Building Or Part Thereof Patents (Class 472/136)
  • Patent number: 11869022
    Abstract: A mobile application for execution upon an electronic device, system, or method for an amusement park or waterpark for tracking guests and collecting feedback. The application provides information, entertainment or other data to the user within the park. The application may determine a position within the park and display notifications (discounts, menus, etc.) at nearby vendors or provide recommendations based upon wait times. The application may allow for reservations at vendors. The application may determine ride sequence(s) based upon various characteristics and navigate according to such sequence(s). Puzzles, games, or other entertainment or educational activities may be displayed to the user for providing rewards based upon their participation. Guests may be tracked using a variety of technologies and information determined (dispatch rates, queues, etc.) by such tracking. Feedback (customer satisfaction) may be collected at guest interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: WHITEWATER WEST INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Aaron Mendelson
  • Patent number: 11691087
    Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Patent number: 11534679
    Abstract: An immersive amusement system features a path to be traversed by participants, a first array of devices mounted on a first side of said path, and a second array of devices mounted on an opposing second side of said path. Each device comprises either a beam emitter operable to transmit a respective visible beam, or a beam receiver operable to detect receipt thereby of a visible beam. The arrayed devices are setup in co-operable pairs, of which each co-operable pair comprises a beam emitter in one of said arrays and a corresponding beam receiver in the other of said arrays. A controller operably connected to the arrayed devices is configured to selectively activate and deactivate said beam emitters to cause transmission of visible beams from said beam emitters to said corresponding beam receivers, and to monitor for breaking of any of said visible beams by any of said participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Activate Games Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11524244
    Abstract: An interactive physical environment providing entertainment to a patron includes a room formed by modular walls coupled to one another, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the patron, and a control system. The room presents a game to a patron. The game includes a plurality of game components positionable in a first game configuration and a second game configuration. The first game configuration presenting a first challenge and the second game configuration presenting a second challenge. The second game configuration representing a solution to the first challenge. The control system receives patron identification information from the RFID tag associated with the patron. The control system selectively modifying the game presented by the room responsive to the received patron identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Open World Entertainment LLC
    Inventor: Matthew DuPlessie
  • Patent number: 11511205
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground climbing structures that provide a pathway defined by a lower surface and bound on each side by a sidewall. The structures may comprise sensory play activities on the interior of the sidewalls as well as on the exterior of the sidewalls. The climbing structure is also adapted so as to be accessible to children of varying physical abilities, including for instance children with disabilities, such as by having at least one platform configured for access from a wheelchair or other mobility device and incremental adjustments in elevation that may be navigated by a child with limited mobility. Embodiments of the climbing structures are assembled from a plurality of components, which can be connected together in a variety of configurations to provide custom modular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV, Anthony Ryan Parker
  • Patent number: 11420131
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating secret communication between players are described. One of the methods includes receiving image data of a first player to identify one or more gestures and receiving input data indicating a response of a second player to the one or more gestures. The method further includes training a model using the image data and the input data to generate an inference of communication between the first user and the second user. The method also includes generating additional inferences of communication between the first user and the second user. The method includes generating a recommendation to the second user based on the inference of communication and the additional inferences of communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Roger Stafford, Jorge Arroyo Palacios
  • Patent number: 10907371
    Abstract: Theater designs including social media, and theater entrances configured to draw patrons into a main area of the theater including an entrance having a curved wall and curved walkway having a horizon drop-off for display of content related to a motion picture or other feature to be shown in the theater. The content may be interactive or otherwise linked to patrons passing a hallway including the curved wall. Spatialized sound corresponding to the video “moves” with objects in the video and with patrons as they traverse walkway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas J. Gorny, Wilhelm Oehl, Vincent Voron, David Herman, Donald Burlock, Pascal Sijen, Christopher Roy Kukshtel, C. Matthew Cuson, Charles Q. Robinson
  • Patent number: 10898820
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a playhouse comprising a plurality of walls comprising a plurality of wall elements, configured to be connected to a gable roof; and a gable roof; comprising a plurality of gables, wherein the gable roof is configured to be attached to the plurality of walls; and a plurality of roof modules, wherein the first roof module is configurable to be connected and adjacent to the second roof module, wherein each roof module comprises a plurality of roof panels and at least one hinge, wherein the first roof panel is adjacent to the second roof panel and is connected by the at least one hinge, wherein the gable roof is configured to be mounted on a plurality of gables, and wherein the playhouse is configurable to a packed configuration or an assembled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: KIDKRAFT, INC.
