Maze Or Labyrinth Patents (Class 472/62)
  • Patent number: 10918961
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a customized amusement ride experience are disclosed herein. Such a system can include a simulation vehicle that can transit at least one passenger from a starting position to a terminating position of the amusement ride, a memory including a content database and a token database, and a sensor that can receive data identifying at least one token. The system can include a processor that can: receive data from the sensor identifying the at least one token; retrieve ride data from the token database based on the data identifying the at least one token, which ride data identifies an attribute associated with the token; select content for delivery based on the ride data; retrieve the selected content for delivery from the content database; and provide the selected content to the at least one passenger of the simulation vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Asa K. Kalama, Casey Ging, Peter Stepniewicz, Robert E. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20150105168
    Abstract: The invention relates to a labyrinth of mirrors with elemental cells in the form of an equilateral triangle, each cell having at least one passage portal covered with opaque vinyl and at least one arch with a mirror forming a reflective obstacle. Each cell has a short-throw projector for projecting moving images with different designs or themes. The images are projected over the variable surface or contour of the passage portal which is covered with light opaque vinyl, the other two arches being covered with reflective vinyl or a mirror, as are the inner surfaces of the holding pillars or posts. The projection is defined by means of masks wherein the pixels outside the contour are covered in black or are rendered transparent, a technology called “projection mapping”. In each cell, there is at least one opaque arch and two reflectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: René Aziz Checa
  • Publication number: 20150024856
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for producing a water maze from walls of falling water that can be reconfigured to change the maze. In one embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of a plurality of spray bars that are each capable of producing a separate wall of falling water droplets and a plurality of water valves that are each associated with only one spray bar. The water valves can be used to define at least two different paths between the entrance and exit of the maze. The apparatus is also capable of being used to create interesting visual effects by projecting light/images on to multiple screens created by walls of falling water droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Technifex Products, LLC
    Inventors: Montgomery C. Lunde, Clement Folckemer
  • Patent number: 8807452
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for producing a water maze from walls of falling water that can be reconfigured to change the maze. In one embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of a plurality of spray bars that are each capable of producing a separate wall of falling water droplets and a plurality of water valves that are each associated with only one spray bar. The water valves can be used to define at least two different paths between the entrance and exit of the maze. The apparatus is also capable of being used to create interesting visual effects by projecting light/images on to multiple screens created by walls of falling water droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Technifex Products, LLC
    Inventors: Montgomery C. Lunde, Clement Folckemer
  • 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: 8523691
    Abstract: A combination structure for a labyrinth includes plural labyrinth units, which are combined into various labyrinths, respectively composed of four frame rods, a reinforcing support bar and plural fixing members. The four frame rods have their ends butt jointed to form into a square, each frame rod is formed with two connecting ends respectively cut with a recess and provided with an insert hole and each having its wall bored with plural insert holes. The reinforcing support bar is obliquely set inside the four frame rods and formed with two connecting ends respectively bored with an insert hole and having two sides respectively cut with a lengthwise recess. The fixing members are inserted in the insert holes of the connecting ends of the four frame rods and of the reinforcing support bar for securing the four frame rods and the reinforcing support bar together to form a labyrinth unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Chia-Chern Chen
  • Publication number: 20130065700
    Abstract: A combination structure for a labyrinth includes plural labyrinth units, which are combined into various labyrinths, respectively composed of four frame rods, a reinforcing support bar and plural fixing members. The four frame rods have their ends butt jointed to form into a square, each frame rod is formed with two connecting ends respectively cut with a recess and provided with an insert hole and each having its wall bored with plural insert holes. The reinforcing support bar is obliquely set inside the four frame rods and formed with two connecting ends respectively bored with an insert hole and having two sides respectively cut with a lengthwise recess. The fixing members are inserted in the insert holes of the connecting ends of the four frame rods and of the reinforcing support bar for securing the four frame rods and the reinforcing support bar together to form a labyrinth unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Chia-Chern CHEN
