The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 16, 1999
Filed:
May. 02, 1996
Andrew M Ogden, Pasadena, CA (US);
Marshall M Monroe, La Canada, CA (US);
David F Barnett, Simi Valley, CA (US);
Disney Enterprises, Inc., Burbank, CA (US);
Abstract
An animated figure method and apparatus including an animated figure having moveable elements and a base unit for supporting the animated figure. The apparatus of the present invention includes multiple control cables, a first end of each control cable connects to a cable driver assembly or cable driver mounted on the base unit and a second end of each control cable attaches to a corresponding animated figure moveable element or assembly. The cable drivers that are attached to the base unit drive the control cables, and propel the animated figure's moveable elements. The present invention achieves detailed control of many animated figure functions using intricate control cable branching which may require many bends in the control cable. In addition, a walk mechanism provides both horizontal and vertical movement of the animated figure's feet to achieve simulated stepping movements in a very realistic manner. Further, the walk mechanism in combination with a motion base allows the animated figure of the preferred embodiment to move about a set, such as a stage, by dancing, walking, running or other movements, thereby increasing the overall animation presentation significantly.