    Inventor: Frederick Rieber
  • Patent number: 10765962
    Abstract: An attraction system includes a first level, a second level positioned vertically above or below the first level, and one or more controllers configured to present a game environment to one or more riders in a ride vehicle as the ride vehicle travels along a path on the first level. The attraction system also includes a lift configured to move the ride vehicle vertically from the first level to the second level based at least in part on a performance of the one or more riders in the game environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC
    Inventor: Steven Morris King
  • Patent number: 10679054
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for identifying a specified object. The method includes collecting attributes of a physical object within a physical space, in which the attributes include an object temperature obtained via an (IR) sensor and an object shape obtained via an image sensor. A machine learning algorithm is executed to allocate a coordinate to the object based on the attributes. In response to a request from a user to locate the object, the physical space is scanned via the IR sensor and the image sensor to identify the object and to detect a present location. An indication of a location of the object is then displayed to the user, in which the indication is at least one of the present location of the object or a predicted location of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jiayu Zheng, Lingle Guo, LiCen Mu, Susan Zhai, Xiao Hu
  • Patent number: 10653968
    Abstract: This patent provides a dynamic seat movement platform, which comprises an upper support frame and a lower support frame, and three electric cylinders are arranged between the upper support frame and the lower support frame. At the same time, it is also provided with a first auxiliary support frame and a second auxiliary support frame. The bottom ends of the first auxiliary support frame and the second auxiliary support frames are arranged on a side of the lower support frame, wherein an end surface of the joint bearing disposed on the first auxiliary support frame is horizontally installed, and an end surface of the joint bearing disposed on the second auxiliary support frame is vertically installed. This patent can make the dynamic motion chair has features of simple structure, accurate simulation and smooth movements, fast response, characteristics of a large range of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: Jiacheng Jiang
  • Patent number: 10561250
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides personal multimedia pods that convert from an enclosable premium theater system with seating for one or more users to an unenclosed chair and/or to an output audio/video device capable of connecting (e.g., wirelessly connecting) to other audio/visual equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: Jason Schwab
  • Patent number: 10550566
    Abstract: An vertical entertainment structure includes: an offset core; a moment stabilizing structure; a plurality of floor plate assemblies; and two or more entertainment rides that each span at least two of the plurality of floor plate assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Skyrise Global, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Berkowitz, Bernardo Fort-Brescia, Ronald Klemencic
  • Patent number: 9545581
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a support platform and a payload mountable thereon in near neutral equilibrium relative to a base structure. The support platform is spaced from the base structure by a plurality of actuators which provide the support platform with six degrees of freedom relative to the base structure about longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes. A substantially upright strut is mountable between the base structure and support platform for supporting the weight of the support platform and payload. First and second balance assemblies counteract forces imparted on the strut when the payload is moved or pivoted longitudinally and/or laterally. The forces counteracted by the first balance assembly and the second balance assembly reduce the load imparted on the actuators by the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SEQUILIBRER PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward Douglas, Stephen Graham Hoinville
  • Patent number: 9511299
    Abstract: In a rotary dynamic simulation device and an audiovisual apparatus using the same, the rotary dynamic simulation device includes a fixed table (1), a motion mechanism (4), a carrying seat (3), and a rotation mechanism (4). The motion mechanism (2) having multiple degrees of freedom is disposed between the fixed table (1) and the carrying seat (3). The rotation mechanism (4) is disposed on the rack (5) to drive the fixed table (1) to rotate, so that the carrying seat (3) is rotatable between an entering position and a watch position of the rack (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BROGENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Deng-Horng Lai, Ke-Cheng Chien, Cheng-Lin Huang
  • Patent number: 9045232
    Abstract: A base structure of the system with a pair of center containers each of rectangular form with a square width and height and an elongated length attached along an elongated side of each. A side container may be attached to each side of the center containers. A semicircular shaped inlet port is formed in a top wall of each of the center containers to form a circular inlet port. A vertical duct of cylindrical form may be attached over the inlet port and have a lower portion of constant diameter cross-section and an upper portion diverging outwardly. A fan placed in each center container to cause an air flow toward a center of each center container to be channeled upwardly to exit through the inlet port for air to flow through the vertical duct to exit the open top end. A recirculating air structure may be formed with additional containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy A. Burke, Matthew Allen Neal, Arthur Richard Daniel Thompson, Jonathan D. Wells
  • Publication number: 20150105170
