Robotic marionettes on magnetically-supported and highly mobile puppeteer platforms
US9011197B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2003/00662
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus for suspending and positioning marionettes. The apparatus includes a thin, planar support membrane such as a plastic sheet. A tender vehicle is positioned on the upper side of the support membrane. A motor or other drive mechanism selectively positions the tender vehicle relative to the support membrane. The apparatus includes a puppeteer vehicle from which a marionette is suspended. The puppeteer vehicle is positioned proximate to the lower side of the support membrane opposite the tender vehicle. To support the puppeteer vehicle, one or both of the vehicles includes one or more rotatable magnetic elements such that the attractive forces support the weight of the puppeteer vehicle and the marionette. Typically, the puppeteer vehicle is a passive follower, and the drive mechanism of the tender vehicle includes motors to move the magnetic elements and position the tender and following puppeteer vehicle with its marionette to provide a show.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.