The Walt Disney Company

Alexander Burkat

Jon Hayes Snoddy

Andrew M Ogden

Edward Bray Fritz

A motion base for an apparatus for subjecting a user to sensory experience is provided. The motion base has a motion generator for moving a platform about at least one axis of rotation. The platform supports the user such that the user's center of gravity is substantially coincident with the center of rotation of the platform. The active elements of the motion generator are separate from the elements that support the weight of the apparatus and the user.

Motion base

An over-the-shoulder passenger restraint system that operates in three modes and permits fine adjustments of two pairs of pivoting elements, one pair located behind and above the passenger's shoulders, the second pair located in front of the passenger is described. Fine adjustments permit the securing of guests of varying sizes, from small children to tall or overweight adults. The restraint fits each person snugly, thus minimizing potential of injuries while also not blocking the view of a show or scenery around which a ride is themed. The restraint system is also very safe; when passengers are boarding the ride, the restraint cannot be moved, making it useful for balance. After passengers are seated, the restraint can only be pulled downward toward the passenger. During the ride, the restraint is locked and cannot move up or down. When passengers are exiting the ride, the restraint can only be moved upward and away from the passenger. The new restraint system has two pairs of pivoting points that allow a close fit of both the upper and lower restraint elements. This configuration allows the upper element to rest on the passenger's shoulder, thus providing the passenger a clear view and not presenting a head impact surface during lateral shaking of the vehicle. The lower elements rests against the passenger's abdomen, thus preventing longitudinal movement of the passenger's lower torso, keeping the passenger in the proper position.

Passenger restraint system

A pressure activated seat belt locking device is disclosed for allowing an operator from a remote location to control the locking or unlocking of seat belts such as those used on amusement park type rides, or elsewhere. The seat belt locking device has a buckle portion into which a latching tongue is inserted and held into place by a retractable element which extends through an aperture in the latching tongue. The latching tongue can be removed from the buckle by depressing a release latch to disengage the retractable element from the aperture. The seat belt locking device is provided with a pneumatically inflatable air bladder which is exerted against a pivotable lever lock when properly inflated. The inflation of the air bladder causes the lever lock to pivot and bear against the lower end of the release latch, such that the release latch cannot be depressed by the user of the seat belt to disengage the retractable element from the latching tongue. Accordingly, the seat belt is retained in the locked position until the air bladder is deflated such that the lever lock pivots away from the release latch.

Growing community of inventors

Placentia, CA, United States of America

Alexander Burkat