초록 ▼

A video game control unit includes separable console and base sections, with the console section housing a steering wheel video game input device that automatically returns to a central, neutral position. The base section of the video game control unit includes a baseplate, a pedestal and a tray, wi

A video game control unit includes separable console and base sections, with the console section housing a steering wheel video game input device that automatically returns to a central, neutral position. The base section of the video game control unit includes a baseplate, a pedestal and a tray, with the pedestal affixed on the baseplate and the tray resting on and affixed to the pedestal. The tray is flat and bounded by four walls which hold the removable console section in place on the tray. The steering wheel video game input device automatically returns to its central position by means of a restorative force applied by ball bearings received in the ends of coil springs and urged against a V-shaped centering cam which is locked onto a steering shaft connected to the steering wheel. Provisions are included for providing left-turn and right-turn signals to a computer interface circuit included in the console housing. Computer input button switches mounted on the console housing and on spokes of the steering wheel frame provide discrete signals to the computer interface circuit. Electrical signals between the computer interface circuit and a digital computer are carried on a game port cable which exits the rear of the console housing.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A video game control unit comprising:a removable console section including:a console housing;a steering wheel video game input device having a rotation axis, a neutral position, a right-turn direction and a left-turn direction, said steering wheel video game input device

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A video game control unit comprising:a removable console section including:a console housing;a steering wheel video game input device having a rotation axis, a neutral position, a right-turn direction and a left-turn direction, said steering wheel video game input device including:a steering wheel;a rod-shaped steering shaft that is secured to and supported by said console housing, said steering shaft extending parallel to and surrounding said rotation axis, with a first end of said steering shaft being affixed to said steering wheel; andmeans for providing a restorative force to return said steering wheel video came input device to the neutral position, said means for providing a restorative force including a cylindrically-shaped centering cam having a V-shaped first face and a flat second face disposed normal to said rotation axis, said centering cam being attached to and retained on said steering shaft;means for limiting rotation of said steering wheel video game input device about said rotation axis in both the left-turn and right-turn directions;means for electrically interfacing said console section with a digital computer; andmeans for providing electrical right-turn and left-turn indication signals to said digital computer interfacing means; anda base section including:a baseplate having a top surface and a bottom surface;a tray having a top surface, a bottom surface and means for retaining said removable console section on said top surface of said tray;a pedestal interposed between said top surface of said baseplate and said bottom surface of said tray, securing said tray to said baseplate, for supporting said tray at a predetermined height above said baseplate.