    Abstract: Sensory wall systems are provided. In one embodiment, a sensory wall system includes one or more middle sections, one or more end sections, and an insert panel. The one or more middle sections have sides that are configurable to be attached to other middle sections or to the end sections. The one or more end sections are connected to the one or more middle sections. The insert panel is within the one or more middle sections and includes an activity for a child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Steven G. King, Thomas L. Keller
  • Patent number: 8992388
    Abstract: The present invention relates to playground equipment and, more particularly, to a playground apparatus incorporating modular construction, which permits rapid simplified assembly, modification and universal arrangement of playground equipment modules without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Gym-Mark, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Beckwith, Hap Parker
  • Publication number: 20150038246
    Abstract: A retail stand toy that provides for an attractive and sturdy structure, but which can be readily broken down into a folded up arrangement and stored or transported. The stand is generally intended to be a toy so that children can have a retail stand that they can decorate and play with, but which parents can readily collapse and store in a compact fashion when they move on to something else. The stand is sufficiently inexpensive to construct that if it becomes damaged, it can be thrown out or recycled, while still allowing for multiple uses if it is used with a reasonable degree of care.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Joel Zeid
  • Publication number: 20150018108
    Abstract: A suspended play structure includes a floor, a sidewall, and a roof that defines an inner space. The structure includes top and bottom ring structures that provide additional support to the play structure. The play structure can be suspended from a tree, a stand, a ceiling, or similar structure. The structure is collapsible for easy storage and can also include a removable cushion that can fit within an internal pocket. The structure can also include a removable string of LED lights within the inner space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Amanda T. Lacy, Beverly Fries, Ting Xu
  • Patent number: 8926441
    Abstract: An entertainment venue can include one or more theaters, including a toroidal or other immersive display screen (which immerses the audience in a contiguous projection surface), a moving stage, and an audience area. Audience seating in the theater faces outwardly in an “inverted-theater-in-the-round” arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: DreamLight Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Fox, Albert Vass
  • Publication number: 20140315651
    Abstract: A quick assembly playhouse broadly includes pairs of wood paneled walls and living hinges. The wood paneled walls cooperatively form at least part of the playhouse when erected. Each of the pairs of walls presents adjacent hinge margins that extend alongside one another. Each of the living hinges is attached to adjacent hinge margins of a corresponding one of the pairs of walls so as to cooperatively form a living hinge joint that permits folding and unfolding of the corresponding one of the wall pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Eugene Meister, John Allen Vura, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Publication number: 20140274432
    Abstract: The present invention provides a 3D maze made of corrugated paper that can be assembled by users. The 3D maze includes an external housing body and a layered inner body. The layered inner body is located inside the external housing body. The external housing body has a first entrance/exit for entering the 3D maze. The layered inner body is also disposed with a second entrance/exit, a third entrance/exit, or a fourth entrance/exit for entrance and exit of the 3D maze.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Calvin LIU
  • Patent number: 8777767
    Abstract: A hybrid play set is disclosed which includes twin towers. Each of the towers includes at least two levels. A play house and an enclosed area can be provided within one tower. A sand box, a ladder, a slide and a climbing wall can be provided within the other tower. A swing set is also secured to one side of one of the towers. The components from which the play set is made can be plow molded plastic, wood or a composite of blow molded plastic and wood/metal reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Kopp, Michael R. Vogler, Torrence Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140155182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel personalized children's garage-like playhouse and methods for making and using the same. Such colorful playhouse is made from plastic materials with snap in feature for easy resembling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher DeBlanco, Nicholas DeBlanco
  • Publication number: 20140155184
    Abstract: Embodiments of play systems having multiple curved structural members are disclosed. Play systems illustratively include a first quarter of an ellipse, a second quarter of an ellipse, a third quarter of an ellipse, and a fourth quarter of an ellipse. Each ellipse quarter has first and second ends. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth ellipse quarters are oriented approximately vertically relative to a surface such that the first ends of the ellipse quarters contact the surface and the second ends of the ellipse quarters are above the surface. The first ends of the ellipse quarters are optionally spaced further apart from each other than the second ends of the ellipse quarters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Landscape Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve King, Tom Keller
  • Publication number: 20140155183
    Abstract: A playhouse has a main frame, a canopy mounted on and above the main frame, and two roof supporting frames. When the roof supporting frames cross each other, the canopy is propped up and expanded to construct the playhouse into a three-dimensional space. Thus, the playhouse does not collapse while children are bumping into the playhouse and is safe for use. When folding the playhouse, the roof supporting frames are inclined to overlap the main frame. Thus, the main frame and the roof supporting frames can be twisted into a figure of “8” and then folded into small size to reduce space that the playhouse occupies in storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: D.J. TOYS ENTERPRISE CORP.
