Air delivered special effects

Number: 9776100
Published: 2017-10-03
Filed: 2014-11-06
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Wong; Clifford, Bouman; John, Kelley; Kevin, Wagner; Ken
CPC: A63H37/00; A63H27/00; A63H27/12
Verdict: High Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

An air-propelled discharge platform that flies through the air and deploys a stored special effect, for park shows and displays.

Abstract

A discharge platform comprises an air propulsion mechanism that propels the discharge platform through the air. The discharge platform also comprises a special effect storage device that stores a special effect and is operably connected to the discharge platform. Further, the discharge platform comprises a processor. In addition, the discharge platform comprises an air delivery special effect mechanism that discharges a special effect from the special effect storage device toward a destination after receiving an instruction from the processor and during propulsion of the discharge platform through the air by the air propulsion mechanism.

Background

Further, typical aerial fireworks launching systems have limited accuracy. An example is discharging the pyrotechnic to a specific altitude that may not be reached. As a result, a pyrotechnic feature may possibly be ignited at a lower or higher altitude than desired. Therefore, typical aerial firework launch systems take up a significant area such that fewer audience members can be included in a show.

Claims

1. A special effect multi-copter comprising: a discharge platform; a propulsion mechanism coupled to the discharge platform that propels the discharge platform through the air to a aerial position and maintains the aerial position; a storage apparatus that stores a special effect producing device and is coupled to the discharge platform; and a dispenser that drops the special effect producing device from the storage apparatus at the aerial position toward a destination after receiving an instruction while the discharge platform is flying such that the special effect producing device is activated to provide a special effect for a human audience at a predetermined distance from the destination. 5. A method comprising: propelling a discharge platform through the air to a aerial position...; maintaining the aerial position; receiving an instruction while the discharge platform is flying...; activating a dispenser...; dispensing the special effect producing device... 11. A multi-copter system comprising: a transceiver; a discharge platform that stores a special effect producing device and receives an instruction from the transceiver to activate a dispenser that drops a special effect producing device from a aerial position toward a destination based upon the instruction while the discharge platform is flying to provide a special effect for an audience at a predetermined distance from the destination.