Ergonomically cofigurable video game controller

Abstract

An ergonomically configurable hand-held video game controller for interaction with a computer gaming unit. The video game controller comprises an configurable control members which may be selectively positioned relative to the main housing to accommodate preferred ergonomic positions for custom preferences of a user. In one embodiment, a particular operational device such as a trackball may be shifted from the right side of the controller to the left side to accommodate left and right handed users. A moveable modular assembly may also be replaceable to unlimited configurations of a single control unit.

1 . A hand-held video game controller for interaction with a computer gaming unit, said controller comprising: 
 a hand-held main housing unit; and    a plurality of operating members logistically positioned to said main housing unit for manipulation by a user for producing a plurality of game control signals;    at least one of said plurality of said operating members being selectively moveable to a plurality of logistic positions relative to said main housing unit to allow for user-specific ergonomic adjustment of at least one operating members relative to said casing.    
   
   
       2 . The hand held video game controller according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one operating member is a trackball input device.  
   
   
       3 . The hand-held video game controller according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one trackball input device is pivotally movable with respect to said casing.  
   
   
       4 . The hand-held video game controller according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one trackball input device is linearly movable with respect to said casing.  
   
   
       5 . The hand-held video game controller according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one trackball input device includes a trackball housing adjustably mounted to said casing.  
   
   
       6 . The hand-held video game controller according to  claim 5 , wherein said at least one trackball input device further includes a support arm integrally connected to said trackball housing and movably coupled to said casing.  
   
   
       7 . A hand-held video game controller for interaction with a computer gaming unit, said controller comprising: 
 a hand-held casing having a front surface including a control section;    a rear surface opposite said front surface;    a plurality of user operated operating members logistically positioned on said front surface of said casing for producing a plurality of game control signals; and    at least one trackball input device integrally mounted to said rear surface of said casing.    
   
   
       8 . A hand-held video game controller for interaction with a computer gaming unit, said controller comprising: 
 a hand-held main housing unit; and    a modular assembly having plurality of operating members logistically positioned thereto for manipulation by a user for producing a plurality of game control signals;    wherein said modular assembly being movably connected to said main housing unit thereby facilitating selective movement to a plurality of different logistic positions relative to said main housing unit to allow for user-specific ergonomic adjustment of at least one operating members.    
   
   
       9 . The controller according to  claim 9 , wherein said modular assembly is removably connected to said main housing unit to thereby facilitate selective replacement of different modular assemblies to permit a plurality of customized user configurations.  
   
   
       10 . The controller according to  claim 9 , wherein said modular assembly is rotationally connected to said main housing unit.  
   
   
       11 . The controller according to  claim 11 , wherein said modular assembly comprises a substantially cylindrical portion seated in a substantially cylindrical recess formed in said main housing unit, said modular assembly capable of rotating to any rotational positions substantially throughout 360 degrees.  
   
   
       12 . The controller according to  claim 11 , wherein said controller includes a retainer member to retain said modular assembly within said recessed of said main housing init.  
   
   
       13 . The controller according to  claim 12 , wherein said retainer member includes a retainment collar threadingly engaging a second threaded recessed formed in a tops surface of said main housing unit, said modular assembly being disposed between said retainment collar and a bottom portion of said substantially cylindrical recess of said housing,  
   
   
       14 . The controller according to  claim 11 , wherein said modular assembly includes a stop to prevent unlimited rotational movement relative to main housing unit and limit rotational movement to within a single 360 degrees.  
   
   
       15 . The controller according to  claim 11 , wherein said modular assembly includes a retention assembly to retain said modular in a particular selective rotational position relative to said main housing unit.  
   
   
       16 . The controller according to  claim 15 , wherein said retention assembly includes at least one detent projecting from said modular assembly and a plurality of recesses formed in an inner peripheral surface of said substantially cylindrical recess of said main housing unit, said detent being flexibly formed capable if inward deflection upon forced rotational movement of said modular assembly, said detent being biased in an outward position to engage one of said plurality of recesses formed in an inner peripheral surface of said substantially cylindrical recess of said main housing unit to maintain said modular assembly in a desired rotational position relative to said main housing unit.  
   
   
       17 . The controller according to  claim 16 , wherein said at least one detent is formed as a projection on a cantilevered surface external surface of said modular assembly, said cantilevered surface being formed by a cut out portion of said external surface to facilitate inward deflection of said detent upon formed rotational movement of said modular assembly relative to said main housing unit.  
   
   
       18 . The controller according to  claim 16 , wherein said modular assembly includes at least one user engaging surfaces provided on a top exposed surface of said modular assembly to facilitate engagement by a user to dial the modular assembly to a desired rotational position within said 360 degrees.