    Inventor: Li-Yang Niu
  • Patent number: 8647165
    Abstract: A panel installation provides a panel spaced between first and second uprights. The panel has first and second wings having wing wall portions preferably contacting the uprights above spaced side wall portions spaced from the uprights. Cutouts in the wings allow for insertion of a connector through the wings into threaded bores in the uprights. A deck between the uprights can receive connector(s) for connecting a lower portion of the panel to the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Playcore Wisconsin, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim Blackwood, Pedro Jose Pascuales
  • Publication number: 20130337926
    Abstract: A playhouse kit has a first panel of planar shape; a first rail of linear shape; a first panel connector connecting the first panel to the first rail along a first vertical edge of the first panel; a second panel of planar shape; a second rail of linear shape; a second panel connector connecting the second panel to the second rail along a second vertical edge of the second panel; a third panel; a third rail; a third panel connector connecting the third rail to the third panel; a corner post, the corner post having a corner third panel predrilled hole row aligned for connecting the corner post with the third panel, the corner post having a corner first panel predrilled hole row for connecting the corner post with the first panel; and a container housing the first panel, second panel, and third panel arranged in a stacked configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 8602905
    Abstract: A playground system includes a support post secured to a foundation, a play unit defining a passageway; and a cam assembly configured to secure the play unit to the support. The cam assembly includes a cam base sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit, and a cam. The cam assembly also includes a cam lock sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit within the passageway, and a slot sized and shaped for seating the cam. The slot defines a plurality of steps being sized and shaped to seat the cam to provide an adjustment range to accommodate for variances in sizes and tolerances of the play unit and support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Miracle Recreation Equipment Co.
    Inventors: J. Stephen Steury, Tracy Archer
  • Patent number: 8574085
    Abstract: An obstacle course has the appearance of a natural cave environment. The course may include a plurality of interconnected, hollow, three-dimensional shapes through which human users can pass. The shapes may be modular to allow various different configurations of the course. The shapes may contain models of cave formations (speleothems), with which the users are expected to avoid contact and close proximity. Electronic sensing may be provided for monitoring any contact and proximity of the users to the speleothems, and additional electronic circuitry may be provided to present feedback to the users regarding their performance in the course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: David Alexander Jackson
  • Patent number: 8485911
    Abstract: Embodiments of play systems having multiple curved structural members are disclosed. Play systems illustratively include a first quarter of an ellipse, a second quarter of an ellipse, a third quarter of an ellipse, and a fourth quarter of an ellipse. Each ellipse quarter has first and second ends. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth ellipse quarters are oriented approximately vertically relative to a surface such that the first ends of the ellipse quarters contact the surface and the second ends of the ellipse quarters are above the surface. The first ends of the ellipse quarters are optionally spaced further apart from each other than the second ends of the ellipse quarters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Landscape Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve King, Tom Keller
  • Publication number: 20130178299
    Abstract: A hybrid play set is disclosed which includes twin towers. Each of the towers includes at least two levels. A play house and an enclosed area can be provided within one tower. A sand box, a ladder, a slide and a climbing wall can be provided within the other tower. A swing set is also secured to one side of one of the towers. The components from which the play set is made can be plow molded plastic, wood or a composite of blow molded plastic and wood/metal reinforcement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Robert G. Kopp, Michael R. Vogler, Torrence Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130157771
    Abstract: Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Landscape Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Landscape Structures, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8454366
    Abstract: An actuated support frame for transmitting motion to a seat with respect to a ground as a function of motion signals associated with video output, comprises a frame. The frame is expandable/retractable along translational degrees of freedom. Support surfaces are provided on the frame. The support surfaces are displaceable with respect to one another by expansion/retraction of the frame so as to be sized to support a seat. Actuators are provided between the frame and the ground. The actuators receive signals and selectively displace the frame with respect to the ground in synchronization with a video output, whereby a seat supported on the frame is displaceable within the frame. A method for installing a seating system of a motion simulator system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: D-Box Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gauthier Orban, Michel Bérubé, Philippe Roy
