I

United States Patent [191 [11] Patent Number: 4,857,881

Hayes F [45] Date of Patent: Aug. 15, 1989

[54] JOYSTICK WITH SPRING DISCONNECI‘ Primary Examiner-Donald Grif?n

[75] Inventor: Charles L. Hayes, Carlsbad, Calif. Attorney’ Agent’ or Flrm_pnce’ Gess & Uben
[73] Assignee: Hayes Technology, San Marcos, [57] ABSTRACT
Cahf' V‘ “ “ A joystick mechanism having a barrel rotator is capable
[21] Appl. No.: 216,830 of multiple axis movement and multiple axis analog
[22] Filed: Jul. 8’ 1988 signal control. The joystick mechanism can be selec
tively spring centered on two axes, spring centered on
GL4 ........................................... .. one axis and positioned on the other’ or
[52] Cl. ....................... .. 338/128; 74/471 XY frictionally positioned on both axes_ A pair of switch
[58] F191‘! of Search .................. .. 338/128; 74/471 XY mechanisms, one for each axis of movement, Selectably
[56] References Cited engage or disengage the respective centering spring
Us. PATENT DOCUMENTS énechamsm. The analog signal‘ge‘nerators are adjustable
tom the outside to provide biaslng as required.
4,489,304 12/1984 Hayes ................................ .. 338/128
4,620,176 10/1986 Hayes .. 338/128
4,763,100 8/1988 Wood ................................ .. 338/128 28 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
US. Patent Aug. 15,1989 Sheet 1 of3 4,857,881
US. Patent Aug. 15,1989 sheei 3 01‘3 4,857,881
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located within an aperture 23 of the housing 12 of the
‘ JOYSTICK WITH SPRING DISCONNECI‘ joystick.
The housing includes a pair of adjusting wheels 25
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION and 27 for zeroing the electrical output potentiometer.
1. Field of the Invention The housing 12 supports a pair of ?nger actuatable
The present invention relates generally to improve switch mechanisms 29 and 31 which engage and disen
ments in joystick mechanisms, and more particularly, gage the spring return mechanism contained within the
pertains to new and improved joysticks wherein a bar joystick 11 in a manner that will be explained hereinaf
rel rotator is utilized for movement along one axis. ter. The joystick also has a ?re button 15 located on the
2. Description of the Prior Art 10 handle 13. The housing 11 may contain other control
In the ?eld of joystick mechanisms wherein barrel buttons as desired.
rotators are utilized, it has been the practice to employ Referring now to FIG. 2, which is looking at the
a spring return to center mechanism. Such devices have bottom of the joystick of FIG. 1 with the bottom part 14
been unsatisfactory for use as input devices in computer removed, it can be seen that the housing 11 contains a
systems requiring multi-directional, positional control. bail 33 which supports essentially all the workings of
The spring return to center type device is more advan the joystick. The housing 11 of the joystick is preferably
tageously utilized for computer games and such. injection molded in one piece including the bail 33. The
bail supports the barrel rotating mechanism 21 by way
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION of a rotating journal 45. The other side of the barrel
A joystick mechanism having a barrel rotator is 20 rotating mechanism 21 is supported by the rotating shaft
adapted for multiple axis movement and multiple axis (not shown) of potentiometer 59 which extends through
analog signal control. The control lever is selectively a support plate 36 which is held by a tongue and groove
spring centered on two axes, spring centered on one axis arrangement 35 by bail 33. The shaft extends through
and frictionally positioned on the other, or frictionally support plate 36 to journal 47 to which it is ?xably
positioned on both axes. A switch mechanism for each attached by a press ?t. So mounted, the barrel rotating
axis selectively engages or disengages the spring center mechanism 21 can rotate back and forth on journal 45
ing mechanism for that axis of movement. The entire and thereby turn the shaft of potentiometer 59.
joystick mechanism is made of plastic parts, except for A fork mechanism 49 is also supported by the bail 33.
