A molded controller button with an embedded graphic under a clear overlay
This is a multi-material button for game controllers where a colored graphic element is molded with the button base and then overmolded or wrapped by a transparent layer. The transparent piece protects the graphic and provides a domed, three-dimensional look and tactile surface; the design is intended for game controllers and similar input devices.
(57) What the patent covered
The independent claim required a button made of three parts: a base of a first material, a graphic piece integrally formed with the base that protrudes above the base surface and is made of a second material, and a transparent piece that wraps both the base and the graphic piece and is made of a third material whose heat‑resistance temperature is lower than that of the base and graphic materials.
The distinctive part: The use of a lower‑melting transparent overlayer that fully wraps an integral graphic piece protruding from the base, allowing a protected, raised graphic without separate printing.
Novelty 3/5. At filing time molded multi-material buttons and overmolding were known, but this patent combined an integral protruding graphic element with a lower‑temperature transparent wrap to protect surface decoration and produce a 3D look.
Making it
Likely a two-shot or multi-shot injection molding sequence: form the base and the graphic together in one shot, then overmold or wrap with a lower‑melting transparent polymer in a second injection step; final assembly into a controller housing with typical small‑electronics assembly.
Materials: ABS or PC for base (first material), colored ABS/PC or TPE for graphic piece (second material), clear TPU, PC, or acrylic for transparent piece (third material), metal dome or conductive contact (likely internal, optional)
Manufacturability 4/5. Requires multi‑shot injection tooling and molding fixtures but uses common plastics processes and modest part counts; assembly into controller housings is standard for suppliers.
Is anyone buying?
Comparable products are on sale; this exact design wasn't found. Typical retail price: $8–$16. Multiple US sellers offering transparent/clear button sets for modern and retro controllers; both listings have active shipping to US and customer reviews; one listing notes LEDs can shine through.
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Clear Text Button Set - eXtremeRate · Hand Held Legend15.59
- Transparent SNES D-Pad Button Replacement (Clear Buttons) -... · NostalJunkRetro7.99
This demand check was run with a web search in the week of Oct 5, 2026. Listings change often, so treat it as a starting point for your own research.
Who buys it: game controller manufacturers and small consumer electronics brands
Before you make it
We didn't find any related continuation or divisional patents still in force, although that doesn't rule out design patents, trademarks or unrelated patents covering the same product.
Practical risks are tooling cost and finding compatible polymer pairings (adhesion and thermal compatibility); the market is crowded with overmolded buttons and the claims focus narrowly on the heat‑resistance relationship.
Owners occasionally revive lapsed patents (about 1.5% are), and this page is a research lead rather than legal advice, so get a freedom-to-operate opinion before you manufacture anything.