  • Publication number: 20130130816
    Abstract: A kit for constructing a variety of play structures for children includes a plurality of arcuate tubes, a plurality of linear tubes, and a plurality of connectors. At least one of the tubes is releasably assembled together with another one of the tubes using the connectors to form a frame. An instruction manual provides directions for releasably assembling the tubes and the connectors to form the variety of play structures from the kit. The kit may also include at least one covering and at least one covering connector to releasably affix the covering to at least a portion of the frame of the play structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Erika Pope-Gusev
  • Patent number: 8425337
    Abstract: A skate park has a hard top shell formed with skate features drawn down from a top surface of the hardtop shell. The hard top shell has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. The hard top shell has a hard top shell inside surface. The hard top shell is pervious to light. A sidewall is formed on a side of the hardtop shell. A paint layer is disposed on the hard top shell inside surface. The skate park may have at least one half pipe. A foil layer may be laminated to the underside of the hardtop shell. The skate park preferably includes at least one bowl recess, but may have two bowl recesses joined at a connecting ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Ronald Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130095937
    Abstract: An outdoor playground includes a first and a second entertainment units connected with each other. The first entertainment unit includes a first utility frame configured to allow a predetermine entertainment function to be carried out by the first utility frame and a first shading apparatus detachably mounted on the first utility frame for effectively shielding the first utility frame. The second entertainment unit includes a second utility frame configured to allow a predetermine entertainment function to be carried out by the second utility frame, and a second shading apparatus detachably mounted on the second utility frame for effectively shielding the second utility frame so as to allow the entertainment function to be carried out under shading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20130072314
    Abstract: A three dimensional structure, including but not limited to a playhouse for children, includes at least three interlocking panels that are configured so as to interlock one with at least one other without the use of hand tools. The at least three interlocking panels have an interior surface and an exterior surface, where at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface of one or more of the at least three interlocking panels has a first printed pattern applied thereon. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing and selling the three dimensional structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BILL GOODMAN CONSULTING, LLC
    Inventors: William Louis Goodman, Gunnar Alldritt Hubbard, Colin Walter Schless
  • Publication number: 20130065701
    Abstract: A branded entertainment complex combines cutting edge entertainment, brands, and technologies to stretch the “now” into the “next” to a create a journey for patrons never seen before. Brands may be merged into the world of entertainment such that patrons may consume the brand and also be a part of it. In certain embodiments, the shape of the one or more buildings is based on the one or more brands associated with the complex. In certain embodiments, the one or more buildings are cylindrical in shape and branded as soda cans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: David Michaels
  • Publication number: 20130065699
    Abstract: An entertainment ride that includes a plurality of vessels. In one embodiment, the vessels may be shaped as spherical vessels and may be attached to robotic armatures that move the vessels such that the movement resembles a flowering bloom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: David Michaels
  • Patent number: 8366562
    Abstract: Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Landscape Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve King, Tom Keller
  • Publication number: 20120309551
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structured space for the practice of fitness training and a method of fitness training practice management including a plurality of successive modules, at least one of the modules having at least two exercise positions as well as a time counting means common to all the modules. The count includes a plurality of periods of equal duration, each period being subdivided in (n) phases, these phases including a plurality (n?1) of exercise performance phases and one phase of recovery and instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: CENTO E VINTE 120 PARTICIPACOES E EMPREENDIMENTOS LTDA
    Inventor: Albert Holzhacker
  • Publication number: 20120165108