the springs. The fork mechanism 49 is mounted by way of journal
30
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS bearing 51 to bail 33 orthogonal to the rotating axis of
The general objects and many of the attendant advan the barrel rotating mechanism 21. Thus, the rotating
tages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the axis of the fork mechanism 49 is perpendicular to the
same becomes better understood by reference to the rotating axis of barrel rotating mechanism 21. The other
following detailed description when considered in con 35 end of the fork mechanism 49 is supported by the rotat
junction with the accompanying drawings in which like ing shaft of potentiometer 61. Potentiometer 61 is sup
reference numerals designate like parts throughout the ported by support plate 75 that ?ts within the tongue
?gures thereof and wherein: and groove arrangement 37 of bail 33.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a joystick employing The stick shaft 17 is mounted for rotation with re
the present invention; spect to the barrel rotating mechanism 21 by a pair of
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view taken along line 2-2 of hinges 41 and 43. These hinges 41 and 43 allow the stick
FIG. 1 showing the workings of the invention; shaft 17 to rotate orthogonally with respect to barrel
FIG. 3a is a sectional view taken along line 3—-3 of rotating mechanism 21. By so rotating, the extended end
FIG. 2; 24 of the stick shaft 17 which contacts fork mechanism
FIG. 3b is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of 45 49 causes fork mechanism 49 to also rotate thereby
FIG. 2; turning the shaft 53 of potentiometer 61.
FIG. 4a is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Mounted around the journal 47 of the barrel rotating
FIG. 2; mechanism 21 is a spring return mechanism 55. This
FIG. 4b is a sectional view taken along line 4—4 of spring return mechanism causes the barrel rotating
FIG. 2; _ 50 mechanism 21 to return to a center or home position
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of after the stick shaft 17 is released by the operator.
FIG. 2; Working in conjunction with the spring return mecha
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the scissor mechanism nism 55 is a spring return disengaging mechanism 70
for the present invention; which is ?nger actuated by means of switch 29 (FIG. 1).
FIG. 7a is a sectional view of the potentiometer ad The spring return mechanism 55 and disengaging mech
justing mechanism; anism 70 allow the barrel rotating mechanism to either
FIG. 7b is a sectional view of the potentiometer ad have a spring return to home mode of operation or
justing mechanism in an alternate position; and frictional mode of operation, wherein the barrel rotat
FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing all the compo ing mechanism 21 stays where it is placed by the opera
nents of the present invention. tor.
A similar spring return to home mechanism 57 and
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED disengaging mechanism 71 are located orthogonally of
EMBODIMENTS the barrel rotating means 21 along the axis of rotation of
A joystick 11, according to the present invention, is the fork 49. The spring return mechanism 57 works in
illustrated in perspective in FIG. 1. The joystick in 65 conjunction with fork 49 allowing the stick shaft 17 and
cludes a handle 13 attached to stick shaft 17 which has its enlargement section 19 to be operated in a return to
an expanded rotating section 19 that ?ts within an aper home mode or in a frictional mode wherein the stick
ture 20 within a barrel rotator 21. Barrel rotator 21 is shaft-17 stays where it is placed by the operator.
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Referring now to FIGS. 30 and 3b,_ a preferred struc Referring now to FIG. 4b, which illustrates the posi
ture for the spring return mechanism 57 and the spring tion of spring return disengaging mechanism 71 when
disengaging mechanism 71 is illustrated. The spring the scissor mechanism is being disengaged, the ?nger
return mechanism and spring disengaging mechanism actuatable button 31 is caused to be depressed and
for the barrel rotating means 21 and for the fork appara moved to the left. This causes the leaf spring 61 to
tus 49 work in the same manner. Accordingly, a struc compress and the boss 65 attached to disengaging mech
tural and functional explanation of only one arrange anism 71 to move down with respect to base 69. By
,_ ment is deemed necessary. FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate moving the ?nger actuatable switch 31 to the left, ridge
the spring returiilmechanism 57 and the spring disen 63 catches under the edge of a slot (not shown) located
gaging mechanism ‘71 attached to the fork mechanism in the top of the housing 12 (FIG. 1) thereby holding
49. The spring return mechanism 57 is‘ preferably a the leaf spring 61 in a compressed state and maintaining
scissors structure, which is mounted for rotation about boss 65 in its downward direction.
