Amusement devices – Illusion or stage device – Illusion caused by visual imitation of event occurring in...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-24
2001-07-03
Nguyen, Kien T. (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices
Illusion or stage device
Illusion caused by visual imitation of event occurring in...
C472S059000, C472S060000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254489
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to amusement attractions. More specifically, the invention relates to a novel amusement attraction having a simulated tornado within a building.
Amusement attractions and theatrical shows that use special effects are well known. As technology advances and audiences become more sophisticated, special effects have become a more important part of these types of shows or attractions. To enhance the realism of live attractions and shows, various techniques have been used to recreate real environmental events (such as rain, wind, fire and the like).
One of the most terrifying, yet fascinating, environmental events is the tornado. Tornadoes have been created on small scales in laboratories for research purposes. See, Eagleman, Joe R.,
Severe and Unusual Weather,
pp. 297-300, Von Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1983, incorporated herein by reference. Tornado effects and computer-generated tornado images have also been used in television and motion pictures. However, notwithstanding their terrifying nature, no amusement attraction or theatrical show has simulated a tornado. Accordingly, there remains a need for an amusement attraction that allows guests to safely view a real man-made tornado and provides the experience of being in a tornado disaster. There is also a need for an amusement attraction that houses such a man-made tornado inside a building.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An amusement attraction is housed within a building. Guests enter the building and walk through various scenes or settings. One setting is designed to look like an outdoor scene. A guest viewing platform faces the outdoor scene. The guests watch a special effects show that takes place in the outdoor scene. In an alternate embodiment, the guests view the outdoor scene while seated in ride vehicles that travel along a track or other pathway. A tornado generating system in the building creates an actual physical and 3-dimensional tornado. The special effects show also includes moving scenery, props, show action equipment, lighting effects, sound effects, projection effects and fire effects. The result is that the guests feel like they are witnessing an actual tornado disaster.
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Drobnis Nicholas H.
Hanna Craig R.
Hettema Philip D.
Hightower James H.
Magpuri Cecil D.
Lyon & Lyon LLP
Nguyen Kien T.
Universal City Studios Inc.
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