阅读说明：本技术 计算机游戏控制器支架 (Computer game controller support ) 是由 马格纳斯·约翰逊 托马斯·安德森 于 2017-09-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了计算机游戏控制器支架,包括：框架(10)、连接到框架的控制器支撑件(15、20)、以及椅连接器(122、132),所述控制器支撑件被配置为支撑至少一个计算机游戏控制器,诸如方向盘模块、操纵杆模块或踏板模块,椅连接器(122、132)配置为用于防止框架和椅(4)之间的水平相对移动。椅连接器适于允许框架和椅围绕竖直轴线相对于彼此枢转。本公开还提供了计算机游戏单元和制造这种计算机游戏单元的方法。(The present disclosure provides a computer game controller stand, comprising: a frame (10), a controller support (15, 20) connected to the frame, the controller support being configured to support at least one computer game controller, such as a steering wheel module, a joystick module or a pedal module, and a chair connector (122, 132), the chair connector (122, 132) being configured for preventing horizontal relative movement between the frame and the chair (4). The chair connector is adapted to allow the frame and the chair to pivot relative to each other about a vertical axis. The present disclosure also provides a computer gaming unit and a method of manufacturing such a computer gaming unit.)

1. A computer game controller stand, comprising:

a frame (10) for supporting the frame,

a controller support (15, 20) connected to the frame, the controller support being configured to support at least one computer game controller, such as a steering wheel module, a joystick module or a pedal module, and

a chair connector (122, 132) configured for preventing horizontal relative movement between the frame and a chair (4),

it is characterized in that

The chair connector is adapted to allow the frame and chair base (412) to pivot relative to each other about a vertical axis,

wherein the chair connector is connectable to a chair base pivoting caster seat, or

The chair connector is connectable to a caster (413) and includes a caster bracket (16, 17, 18, 19) adapted to receive a pivoting caster (413) of a foot wheelchair.

2. The computer game controller stand of claim 1, wherein the chair connector includes a vertically upwardly extending pin (122, 132) sized and adapted to be received in a caster mount receiver of a foot wheelchair base (41).

3. The computer game controller stand of claim 1, wherein the caster bracket (16, 17, 18, 19) comprises an upwardly open receiving portion defining a bracket space.

4. The computer game controller stand of claim 3, wherein the carriage space comprises a proximal edge (162, 172, 182, 192) adapted to prevent movement of the caster (413) in a direction towards the game controller stand.

5. A computer game controller stand according to claim 4, wherein the proximal edge (162, 172, 182, 192) is provided by an edge of an opening (161, 171, 181, 191) of the receiving portion.

6. The computer game controller stand of claim 4, wherein the proximal edge (192) is at least partially provided by a wall (1921) of the receptacle.

7. A computer game controller stand according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the carriage space comprises at least one side edge (163, 164; 173, 174; 183, 184; 193, 194) adapted to prevent movement of the castor wheel (413) in a lateral direction relative to the rear support member (12, 13).

8. The computer game controller stand of any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the carriage space comprises a distal edge (165, 175, 185, 195) adapted to prevent movement of the caster (413) in a direction away from the game controller stand.

9. The computer game controller stand of claim 4, wherein the distal edge (165) provides a lower vertical height than the proximal edge.

10. The computer game controller stand of any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the receptacle provides a bottom surface on which the caster can rest when received therein.

11. A computer game controller stand according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the receiving portion is downwardly open such that the castor wheel (413) received therein can rest directly on a floor surface.

12. A computer game controller stand according to any one of claims 3 to 11, further comprising a locking device (166, 167; 1761, 1762, 177) for preventing the castor (413) from exiting the carriage (16, 17) when the castor (413) is received in the carriage (16, 17).

13. A computer game controller stand according to claim 12, wherein the locking device comprises a clamping device (166, 167), the clamping device (166, 167) being adapted to provide a horizontal clamping force on the caster (413) when the caster (413) is received in the bracket (16).

14. A computer game controller stand according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the locking device comprises a locking member (177) displaceable relative to the receiving portion (17) between a first position in which the castor (413) is introducible into or removable from the receiving portion and a second position in which the castor (413) is prevented from being removed from the receiving portion by a positive interlock.

15. A computer game controller stand according to any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the bracket (17) provides an opening having a first portion (1711) dimensioned and adapted to allow the castor wheel (413) to pass vertically therethrough and a second portion (1712) dimensioned and adapted to allow a pivoting castor wheel mount (4131) to extend through the second portion rather than the entire pivoting castor wheel (413), the second portion (1712) being horizontally juxtaposed relative to the first portion (1711).

16. The computer game controller stand of claim 1, wherein the chair connector comprises a downwardly open receiver adapted to receive a pin.

17. The computer game controller stand of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer game controller stand comprises at least two chair connectors, and wherein the chair connectors are movable in a horizontal direction relative to each other such that a distance between the chair connectors is adjustable.

