US4798376A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Amusement ride apparatus with a plurality of individually tiltable frames
Assignee: SHOWSCAN Corp
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Filing: 1987-11-16
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Granted: 1989-01-17
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Expires: 2007-11-16
Abstract
Abstract An amusement ride is provided, of the type that moves and tilts passengers viewing a motion picture, which is more versatile than prior rides. A plurality of passenger-holding frames is provided, that are all moved in synchronism, each by a separate set of actuators, while the passengers view a stationary screen. The passenger-holding frame is pivoted up and down on a beam which is supported by only two largely vertical actuators, while two pairs of links or arms limit movement of the beam.
Inventors
- 👤 Douglas Trumbull
- 👤 David Collins
- 👤 Wayne Smith
- 👤 Robert Spieldiener
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 01:33
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63G; A63G31/00; A63G31/02; A63G31/06; A63G31/16; A63F; A63F9/00; A63F9/14; G; G09; G09B; G09B9/00; G09B9/02; G09B9/08; G09B9/12; G09B9/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
248 words
An amusement ride apparatus comprising: means for holding a plurality of passengers; image means including a screen viewable by said passengers and means for forming a predetermined motion picture image on said screen with at least a portion of said image representing the view from a moving vehicle; drive means for moving said passenger holding means in synchronism with said motion picture image to simulate, at least partially, forces that would be experienced by passengers in said moving vehicle; said means for holding passengers comprising a plurality of passenger-holding frames, said drive means comprising a plurality of sets of actuators, each said set of actuators associated with a different one of said frames and controllable to move the corresponding frame, and aid drive means includes means for controlling said sets of actuators in synchronism; each said passenger-holding frame includes a plurality of seats positioned to hold seated passengers facing in a predetermined forward direction towards said screen; each said set of actuators is constructed to tilt said seats about an axis (82) that extends primarily horizontally and perpendicular to said forward direction; said screen is substantially stationary; said plurality of seats of each said passenger-holding frame are arranged in at least one row containing a plurality of seats spaced substantially parallel to said axis; and each said frame being tiltable about its own individual said axis with said axis of one of said frames spaced further from said screen than said axis of a second of said frames.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
248 words
An amusement ride apparatus comprising: means for holding a plurality of passengers; image means including a screen viewable by said passengers and means for forming a predetermined motion picture image on said screen with at least a portion of said image representing the view from a moving vehicle; drive means for moving said passenger holding means in synchronism with said motion picture image to simulate, at least partially, forces that would be experienced by passengers in said moving vehicle; said means for holding passengers comprising a plurality of passenger-holding frames, said drive means comprising a plurality of sets of actuators, each said set of actuators associated with a different one of said frames and controllable to move the corresponding frame, and aid drive means includes means for controlling said sets of actuators in synchronism; each said passenger-holding frame includes a plurality of seats positioned to hold seated passengers facing in a predetermined forward direction towards said screen; each said set of actuators is constructed to tilt said seats about an axis (82) that extends primarily horizontally and perpendicular to said forward direction; said screen is substantially stationary; said plurality of seats of each said passenger-holding frame are arranged in at least one row containing a plurality of seats spaced substantially parallel to said axis; and each said frame being tiltable about its own individual said axis with said axis of one of said frames spaced further from said screen than said axis of a second of said frames.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
260 words
An amusement ride apparatus for mounting above a floor comprising: means for holding a plurality of passengers; image means including a screen viewable by said passengers and means for forming a predetermined motion picture image on said screen with at least a portion of said image representing the view from a moving vehicle; drive means for moving said passenger holding means in synchronism with said motion picture to simulate, at least partially, forces that would be experienced by passengers in said moving vehicle; said means for holding passengers including a plurality of rows of seats with each seat constructed to hold a seated passenger facing in a predetermined forward direction toward said screen; said rows of seats being separated, with a first of said rows mounted on a first passenger-holding frame, and a second of said rows mounted on a second passenger-holding frame spaced rearwardly from said first row; said screen being mounted substantially stationary; said drive means including a first set of actuators coupled to said first row of seats and constructed to move said first row of seats in a plurality of motions including tilting of said first row of seats about a first axis extending substantially horizontally and perpendicular to said forward direction; said drive means also including a second set of actuators lying rearward of said first set and coupled to said second row of seats and constructed to move said second row of seats about a second axis extending substantially parallel to said first axis but lying further from said screen than said first axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
260 words
An amusement ride apparatus for mounting above a floor comprising: means for holding a plurality of passengers; image means including a screen viewable by said passengers and means for forming a predetermined motion picture image on said screen with at least a portion of said image representing the view from a moving vehicle; drive means for moving said passenger holding means in synchronism with said motion picture to simulate, at least partially, forces that would be experienced by passengers in said moving vehicle; said means for holding passengers including a plurality of rows of seats with each seat constructed to hold a seated passenger facing in a predetermined forward direction toward said screen; said rows of seats being separated, with a first of said rows mounted on a first passenger-holding frame, and a second of said rows mounted on a second passenger-holding frame spaced rearwardly from said first row; said screen being mounted substantially stationary; said drive means including a first set of actuators coupled to said first row of seats and constructed to move said first row of seats in a plurality of motions including tilting of said first row of seats about a first axis extending substantially horizontally and perpendicular to said forward direction; said drive means also including a second set of actuators lying rearward of said first set and coupled to said second row of seats and constructed to move said second row of seats about a second axis extending substantially parallel to said first axis but lying further from said screen than said first axis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-01-17 | 1992-07-18 | 1993-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-01-17 | 1996-07-18 | 1997-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-01-17 | 2000-07-18 | 2001-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |