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  Accessory for a video game systemUSPTO Application #: 20060282937Title: 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. (end of abstract) Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX, US Inventor: Andrew Charles Morris USPTO Applicaton #: 20060282937 - Class: 002163000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Body Garments, Gloves, Fingers The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060282937. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] 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 [0002] In recent years, video game systems such as XbOx.TM., GameCube.TM., and PlayStation.TM. 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. [0003] 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. [0004] 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. [0005] 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 [0006] 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. [0007] 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. [0008] 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. [0009] 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. [0010] 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 [0011] 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: [0012] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a thumb cap in accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the thumb cap of FIG. 1; [0014] FIG. 3 shows a side elevation view of the thumb cap of FIG. 1; [0015] FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the thumb cap of FIG. 1 worn on a user's thumb; [0016] FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of the thumb cap of FIG. 1 worn on a user's thumb; [0017] 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; [0018] FIG. 7 shows a side elevation view of the thumb cap of FIG. 6; [0019] FIG. 8 illustrates the thumb cap of FIG. 1 in use; [0020] FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of a hand band in accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention; Continue reading... Full patent description for Accessory for a video game system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Accessory for a video game system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Accessory for a video game system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Grip enhancing structure having vacuum adhesion micro, miniature_suction cups and method and apparatus for making same Next Patent Application: Athletic pants with integral knee support Industry Class: Apparel ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Accessory for a video game system patent info. 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