shaft 53 of potentiometer 61. The spring return mecha When the boss 65 is located in its downward direc
nism 57 has a pair of lower legs 58 and 60 which are tion, as illustrated in FIG. 6, it is aligned with a pair of
connected respectively to a pair of upper arms 64 and apertures 83, 85, respectively, cut into legs 58, 60 of the
62. The lower legs 58 and 60 are held together by an scissor spring return mechanism. With the boss 65 in the
expansion spring 59. Spring 59 thereby causes the upper position 650, movement of the fork causes the boss 67
arms 62, 64 of the scissor spring return mechanism 57 to attached thereto to move arms 62 or 64, depending on
attempt to close and thereby squeeze boss 67 which is whether movement is to the right or to the left. Com
?xedly attached to and preferably an extension of fork 20 pression spring 59 maintains arms 62 and 64 in compres
49. As can be seen, the shaft 53 of potentiometer 61 sion against boss 67. Because boss 65a is in the position
extends into a press-?t ?xed relation with fork 49. indicated, it will not hold either lower leg 58 or 60,
Referring now to FIG. 3b, the movement of fork 49 thereby allowing the entire scissor mechanism to rotate.
to the right is illustrated. FIG. 3b also illustrates the The fork mechanism thus stops in the position placed by
spring disengaging mechanism 71 being in an inactive the operator of the stick shaft 17. This results in the
position. Accordingly, a boss 65, which is part of disen= friction mode.
gaging mechanism 71, is located between the legs 58 With the boss 65 placed in the position 65b indicated
and 60 of the scissor spring return mechanism 57. As a in FIG. 6, as a result of the spring disengaging mecha
result, movement of fork 49 to the right, as shown, nism 71 being in the position shown in FIG. 40, one can
causes boss 67 to force arm 62 of the scissor mechanism see that boss 65b does contact both lower legs 58, 60 of
to the right. Because boss 65 is preventing leg 58 from the spring scissor mechanism. If fork mechanism is
moving, only leg 60 is moved against the spring tension moved to the right or the left causing the boss 67 to
of spring 59. As a result, when the stick shaft that is force either arm 62 to the left or arm 64 to the right, the
connected to fork 49 is released, it will be returned by 35 opposite lower leg 58 or 60 is held in place by the boss
the action of spring 59 to the home position illustrated 65b. This results in the spring return to home mode.
in FIG. 3a. Movement of fork 49 in the opposite direc Rather than using a leaf spring 61 as illustrated in
tion to the right causes boss 67 of fork 49 to move the FIG. 4, a compression spring 81, as illustrated in FIG. 5,
arm 64 to the right. Boss 65 of the disengaging mecha— may be utilized as an alternate preferred embodiment.
nism 71 thereby holds leg 60 permitting only movement 40 FIG. 7 illustrates the potentiometer zeroing mecha
of leg 58 against a spring tension 59. In this manner, nism. An adjustment wheel 27 pivots on a shaft 87 that
rotation to the right or left is against the tension of is journalled within support plate 75. A shaft 89 is
spring 59. Release of the stick shaft will allow the ten ?xedly attached to and extends out from the adjustment
sion of spring 59 to return the fork 49 and commensu wheel 27. This shaft ?t within an aperture 29 of potenti
rately, the stick shaft 17 to its home position. 45 ometer support plate 66 on which the potentiometer 61
In order to disengage the spring return mechanism is mounted by means of tabs 93, 95 inserting into aper
and eliminate its effect on the movement of the fork 49, tures in support plate 66.