  • Patent number: 7976396
    Abstract: An interactive inflatable amusement structure in the form of an obstacle course or play area which incorporates audio and visual electronics at various locations within the obstacle course through the use of a plurality of transmitter/receivers in radio frequency communication with a central control unit for transmitting data such as elapsed time and points, the central control unit positioned at the egress to the inflatable structure proximate the start of the obstacle course or inflatable game, bounce, etc., and the transmitter/receivers positioned within pockets or the like formed at various locations on the inflatable obstacle course structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Steven M. Boretskin
  • Patent number: 7749087
    Abstract: A mirror maze that employs lighting in the floor of the maze to add to the optical illusion provided by the mirror maze effect. The mirror maze includes the traditional array of pillars and mirrors where lines are provided between the pillars, and where the space between some of the pillars includes a mirror along a line between the pillars and the space between some of the pillars is open. In one non-limiting embodiment, light strips are provided along the lines between the pillars, where a pair of light strips is positioned adjacent to each other between the pillars that do not include a mirror, and a single light strip is provided between pillars that do include a mirror, so that the reflection of the light strip provides the appearance of a pair of light strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Amazing Mazes, LLC
    Inventor: Darrin S. Elias
  • Publication number: 20100056285
    Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLC
    Inventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A. Barney, Rick A. Briggs
  • Patent number: 7654910
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-modular maze device comprising a plurality of maze modules interconnected using a plurality of adaptors to configure a plurality of interconnected pathways. The maze modules and the adaptors are removably engaged to each other using hook and loop fastening arrangements. The maze device is capable of being removably installed on a supporting surface (for example, floor), either outdoor or indoor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Xing Chen
  • Patent number: 7137898
    Abstract: A knockdown labyrinth framework made up of tubes interconnected to make a base unit which itself combines with three others by way of a connection hub to make up a master square. Each such master square is then connected to other master squares. Vertical tubes join the lower structure to an upper structure which has hanging rods from which is hung a partitioning canvas which traces the path to form the labyrinth. Each tube connects and locks in with the next tube by way of frictional interlock which does not require any tools so that it is easy to set up and knockdown afterward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Pierre Savage
  • Patent number: 6855062
    Abstract: A reconfigurable maze comprising a plurality of columns positioned on a plurality of corresponding hydraulic lifts. Each hydraulic lift is connected to a respective column for moving the column between a raised position and a lowered position. Columns in the lowered position form a floor of the maze while columns in the raised position form walls of the maze and define paths through the maze. The maze may be reconfigured by selectively raising and lowering the columns. The columns may be manually or automatically performed by a central processor. The maze can be used to play hide and seek and predator and prey games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Ken Truong
  • Patent number: 6740017
    Abstract: An indoor walking workout facility has multiple pathways traversing several rooms, with elevated passageways accessed by elevated paths. The path sections are movable and re-configurable. Several locations along the paths are equipped with scenery, scenic images, sounds, climates and smells that complement a theme for the particular location, such as a mountain walk. The scenic images are displayed on available surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, in a manner tending to surround the walker. Intertwined with the thematic locations are bridges, tunnels, steps, inclines, rope ladders, simulated rock and hill climbs, and the like, that provide varying levels of exertion. Walker care stations are interspersed along the paths for rest and determining blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, calories burned, miles walked, and other information related to the walking activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Raul Pino
  • Patent number: 6675538
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an amusement maze. The maze of the present invention 10 can be located indoors and consists of a plurality of pivotal wall panels 16 whereby each panel may pivot to open a passage way or close a passage way creating a new maze pattern. Each wall panel unit consists of two pivotal panels 16 mounted to a pillar 18. Each unit is computer controlled and can flip the panels 16 back and forth by means of a servomotor 40 mounted to each pillar 18. When a plurality of units are joined together, they create cells 22. The cells 22 create the maze. Located within each cell 22 is a motion sensor 51, a voice-activated panic alarm 52, a hand-activated panic button 48 and direction lights 20 that may lead a player 12 to the nearest exit 24. All are safety features linked to the main monitor 62 and computer 60. The main computer 60 is located in a building out side of the maze in the attendant's room 58.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Candio
