Brandable thumbstick cover for game controllers

Abstract

A brandable thumbstick cover for video game controllers includes a thumbstick cap and an adapter ring meant to cover the thumbstick on the game controller. The thumbstick cap is the primary location for branding or inclusion of video game related images and text, which may appear on any surface of the thumbstick cap. The adapter ring is used to provide removable attachment between the thumbstick cap and the thumbstick itself and allows for a single sized thumbstick cap to be used across differently sized thumbsticks. The bottom cavity portion of the adapter ring is sized appropriately so as to receive the upper portion of the thumbstick and snap into place or be held by friction and/or pressure. The upper portion of the adapter ring provides a mechanism for attachment of the thumbstick cap. Alternative embodiments include the elimination of the adapter ring and the direct attachment of the thumbstick cap to the thumbstick. The thumbstick cap may have images and text applied directly, or it may contain a recessed top area that allows for branding in the form of a printed domed label. The domed label consists of a printed substrate material covered with a clear epoxy-type substance so that the printed graphics are shown through the dome, and an adhesive on the bottom of the substrate that is used to adhere to the thumbstick cap.

1 . A cover device for a video game controller thumbstick that has an upper portion with a top surface and a peripheral side edge, said cover device comprising: a cap that is sized, structured and disposed for removeable attachment on the video game controller thumbstick in a manner that covers the top surface of the thumbstick, and said cap having a thumb engaging surface to allow manipulation of the thumbstick, and said cap further including at least one area for placement of an image and text. 
   
   
       2 . The cover device as recited in  claim 1  wherein said at least one area for placement of the image and text is on a top of said cap. 
   
   
       3 . The cover device as recited in  claim 2  wherein the top of said cap includes a recess. 
   
   
       4 . The cover device as recited in  claim 3  further comprising: a domed label sized, structured and disposed for attached receipt within said recess on the top of said cap, and said domed label defining said at least one area for placement of the image and text. 
   
   
       5 . The cover device as recited in  claim 2  further comprising: an adapter ring including an open bottom surrounded by a rim and communicating with a cavity that is sized, structured and disposed for snug receipt of the upper portion of the thumbstick therein, and said adapter ring further including a top portion for removeable attachment of said cap thereto. 
   
   
       6 . The cover device as recited in  claim 5  wherein said adapter ring includes a slip resistant surface surrounding said cavity for promoting firm gripped attachment of said adapter ring to the upper portion of the thumbstick. 
   
   
       7 . The cover device as recited in  claim 5  wherein said rim surrounding said open bottom of said adapter ring extends radially inward relative to said open bottom and said cavity, and said rim being structured and disposed for retaining said adapter ring on the upper portion of the thumbstick while maneuvering the thumbstick by applying directional pressure on the cover device. 
   
   
       8 . The cover device as recited in  claim 5  wherein said top portion of said adapter ring and said cap include cooperating screw threads for removeably attaching said cap to said adapter ring. 
   
   
       9 . The cover device as recited in  claim 5  wherein said cap magnetically attaches to the top portion of said adapter ring. 
   
   
       10 . The cover device as recited in  claim 5  wherein said adapter ring and said cap are provided with a plurality of cooperating pegs and peg receptors for removeably attaching said cap to said adapter ring. 
   
   
       11 . The cover device as recited in  claim 5  wherein said adapter ring further comprises a V-shaped groove communicating with said open bottom and said cavity, and said V-shaped groove being sized, structured and disposed for horizontal sliding receipt of the upper portion of the thumbstick within said cavity of said adapter ring.