a ?nger actuatable button 31 must be moved. Referring to FIG. 7b, it is assumed that the adjust
Referring now to FIGS. 4a and 4b the spring disen ment wheel 27 is moved to the left direction 97 causing
gaging mechanism is more clearly illustrated. A support 50 it to pivot on shaft 87. Shaft 87 is journalled into an
plate 75, which is held within bail 33 by means of aperture of adjustment wheel 27, and it is ?xedly at
tongue and groove arrangement 37 (FIG. 2), supports tached to support plate 75. Such pivoting motion in the
the spring disconnect mechanism 71. The ?nger actuat direction 97 causes the entire body of potentiometer 61
able button 31 and a compression leaf spring mechanism to pivot to the right around pivot shaft 89. With the
61 are an integral part of the disconnect mechanism 71. 55 shaft of potentiometer 61 held stationary, the analog or
In its unactuated state, the spring disconnect mechanism electrical home or zero position is thereby adjusted as
71 is located between a pair of guides 16, 18 which are desired.
part of the support plate 75. In addition, a journal 79 Refer now to FIG. 8, which is an exploded view of all
extends from the side opposite boss 65 into a groove 77 the parts, other than the housing, associated with the
within support plate 75, thus allowing disengaging 60 joystick mechanism. The stick shaft 17 is attached to
mechanism ‘71 to move up and down with respect to the stick shaft enlargement 19 which is hinged to the bot
base 69 of the housing for the joystick 11. An aperture tom side of barrel rotating mechanism 21, as previously
73 within spring disengaging mechanism 71 surrounds explained. Stick shaft 17 can rotate about its axis of
the rotating shaft 53 of potentiometer 61 which extends rotation, which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation
through the support plate 75. The boss 65 in the position 65 of barrel rotating mechanism 21. Stick shaft 17 by way
indicated in FIG. 4a is in a position to engage the legs 58 of its extension tip 24 engages fork 49 at the slot 22
and 60 of the scissor spring return mechanism 57 shown therein. Moving stick shaft 17 without moving the bar
in FIGS. 3:: and 3b. rel rotating mechanism 21 causes the fork 49 to rotate
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about its axis of rotation, which is located symmetri nism allowing the entire mechanism to rotate with the
cally within bearing bosses 101 and 99. fork 49.
Rotating barrel rotating mechanism 21 about its axis The support plate 75 has a bearing shaft 87 extending
of rotation, which is symmetrically within bearing therefrom which is journalled into an aperture 88 of
bosses 47 and 45, will cause the extension 24 of stick adjustment wheel 27 allowing wheel 27 to pivot about
shaft 17 to simply move within the slot 22 of fork 49 journal shaft 87. A journal shaft 89 mounted on adjust
without causing it to rotate. Thus, as can be seen, barrel ment wheel 27 ?ts within slot 91 of potentiometer sup
rotating mechanism 21 causes rotation along one or port ring 66. Potentiometer support ring 66 has a pair of
thogonal axis and stick shaft 17 rotation within barrel slots 93, 95 which receive tabs 105 of potentiometer 61
mechanism 21 causes rotation along another orthogonal so that the potentiometer 61 is ?xedly attached to sup
axis through fork mechanism 49. It should be under port ring 66. The shaft 53 of potentiometer 61 extends
stood, of course, that both the barrel rotating mecha through the apertures of the various parts noted and is
nism 21 and fork mechanism 49 may be rotating at the press-?t into an aperture within bearing boss 101 of fork
same time as a result of angular movement of stick shaft 49.
17 by the operator. 15 What is claimed is:
Barrel rotating mechanism 21 has ?xedly attached at 1. An improved joystick mechanism, comprising:
one end thereof a boss 22, which extends into and be a housing;
tween the two arms 55 and 56 of the scissor spring a barrel-shaped rotating means supported for rotation
return mechanism. Arms 55 and 56 of the spring return along a ?rst axis in said housing;
mechanism rotate on bearing surface 47. As can be seen, 20 a stick shaft engaging and protruding through an
boss 22 will move arms 55 and 56 of the spring return aperture in said barrel rotating means and being
mechanism as the barrel rotating mechanism 21 moves. hinged thereto for rotating along a second axis;
The spring disconnect mechanism 70, having a ?nger a ?rst potentiometer connected to said barrel rotating
actuatable button 29 attached thereto and a leaf spring . means for activation thereby;
74 at the opposite end thereof, is mounted to support 25 a fork member supported for rotation along a second
plate 36 by means of shaft 76 extending from disconnect axis in said housing, said stick shaft having one end
structure 70 into slot 80 of support plate 36. Disconnect thereof engaging and rotating said fork member;
mechanism 70 rides up and down in slot 80 against the and
compression of leaf spring 74 as a result of pressure a second potentiometer connected to said fork mem
placed on ?nger actuatable button 29. ber for activation thereby.
