Theatrical prop for providing repeatable, daylight-viewable muzzle flashes

Number: 10132472
Published: 2018-11-20
Filed: 2016-12-08
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Joseph; Daniel M.
CPC: F21S10/06; F21V3/02; F41A33/02; F21V14/02; F21V23/0407; F21V3/00
Verdict: High Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Theatrical muzzle-flash prop device (grant dup).

Abstract

An apparatus for generating light-based special effects viewable in daylight. The apparatus includes a barrel with opaque sidewalls defining an interior space accessible via a muzzle. The apparatus includes a light element positionable within the interior space and further includes a light positioning assembly. The apparatus includes a trigger element operable to receive user input to initiate operations of the light element and the light positioning assembly. A controller is provided that responds to the user input to operate the light positioning assembly to first move the light element out of the interior space through the muzzle and to second retract the light element back into the interior space. The controller concurrently operates the light element to generate the light when the light element is moved out of the interior space and to terminate the generating of the light when the light element is retracted back into the interior space.

Background

BACKGROUND1. Field of the Description(1) The present description relates, in general, to theatrical and other visual display props and special effect devices used to provide lighting in outdoor or daylight settings and, more particularly, to a special effect device (or “theatrical prop” or “theatrical prop lighting assembly” or the like) adapted to provide short-lived (e.g., milliseconds in duration) flashes of light (also called “muzzle flashes” herein) that are viewable in direct sunlight such as in an outdoor entertainment or theatrical venue or setting.2. Relevant Background(2) In the entertainment industry, there are many settings or venues where it is desirable to provide entertainment in an outdoor setting or venue. For example, many cities have amphitheater and other facilities where theater groups present plays or bands provide concerts. In another example, theme parks may have outdoor worlds in which parades and shows may be provided to entertain each park's guests. An ongoing challenge in such outdoor entertainment venues or environments is how to achieve lighting-based special effects when these outdoor settings are used during daylight hours. Particularly, during the daytime, sunlight illuminates the actors, the sets, and any props, and it can be very difficult to replicate lighting effects that are easily achieved with conventional lighting systems in dark or light-controlled theatrical spaces.(3) One particular problem with providing daylight entertainment is h

Claims

1. An apparatus for generating light-based special effects viewable in daylight and other brightly lit settings, comprising: a barrel with opaque sidewalls defining an interior space accessible via a muzzle; a light element positionable within the interior space, the light element being operable to selectively output light; a light positioning assembly; a trigger element operable to receive user input to initiate operations of the light element and the light positioning assembly; and a controller responding to the user input to operate the light positioning assembly to first move the light element at least partially out of the interior space through the muzzle and to second retract the light element back into the interior space, wherein the controller concurrently operates the light element to generate the light when the light element is moved out of the interior space and to terminate the generating of the light when the light element is retracted back into the interior space. 11. An apparatus for providing flashes of light in a repeatable manner, comprising: a barrel with an interior space accessible through an open end of the barrel; a light element positioned in the interior space, the light element comprising a light source and an enclosure housing the light source; an actuator attached to a first end of the enclosure operable for moving the enclosure between a first position wholly within the interior space and a second position with at least a second end opposite the first end a distance from the open end of the barrel; and a controller operating the actuator to move the light element from the first position to the second position and back to the first position, wherein the controller concurrently operates the light source to generate light when the enclosure is moved to the second position and to halt generation of the light when the enclosure is moved to the first position, and wherein the actuator moves the enclosure from the first position to the second position and back to the first position in less than one second. 18. An apparatus for generating light-based special effects viewable in daylight and other brightly lit settings, comprising: a barrel with sidewalls defining an interior space accessible via a muzzle; a light element positionable within the interior space; a light positioning assembly; and a controller responding to user input to operate the light positioning assembly to first move the light element at least partially out of the interior space through the muzzle and to second retract the light element back into the interior space, wherein the controller concurrently operates the light element to generate the light when the light element is moved out of the interior space and to terminate the generating of the light when the light element is retracted back into the interior space, wherein the light element comprises light emitting diode (LED) with a rating in the range of 1000 to 5000 Lumens, wherein the light element further comprises an enclosure housing the light source, and wherein exterior surfaces of the enclosure are painted or dyed with transparent black paint or dye.