18. A computer game controller stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame provides a forward direction which is parallel to a horizontal direction that a user would face when using the game controller.

19. A computer game controller stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a cross member (11) and a pair of longitudinal members (12, 13), the pair of longitudinal members (12, 13) extending generally rearwardly from the cross member (11).

20. The computer game controller stand of claim 19, wherein the chair connectors are disposed at distal ends of the respective longitudinal members.

21. A computer game controller stand according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the longitudinal members (112, 13) are pivotable in a horizontal plane relative to the cross member (11).

22. A computer game controller stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a central member (14), the central member (14) extending in the forward direction, and wherein the controller support (15, 20) extends upwardly from the central member.

23. A computer game controller stand according to claim 22, wherein the central member (14) is movable relative to the cross members (11).

24. A computer game controller stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller support (15, 20) is at least vertically adjustable relative to the frame.

25. A computer game controller stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller support (15, 20) is at least horizontally adjustable relative to the frame.

26. A computer game controller stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller stand comprises a first controller support (15) adapted to receive a manual controller and a second controller support (20) adapted to receive a foot controller.

27. A computer game controller stand according to claim 26, wherein the first controller support (15) is disposed behind the second controller support (20) when viewed in the forward direction.

28. A computer game controller stand according to any preceding claim, further comprising a secondary game controller support (530).

29. The computer game controller stand of claim 28, wherein the secondary game controller support (530) comprises a support member (531), at least one vertical member (532, 534), and at least one horizontal member (533), whereby the support member (531) is positionable at a position offset from a lateral center of the stand.

30. A computer gaming unit comprising:

a computer game controller stand (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and

a chair (4) configured to be supported on at least three castors,

wherein the chair connector is connected to one of the casters or to a pivoting caster seat.

31. A computer game unit according to claim 30, wherein the chair connector is connected to a receiving portion for receiving a castor mounting pin.

32. A computer game unit according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the chair (4) is a swivel-type chair.

33. A method of manufacturing a computer gaming unit, comprising:

providing a computer game controller stand according to any of claims 1-29,

providing a chair configured to be supported on at least three casters, an

A chair connector connecting at least one of the caster or pivoting caster mount to the computer game controller stand.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising removing at least one caster from the chair prior to the connecting step.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to devices for enhancing the experience of a computer game or video game, and in particular to a computer game controller stand, a computer game unit and a method of manufacturing a computer game unit.

Background

It is known to provide so-called "gaming chairs" or "game seats" to enhance the gaming experience, particularly when playing racing or flight simulator type computer games or video games.

Such a game chair or game seat typically comprises a frame, a seat and one or more supports for mounting a controller module.

A game chair or game seat is particularly desirable when multiple controller modules are used, such as a manual controller (e.g., a steering wheel module) in conjunction with a foot controller (such as a pedal module).

However, playchairs are expensive and often bulky, and therefore take up a lot of space when not in use.

Accordingly, relatively few users are prepared to pay for and/or have space for such a play chair.

A solution is provided by US7857311B2, by which a controller bracket is connected to the legs of a common chair.

Today, however, many computer game players prefer chairs having an office style, or "swivel chairs" with caster wheels. Preferably, such a chair should have at least some of the look and properties of a car racing seat, for example in terms of side support and backrest adjustability.

Therefore, the known solutions are not suitable for the type of chair preferred by many players.

A controller bracket according to the front feature of claim 1 is also disclosed in US2010/0194155a 1.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved gaming chair, and in particular, a gaming chair that may enable more users to enjoy an enhanced gaming experience.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a controller bracket which alleviates at least some of the problems mentioned by way of introduction.

The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims and in the following description and in the drawings.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a computer game controller stand comprising a frame, a controller support connected to the frame, the controller support being configured to support at least one computer game controller, such as a steering wheel module, a joystick module or a pedal module, and a chair connector (chair connector) configured to prevent horizontal relative movement between the frame and a chair base.

The chair connector is adapted to allow the frame and the chair to pivot relative to each other about a vertical axis.

The chair may be a swivel-type chair having a chair base with a plurality of pivoting casters, a seat that is rotatable relative to the base and optionally height-adjustable, and a backrest that may be fixed or adjustable relative to the seat. Such chairs may include, but need not include, armrests and/or a headrest.

"pivoting caster" refers to a wheel having an axis of rotation pivotable about a vertical axis. Thus, the caster may be a non-driven wheel mounted to the bottom of the chair, and in normal operation, the caster is free to rotate relative to the base of the chair.

The casters may be mounted in a variety of ways, and many casters are mounted using a vertical pin that is received in a vertical cylindrical recess such that the pin is rotatable relative to the recess. The pin and/or the recess may be provided with a locking device for preventing relative axial movement between the pin and the recess.