On the opposite side of support plate 36, another 2. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 1 fur
journal shaft 82 extends out and is journalled into aper ther comprising:
ture 84 of adjusting wheel 25. Adjusting wheel 25 has a a ?rst mechanism means for biasing said barrel rotat
journal shaft 86 extending out from its opposite side to ing means towards a neutral center position,
?t within a slot 88 in potentiometer support ring 94. 35 whereby whenever said stick shaft is released, the
Support ring 94 has a pair of slots 92 and 90 therein for barrel rotates to its center position; and
receiving tabs 96 of potentiometer 59 causing the poten a second mechanism means for biasing said fork mem
tiometer to be held fast to support ring 94. The shaft 98 ber towards a neutral center position whereby
of potentiometer 59 extends through the apertures of whenever said stick shaft is released, the fork mem
the various parts and into press-?t engagement with the 40 ber rotates to its center position.
bearing boss 47 of the barrel rotating mechanism 21. 3. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 2 fur
Referring now to the structure utilized along the axis ther comprising:
of the fork 49, it can be seen that the fork 49 rotates a ?rst disconnect means for disengaging said ?rst
around its bearing bosses 99 and 101. Bearing boss 99 biasing mechanism, thereby causing said barrel
?ts within bearing sleeve 51. Bearing boss 101 receives 45 rotating means to remain in the position placed by
the two arms of the scissor mechanism so that boss 67 said stick shaft; and
?ts in between upper arms 62 and 64 of the scissor a second disconnect means for disengaging said sec
mechanism. Spring 59 attaches to hook-type engage ond biasing mechanism, thereby causing said fork
ment means of the legs 60 and 58 of the scissor mecha member to remain in the position placed by said
nism causing them to be pulled together and forcing the stick shaft.
arms 62, 64 against the boss 67 of the fork 49. A pair of 4. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 3
apertures 83 are located in the legs 58 and 60 of the wherein said barrel rotating means engages and rotates
spring return mechanism. the shaft of said ?rst potentiometer.
The spring disconnect mechanism 71 with its ?nger 5. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 3
actuatable button 31, an integral part thereof, and a leaf 55 wherein said fork member engages and rotates the shaft
spring mechanism at the opposite end thereof is slidably of said second potentiometer.
mounted to support plate 75 by way of extension shaft 6. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 3
79 slidably engaging slot 77 in the support plate 75. wherein said ?rst biasing means for biasing said barrel
Shaft 79 is ?xedly attached to disengaging mechanism rotating means towards a center position comprises:
71. On the opposite side of disengaging mechanism 71, 60 a scissor mechanism means mounted for rotation with
boss 65 extends therefrom and ?ts within the legs 58 and said barrel rotating means;
60 of the spring scissor mechanism. an expansion spring connected to a ?rst end of the
The spring disconnect mechanism 71 is allowed to pair of arms of said scissor mechanism, tending to
move up and down within slot 77 causing the boss 65 to force the ?rst end and the opposite second end pair
move likewise. In an upper position, boss 65 maintains 65 of arms together; and
one leg or the other of the scissor mechanism stationary. a boss ?xedly attached to said barrel rotating means
In a lower position, boss 65 merely slides within the and extending between the pair of arms at the sec
apertures 83 within the legs 58, 60 of the scissor mecha~ ond end of said scissor mechanism, whereby move
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ment of said barrel rotating means back and forth a scissor mechanism means mounted for rotation with
along its axis moves said boss and said scissor said barrel rotating means;
mechanism in the same direction as said barrel an expansion spring connected to a ?rst end of the
rotating means. pair of arms of said scissor mechanism, tending to
7. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 6 force the ?rst end and the opposite second end pair
wherein each one of said pair of arms of said scissor of arms together; and
mechanism has a recess formed therein at the spring a boss ?xedly attached to said barrel rotating means
end. and extending between the pair of arms at the sec
8. The improved joystick mechanism of claim ‘7 ond end of said scissor mechanism, whereby move
wherein said ?rst disconnect means for disengaging said 10 ment of said barrel rotating means back and forth
?rst biasing mechanism comprises: along its axis moves said boss and said scissor
a ?rst ?nger actuatable member movable in a direcc mechanism in the same direction as said barrel
tion perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said rotating means.