  • Patent number: 6634949
    Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLC
    Inventors: Rick A. Briggs, Denise Westin
  • Patent number: 6398659
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a light weight maze game that can be used indoors or outdoors and which has light weight vertical poles and horizontal poles that interconnect together to make up the frame of the maze apparatus. The panels are made of a light weight fabric and are readily attached and detached from the horizontal poles such the panels hang downwardly from the horizontal poles to establish the various isolated pathways through the maze. By the construction, the maze apparatus can be set up easily and quickly by a user and the vertical height of the panels can be selected by the user for differing heights of the children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ellen Chapman Karg
  • Patent number: 6309306
    Abstract: An entertainment attraction (100) comprises remote-controlled, telepresence vehicles (204) and an environment (200) for the vehicles to traverse. The environment includes a plurality of reconfigurable portions (206). A vehicle includes an identification device (208) for providing an identifier and a camera (210) for imaging its field of view. A driver console (102) corresponding to a vehicle includes a monitor (212) for displaying the imaged field of view of the camera and a control device (214) for providing a driver-initiated control signal. A control system (218) includes detectors (220) dispersed about the environment. A detector is configured to receive the identifier or to sense the vehicle or both. The control system composes the interactions among the vehicles, the driver console, and the reconfigurable portions according to the received identifier, the sensing of the vehicle, or the driver-initiated control signal or some combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley K. Geagley, Joseph O. Garlington, John T. Hagen-Brenner, Gary J. Nadler, William G. Redmann
  • Patent number: 6099411
    Abstract: A multi-layer and multi-chamber play structure developed with solid, rigid quadrilateral panels arranged vertically and including wall angle brackets therebetween located in the included angles of the panels. Double wall thickness platforms are arranged on platform angle brackets which span across vertically adjacent panels lying in a common plane. Certain of the platforms are triangular in plan while others are rectilinear in plan. The panels come in various designs with holes extending through the panels and displaced form the edges thereof. The wall angle brackets may be rigid, elongate angle brackets and both the wall angle brackets and the platform angle brackets are affixed with fasteners to the panels and platforms. An adjustable anchor support is associated with the elongate angle brackets and includes a threaded bore receiving a threaded rod for purposes of adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Western Mill Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary B. Van Wagenen
  • Patent number: 6095927
    Abstract: A new water maze for providing a unique and refreshing attraction for amusement parks and other similar facilities. The inventive device includes a labyrinth having a plurality of passages, operative and inoperative sprinkler heads in the ceilings of certain passages, a water supply system to supply water to the operative sprinkler heads, and a motion sensor associated with each operative sprinkler head to activate the discharge of water therefrom for a predetermined length of time when a person enters an incorrect passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew Malone
  • Patent number: 6089402
    Abstract: A puzzle candy dispenser 10 which includes a spherical inner body 12 having a plurality of grooves 14 provided on its outer surface and sized to allow a ball-shaped confection 16 to roll therein. The grooves 14 form a maze between an entry aperture 18 and exit aperture 20 in the outer surface of the inner body 12. A spherical outer shell 22 of slightly larger diameter is adapted to substantially enclose the inner body 12 and has an indentation 24 sufficiently large to allow one of the ball-shaped confections 16 to roll therein when the indentation 24 is located over one of the grooves 14. The ball-shaped confection can be steered by the indentation 24 from the entry aperture 18 through the maze of grooves 14 to the exit aperture 20 by manipulating the outer shell 22 relative to the inner body 12 in order to dispense a confection. A release mechanism 40 is provided for releasing a single candy from a hollow interior of the inner body 12 through the entry aperture 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Technovation Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Victor Manuel Pracas
  • Patent number: 5906373
    Abstract: A WATER TAG.TM. game (10) that consists of a maze structure (14) having an outer perimeter wall (16) enclosing a plurality of sections (20,22,24,26) and protrusions (40). An opening (36) admits players armed with water guns (12) into the maze structure (14). Once inside the players circulate among the sections (20,22,24,26) and the protrusions (40), firing their water guns (12) at each other. The maze structure (14) is inflated when the WATER TAG.TM. game is being played and can be deflated for storage and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Gary M. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5785592