The connection should preferably prevent relative horizontal movement between the chair and the support in all horizontal directions. Alternatively, vertical relative movement may also be prevented or at least reduced.

By attaching the bracket to the chair, the seat and the seat support portion of the frame can be eliminated. Therefore, a compact stent can be provided. That is, the stand occupies less space when not in use.

Further, the seat is omitted, and a lower cost game seat can be provided. A chair in which the user presumably also serves other purposes can thus provide a dual function.

Thus, it is possible to combine a chair with castors or a chair with one or more of its castors removed with a game controller stand. Thus, since the user can use his/her existing office chair, it is possible to realize a game unit having properties comparable to an integrated game chair or game chair, while reducing costs. Further, since the game controller stand does not include any chair, the game controller stand will occupy less space when it is not in use.

Furthermore, any ergonomic features of the chair, such as adjustability, may also be utilized when the chair is used as a play chair.

By allowing rotation between the frame and the chair or chair base, easy adjustability may be achieved, allowing a variety of chairs to be used.

The chair connector may be connected to a caster or to a chair base pivoting caster seat (mount).

The computer game controller stand may include a vertically upwardly extending pin sized and adapted to be received in a caster wheel mounting receiver of the foot wheelchair base.

Alternatively, the chair connector may be connected to a caster.

The chair connector may comprise a castor tray (cradle) adapted to receive the castors of a foot wheelchair, in particular the castors of a pivoting foot wheelchair.

The caster bracket may include an upwardly open receptacle that defines a bracket space.

The tray space can include a proximal edge adapted to prevent the caster from moving in a direction toward the game controller stand.

The proximal edge may be provided by an edge of the opening of the receiving portion.

The proximal edge may be provided at least in part by a wall of the receptacle.

The carriage space may include at least one side edge adapted to prevent the caster from moving in a lateral direction relative to the rear support member.

The tray space may include a distal edge adapted to prevent the caster from moving in a direction away from the game controller stand.

The distal edge may provide a lower vertical height than the proximal edge.

For example, the distal edge may be about 1-50% of the vertical height of the proximal edge, preferably 5-15% of said vertical height. Thus, the caster may be allowed to roll on the distal edge for introduction into and/or removal from the receptacle. In practice, the distal edge may be about 2-20mm, preferably 2-15mm or 2-10 mm.

The receptacle may provide a bottom surface on which the caster may rest when received in the receptacle.

The receptacle may be downwardly open so that the caster wheel received in the receptacle may rest directly on the floor surface.

The computer game controller stand may further comprise a locking device for preventing the castor from leaving the cradle when the castor is received in the cradle.

The locking device may comprise a clamping device adapted to provide a horizontal clamping force on the castor when the castor is received in the bracket.

The locking device may comprise a locking member displaceable relative to the receptacle between a first position in which the castor wheel may be introduced into or removed from the receptacle, and a second position in which the castor wheel is prevented from being removed from the receptacle by positive interlocking.

The bracket provides an opening having a first portion sized and adapted to allow the caster to extend vertically through the first portion and a second portion sized and adapted to allow the pivoting caster seat to extend through the second portion rather than the entire pivoting caster, the second portion being horizontally juxtaposed relative to the first portion.

The chair connector may include a downwardly opening receiver adapted to receive the pin.

The computer game controller stand may comprise at least two chair connectors, and wherein the chair connectors are movable in a horizontal direction relative to each other such that the distance between the chair connectors is adjustable.

The frame may provide a forward direction that is parallel to a horizontal direction that a user would face when using the game controller. The forward direction may be the longitudinal direction of the stent.

The frame may include a cross member and a pair of longitudinal members extending generally rearwardly from the cross member.

The chair connectors may be provided at the distal ends of the respective longitudinal members.

The longitudinal members may be pivotable in a horizontal plane relative to the cross members.

By allowing the rear support members to pivot relative to the cross members, the lateral distance between them can be easily adjusted to accommodate different chair bases.

The frame of the computer game controller stand may comprise a central member extending in a forward direction, and wherein the controller support extends upwardly from said central member.

The central member may be movable relative to the lateral members, for example by being slidable.

The controller support may be at least vertically adjustable relative to the frame.

The controller support may be adjustable at least horizontally relative to the frame.

The controller stand may include a first controller support adapted to receive a manual controller and a second controller support adapted to receive a foot controller.

The first controller support may be disposed rearward of the second controller support when viewed in a forward direction.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a computer game unit comprising a computer game controller stand as described above and a chair configured to be supported on at least three castors. The chair connector is connected to one of the casters or to a pivoting caster seat.

The chair connector may be connected to a receiving portion for receiving the caster mounting pin.

The chair may be a swivel-type chair supported on a plurality of pivoting casters.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a computer game unit comprising providing a computer game controller stand as described above, providing a chair configured to be supported on at least three castors, and a chair connector connecting at least one of the castors or pivoting castor seat to the computer game controller stand.