US 12,268,957 B2
Directional pads with dynamic tactile features and methods of using the same
Jason Scott Morrison, Chadron, NE (US)
Assigned to Dell Products L.P., Round Rock, TX (US)
Filed by Dell Products L.P., Round Rock, TX (US)
Filed on Jan. 5, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/150,429.
Prior Publication US 2024/0226724 A1, Jul. 11, 2024
Int. Cl. A63F 13/24 (2014.01); A63F 13/285 (2014.01); G06F 3/01 (2006.01)
CPC A63F 13/285 (2014.09) [A63F 13/24 (2014.09); G06F 3/016 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A directional pad for a controller, the directional pad comprising:
a shell that includes a top that has:
opposing upper and lower surfaces; and
a plurality of openings that each extend from the upper surface to the lower surface; and
a plurality of protrusions, each movable between:
a retracted state in which the protrusion is disposed at or below the upper surface of the top of the shell; and
a deployed state in which the protrusion extends through a respective one of the openings of the top of the shell such that at least a portion of the protrusion is disposed above the upper surface of the top of the shell; and
a plurality of actuators, each configured to move a respective one of the protrusions between the retracted and deployed states.