    Abstract: An interactive target game system for one or more players includes at least one designator, in the form of a pistol, holdable by a player for aiming at a target and operating to simulate shooting at the target. The designator includes a photodetector for detecting an electromagnetic beam when the designator is accurately aimed at a beam source. Also included is at least one target viewable by the player for periodically producing an electromagnetic beam which is directed outwardly of the target. During those times that the target is producing the beam, a visible light signal is produced to alert the player that the target is "active". When the designator is accurately aimed at the target and operated to detect an electromagnetic beam, a visual and/or audible signal is produced by the designator to indicate that a "hit" has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Sarcos, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 5474501
    Abstract: A maze including a plurality of posts, a plurality of stretching members for inserting into longitudinal slots on the posts to reinforce the structural strength of the posts, a plurality of coupling members end matched between either two posts, and a plurality of partition members for connection horizontally between either two posts to define a network of intricate passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Chung C. Teng
  • Patent number: 5425677
    Abstract: A play enclosure is disclosed including an elongated conduit having a plurality of light admitting pinpoint apertures. The conduit is curved and has a diameter large enough to allow children to crawl through. A strobe light is suspended above the conduit. The pinhole apertures admit beams of light from the strobe light, which cast visually stimulating patterns on the internal wall of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Discovery Zone, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Gleeson, Richard J. Petersheim
  • Patent number: 5393074
    Abstract: A modular, interactive gaming system which may be reconfigured to play a variety of participatory games. The system includes a plurality of interconnectable modules which may be combined to define passageways and gaming rooms in a variety of living game board configurations. Sensors and sensory signal generators are disposed in the passageways and gaming rooms which are in communication via a cable network with a control computer which directs the play of the game in accord with a program resident therein. The combination of modular units and a programmable computer permits great flexibility in game design and play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventors: Thomas Bear, Robert Jordan
  • Patent number: 5364311
    Abstract: A collapsible labyrinth is constructed with a plurality of collapsible separating boards temporarily secured by vertical pivotal posts, two horizontal bars respectively on and under a line of separating boards to secure upper and lower ends of the pivotal posts, and tenons fitting in a mortise in a lower end of each separating board and also in one of tenon holes preset in the ground for securing temporatily each separating board so that the boards can be altered in position to make up a labyrinth route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Hung-Tu Chou
  • Patent number: 5219316
    Abstract: A portable self-supporting, compactible armed competition arena and associated apparatus which is readily manually dismantled after use at one site, stacked and transported, and manually assembled for use at another site. The arena comprises a floor covering comprising markings which layout a plan for the arena and upon which the arena is assembled. The markings comprise indicia which alpha-numerically or otherwise identify wall and other arena construction parts to be assembled at the marked locations. Wall parts and other arena parts identified by the floor covering markings likewise bear tags comprising identifiers which correlate with the markings such that each identified part has a predefined unique location on the floor covering and in the arena structure. Each vertical edge of each wall part which is manually assembled, is releasibly affixed to another part by a joint which is light tight. In some cases, hinges are used to connect two adjacent wall parts for easier assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Rick Huffman
  • Patent number: 5127657
    Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement system having a play zone consisting, in combination, of a plurality of game stages and including a travel path extending through the respective game stages; at least one carrier for receiving a player or players thereon and for moving along the travel path while causing the player or players to play a game at each of the game stages; a score processor for processing the score of the player or the scores of the players; and a representing device for representing the game in each of the game stages, the representing device providing a multi-story game by changing the game presentation mode at a game stage through which the carrier is moving or will move, depending on the total carrier score won by the player or players on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignees: Namco Ltd., Togo Japan, Inc., N & T Co., Ltd., Akatsukikougei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Ikezawa, Keiji Mochino