    Abstract: A playground system includes a support post secured to a foundation, a play unit defining a passageway; and a cam assembly configured to secure the play unit to the support. The cam assembly includes a cam base sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit, and a cam. The cam assembly also includes a cam lock sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit within the passageway, and a slot sized and shaped for seating the cam. The slot defines a plurality of steps being sized and shaped to seat the cam to provide an adjustment range to accommodate for variances in sizes and tolerances of the play unit and support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: MIRACLE RECREATION EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: J. Stephen Steury, Tracy Archer
  • Patent number: 8206232
    Abstract: The amusement apparatus comprising a housing, a frame and an interior space, and a door allowing entry of a player having arms into interior space. An air circulation system fluidly connected to interior space of housing. An engagement system located within interior space. Engagement system, control system, signaling system and an air circulation system are cooperatively interconnected. A player area is located within the interior space and positioned proximate the engagement system wherein contact by player with engagement system initiates a sequence of instructions from the control system to initiate the delivery of air into interior space by air circulation system for circulation of prizes within interior space. A signal to player is sent via signaling system to discontinue player contact with engagement system so player may interact with the prizes circulating in the interior space for the purpose of removing the prizes from the housing via the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Roy Johnston
  • Publication number: 20120142441
    Abstract: Sensory wall systems are provided. In one embodiment, a sensory wall system includes one or more middle sections, one or more end sections, and an insert panel. The one or more middle sections have sides that are configurable to be attached to other middle sections or to the end sections. The one or more end sections are connected to the one or more middle sections. The insert panel is within the one or more middle sections and includes an activity for a child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventors: Steve King, Tom Keller
  • Publication number: 20120129619
    Abstract: Many playsets include one or more tower sections with one or more platform sections supported above the ground or a similar support surface with a support structure or framing. In certain embodiments, a curved wall portion defines one or more panel openings. Subpanels may optionally be mounted into the openings. A balcony floor protrudes outwards with a curved outer edge or face with an interior flat floor edge adjoining an edge of a polygonal platform section floor to enlarge the square footage of the floor area of the platform section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Guerzini, Daniel Webb, Gene Hunter, Tom Ellingson, Charles Louis Lasky
  • Patent number: 8091290
    Abstract: A device comprising a generally rounded configuration having an inner surface and interior, and an outer surface. There is a wall thickness between the inner surface and outer surface. The entertainment device has a base having a generally tubular configuration with walls and a floor. The base couples to the entertainment Sphere, and forms the base thereof. The device has a plurality of screen subassemblies coupled to the wall thickness of the entertainment device sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: William Drakes
  • Patent number: 8066578
    Abstract: A challenge course (10) comprising a frame (20) having a substantially horizontally oriented track (120), a vertically oriented column (60) fixed to and extending downwardly from said substantially horizontally oriented track beam (30), said vertically oriented column (60) terminating in a bottom portion that is fixed to a substantially oriented foundation (40). The track (120) has a channel (150) therein in which a moveable member (360) slides. The track (120) has interchanges whereby the moveable member (360) can be moved in one of different directions. Descending downwardly from said moveable member (360) is a safety cable (350). The safety cable (350) extending downwardly to a safety harness (600). A further embodiment includes the challenge course (10) that can be deployed and re-deployed by hauling with a motor-vehicle. Further, a participant can be secured to the track (120) while still on the ground before ascending to the activity height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: James Liggett
  • Patent number: RE43028
    Abstract: The present invention is a vertical wind tunnel amusement device. The device comprises a flight chamber wherein a user may experience a freefall through the atmosphere from the safety of an enclosed flight chamber. Airflow sufficient to fully support a user within the flight chamber is induced by a plurality of fans connected above the flight chamber through a duct. A staging area having openings to the flight chamber is adjacent to the flight chamber. A user may enter or retreat from the flight chamber at will through the staging area openings without significantly adjusting the airflow velocity in the flight chamber. A control room is adjacent to the fight chamber whereby an operator may observe a user or users within the flight chamber and thereby safely control the operation of the fans. A projection room is also adjacent to the flight chamber whereby a video of a skydiving experience may be displayed to a user within the flight chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Skyventure, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Kitchen, Michael Palmer