scissor mechanism; 14. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 13
a spring means tending to bias said ?rst ?nger actuat 15 wherein each one of said pair of arms of said scissor
able member in a ?rst direction; and mechanism has a recess formed therein at the spring
a boss ?xedly attached to said ?rst ?nger actuatable end.
member for engaging the pair of arms of said scis 15. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 14
sor mechanism at the spring end thereof when said wherein said ?rst disconnect means for disengaging said
?rst ?nger actuatable member is biased in the ?rst ?rst biasing mechanism comprises: .
direction and engaging the recess formed therein a ?rst ?nger actuatable member movable in a direc
when the ?rst ?nger actuatable member is moved tion perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said
in the second direction, whereby said scissor mech scissor mechanism;
anism is held by said boss when biased in the ?rst a spring means tending to bias said ?rst ?nger actuat
25 able member in a ?rst direction; and
direction and allowed to rotate with the drum ro
tating means when said boss is located in the sec= a boss ?xedly attached to said ?rst ?nger actuatable
ond direction. member for engaging the pair of arms of said scis
sor mechanism at the spring end thereof when said
9. The improved joystick of claim 8 wherein said ?rst ?rst ?nger actuatable member is biased in the ?rst
?nger actuatable member includes means to hold said 30
direction and engaging the recesses formed therein
member against said spring means in a position in the when the ?rst ?nger actuatable member is moved
second direction, said position constituting the disen in the second direction, whereby said scissor mech
gaging position for the ?rst disconnect mechanism. anism is held by said boss when said boss is biased
10. The improved joystick of claim 8 wherein said in the ?rst direction and allowed to rotate with the
spring means comprises a leaf spring formed integral drum rotating means when said boss is located in
with the structure of said first finger actuatable member the second direction.
11. The improved joystick of claim 8 wherein said 16. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 12
spring means comprises a compression coil spring at wherein said second biasing means for biasing said fork
tached to said ?rst ?nger actuatable member. member towards a center position comprises:
12. An improved joystick mechanism, comprising: 40 a scissor mechanism means mounted for rotation with
a housing; said fork member;
a barrel-shaped rotating means supported for rotation an expansion spring connected to a ?rst end of the
along a ?rst axis in said housing; pair of arms of said scissor mechanism, tending to
a stick shaft engaging and protruding through an force the ?rst end and the opposite second end pair
aperture in said barrel rotating means and being 45 of arms together; and
hinged thereto for rotating along a second axis; a boss ?xedly attached to said fork member and ex
a fork member supported for rotation along a second tending between the pair of arms at the second end
axis in said housing, said stick shaft having one end of said scissor mechanism, whereby movement of
thereof engaging and rotating said fork member; said fork member back and forth along its axis
a ?rst mechanism means for biasing said barrel rotat 50 moves said boss and said scissor mechanism in the
ing means towards a neutral center position, same direction as said fork member.
whereby whenever said stick shaft is released, the 17. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 16
barrel means rotates towards its center position; wherein each one of said pair of arms of said scissor
a second mechanism means for biasing said fork mem mechanism has a recess formed therein at the spring
ber towards a neutral center position, whereby 55 end.
whenever said stick shaft is released, the fork mem 18. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 17
ber rotates to its center position; wherein said second disconnect means for disengaging
a ?rst disconnect means for disengaging said ?rst said second biasing means comprises:
biasing mechanism, thereby causing said barrel a second ?nger actuatable member movable in a di
rotating means to remain in the position placed by 60 rection perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said
said stick shaft; and scissor mechanism;
a second disconnect means for disengaging said sec— a spring means tending to bias said second ?nger
ond biasing mechanism, thereby causing said fork actuatable member in a ?rst direction; and
member to remain in the position placed by said a boss ?xedly attached to said ?rst ?nger actuatable
stick shaft. 65 member for engaging the pair of arms of said scis
13. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 12 sor mechanism at the spring end thereof when said
wherein said ?rst biasing means for biasing said barrel second ?nger actuatable member is biased in the
rotating means towards a center position comprises: ?rst direction, and engaging the recesses formed
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therein when the second ?nger actuatable member that holds said second boss against the bias of said sec
is moved in the second direction, whereby said ond biasing means.
scissor mechanism is held by said boss when said 24-. An improved joystick mechanism, comprising:
boss is biased in the ?rst direction and allowed to a housing;
rotate with the fork member when said boss is a barrel-shaped rotating means supported for rotation
located in the second direction. about a ?rst axis in said housing;
19. An improved joystick mechanism, comprising: a hand manipulatable stick means engaging and pro
a housing; truding through an aperture in said barrel-shaped
a hand manipulatable stick means mounted in said rotating means and being hinged thereto for rotat
housing for pivotal movement along at least a ?rst ing about a second axis;
and second axis; an output signal varying means mounted at an end of
a fork member engaged by said stick means, mounted said barrel-shaped rotating means and engaged
for rotation about said second axis, and rotatable by thereby;
said stick means; an output signal varying means a scissors having a ?rst and a second arm mounted for
mounted at an end of said fork and engaged pivotal rotation about said ?rst axis at an end of
thereby; said barrel~shaped rotating means;
a scissors having a ?rst and a second arm mounted for a ?rst boss attached to the end of said barrel-shaped
pivotal rotation about said second axis at an end of rotating means and extending between the ?rst and
said fork; second arm of said scissors.
a ?rst boss attached to the arm of said fork and ex~ 20 a ?rst biasing means for biasing the ?rst and second
tending between the ?rst and second arm of said arms of said scissors together against said ?rst boss;
scissors; a second boss mounted for movement with respect to
a ?rst biasing means for biasing the ?rst and second housing at an end of said barrel-shaped rotating
arms of said scissors together and against said ?rst means for movement into and out of engagement
boss; 25
between the ?rst and second arm of said scissors;
a second boss mounted for movement with respect to
said housing at an end of said fork for movement a second biasing means for biasing said second boss
into and out of engagement between the ?rst and with engagement between the ?rst and second arm
second arm of said scissors; of said scissors; and
a second biasing means for biasing said second boss a switch means for moving said second boss out of
into engagement between the ?rst and second arm engagement between said ?rst and second arm of
of said scissors; and said scissors.
a switch means for moving said second boss out of 25. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 24
engagement between said ?rst and second arm of wherein the ?rst and second arms of said scissors have
said scissors. 35 recesses therein and said second boss moves into the
20. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 19 recesses of said arms when it moves out of engagement
wherein the ?rst and second arm of said scissors have between the ?rst and second arm.
recesses therein and said second boss moves into the 26. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 25
recesses of said arms when it moves out of engagement wherein said ?rst boss extends between the ?rst and
between the ?rst and second arm. second arm of said scissors above the pivotal rotation
21. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 20 axis and said second boss extends between the ?rst and
wherein said ?rst boss extends between the ?rst and second arm of said scissor below the pivotal rotation
second arm of said scissor above the pivotal rotation axis.
axis and said second boss extends between the ?rst and 27. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 26
second arm of said scissor below the pivotal rotation 45 wherein said switch means is ?nger actuatable for mov
axis. ing said second boss against the bias of said second
22. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 21 biasing means.
wherein said switch means is ?nger actuatable for mov 28. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 27
ing said second boss against the bias of said second wherein said switch means can be latched in a position
biasing means. 50 that holds said second boss against the bias of said sec
23. The improved joystick mechanism of claim 22 ond biasing means.
wherein said switch means can be latched in a position II It I! ll *

55

65