripping portion 56. In addition, the gripping portion may not be divided into five separate regions 59a, 59b, 59c,59d and 59e but instead may be only one continuous portion. For example, the gripping portion 56 may include parallel lines that span across the entire length of the front side 62 of the band 52.

Shown in FIG. 14 is a band 72 in accordance with an alternative example of implementation that includes a body portion 73 and a gripping portion 74 that includes two gripping regions 76a and 76b. Each of the gripping regions 76a and 76b includes projections 78 in the form of bumps that are arranged in lines across the entire length of the front side 80 of the band 72.

As mentioned above, so long as the projections of the gripping portion provide a surface that is suitable for enhancing a wearer's grip of a hand held user input device when the user's hand is wrapped around the user-input device, the projections can be of any shape and size, and arranged in any pattern or image, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Preferably, the cap 12 and/or the band 52 described above are sold separately. The cap 12 and/or band 52 can be packaged individually, and sold in department stores, or electronic stores in proximity to the location where video games, or video game systems are sold. In this manner, when a consumer goes to a store to buy a video game, they will see the individually packaged cap 12 or the individually packaged band 52.

In an alternative embodiment, the cap 12 and/or the band 52 can be packaged together with a computer readable storage medium, such as a CD or a video cartridge that stores the video game. As such, the video game can be sold together with one or both of the cap 12 and the band 52. In the case where a cap 12 or a band 52 is sold together with a video game, the cap 12 or band 52 may be decorated with decals associated with that video game.

The above description of the embodiments should not be interpreted in a limiting manner since other variations, modifications and refinements are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cap suitable for being worn over at least one of a wearer's finger and thumb when playing video games, said cap comprising:

a) a body portion having: i) an inner surface suitable for facing the wearer's skin when in use; ii) an outer surface comprising a front side and a rear side, said front side being suitable for covering a front portion of a wearer's finger, and said rear side being suitable for covering a back portion of a wearer's finger;

b) a gripping portion located on said front side of said outer surface, said gripping portion being limited to said front side of said outer surface and being suitable for contacting a user-input device of a video game system.

2. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein said body portion is made from at least one material selected from the list consisting of rubber, silicone, neoprene and plastic.

3. An article as defined in claim 2, wherein said gripping portion is made from at least one material selected from the list consisting of rubber, silicone, neoprene, plastic and silkscreen.

4. An article as defined in claim 3, wherein said gripping portion includes projections extending from said front side of said outer surface.

5. An article as defined in claim 4, wherein said projections form at least one of a pattern and a shape.

6. An article as defined in claim 4, wherein said projections form an image of a fingerprint.

7. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein said body portion includes ventilation apertures.

8. An article as defined in claim 1, further comprising at least one decal located on said outer surface, said at least one decal being associated with a feature of a video game.

9. A band suitable for being worn around a wearer's hand when playing video games, said band comprising:

a) a body portion having: i) an inner surface suitable for facing the wearer's skin when in use; ii) an outer surface comprising a front said and a rear side, said front side being suitable for covering a wearer's palm, and said rear side being suitable for covering a back of the wearer's hand;

b) a gripping portion located on said front side of said outer surface, said gripping portion being limited to said front side of said outer surface and being suitable for contacting a user-input device of a video game system.

10. An article as defined in claim 9, wherein said band includes a thumb opening.

11. An article as defined in claim 10, wherein said body portion is made from at least one material selected from the list consisting of spandex, lycra, cotton and wool.

12. An article as defined in claim 11, wherein said gripping portion is made from at least one material selected from the list consisting of rubber, silicone, neoprene or plastic.

13. An article as defined in claim 9, wherein said gripping portion includes projections extending from said outer surface of said front side.

14. An article as defined in claim 9, wherein said projections form at least one of a pattern, a shape and text.

15. An article as defined in claim 9, further comprising at least one decal located on said outer surface, said at least one decal being associated with a feature of a video game.

16. An article suitable for being worn on at least a portion of a wearer's hand when playing video games, said article comprising:

a) a body portion having: i) an inner surface suitable for facing the wearer's skin when in use; ii) an outer surface;

b) a gripping portion located on said outer surface, said gripping portion being suitable for contacting a user-input device of a video game system;

c) at least one decal located on said outer surface, said at least one decal being associated with a feature of a video game.

17. A hand accessory as defined in claim 16, wherein said feature of a video game is selected from the list consisting of a game logo and a game character.

18. A hand accessory as defined in claim 17, wherein said hand accessory is a cap for one of a wearer's finger or thumb.

19. A hand accessory as defined in claim 17, wherein said hand accessory is a band for wearing around a wearer's palm.

20. A consumer package comprising:

a) a computer readable storage medium including a program element suitable for execution by a computing apparatus for implementing a video game;

b) an article suitable for being worn around at least a portion of a wearer's hand when playing said video game, said article comprising: i) a body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface being suitable for facing the wearer's skin when in use; ii) a gripping portion located on said outer surface, said gripping portion being suitable for contacting a user-input device of a video game system.