Multi-axis gaming chair assembly

Abstract

An assembly structured to movably support a video game or video simulation participant comprising a chair movably connected to and supported by a frame. A driver assembly includes a plurality of driver members collectively structured to concurrently or independently move the chair about any one or all of a plurality of substantially transversely oriented axes. A control assembly includes a manually operable control member operatively connected to the driver assembly to accomplish substantially corresponding movement of the chair with that of the control member. A display assembly including a monitor disposed to be viewable from the chair and a processing assembly is operatively associated with the monitor to determine the video content displayed thereon. The control assembly and the driver assembly are operatively interconnected to determine movement of the chair independently of the content of the video.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to a support assembly in the form of a chair movable by a participant based on his / her reaction to an observed video game or video simulation. A driver assembly and control assembly are cooperatively structured to accomplish movement of the chair about any one or all of a plurality of substantially transversely oriented axes in reaction to the participant's manipulation of a portion of the control assembly. A processor assembly includes Internet or other network communication capabilities operatively connected to the display monitor for determining the video content observed by the participant.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]With the major advancements in computer technology over the past few years, the popularity of video games has increased dramatically resulting in a multi-million dollar per year industry. Many commercially available video game platforms are used primarily on perso...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]By way of example only, the video content may comprise travel of a vehicle, such as an airplane, automobile, boat, etc. wherein the participant manually operates a control member so as to coordinate movement of the support assembly or chair to the travel of the vehicle or other object represented in the video content. As such, the various operative components of the preferred embodiments of the present invention accomplish movements and / or positioning of the chair and a participant present thereon about any one or all of a plurality of axes. Moreover, the movement or positioning of the chair and supported participant about multiple axes will result in a more “real life” experience thereby allowing the participant to more closely realize or “feel” the action of the video content being displayed.

[0011]Accordingly, at least one or more preferred embodiments of the support assembly of the present invention include a chair being movably supported on a support frame, wherein the support frame may include a base disposed on a supporting surface as well as a stanchion assembly serving to interconnect the base to the support frame and therefore to the chair. The chair, in order to provide control, comfort and overall operational efficiency to the participant, further includes additional structural features such as an adjustable foot assembly extending outwardly from the chair a variably spaced distance. Also, the display assembly includes a monitor as well as a monitor mount. In the various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the monitor amount includes an elongated configuration interconnected to the chair or to the base. When the monitor mount is connected to the chair, the monitor supported thereby is movable with the chair about a plurality of preferably transversely oriented axes. Alternatively, the elongated monitor mount may be secured to the base or other fixed portion of the assembly such that the position of the monitor and the monitor mount on which it is supported are disposed in a substantially fixed position relative to the multi-axis travel or positioning of the chair.

[0014]Movement of the chair about each of the plurality of transversely oriented axes is accomplished by interaction of the control member with a driver assembly comprising a plurality of driver members. The driver members are preferably in the form of air cylinders connected in fluid connection with a fluid or air source by appropriate conduits. In addition, operative control circuitry associated with the control assembly and / or control member will serve to facilitate operation of the fluid communication of the air issuing from the fluid source so as to accurately operate each of the driver members in a manner which will accomplish corresponding movement between the chair, about the plurality of axes as determined by the manipulation of the control member by the participant.

[0015]Additional structural and operative features of the support assembly of the present invention will be explained in greater detail hereinafter and include a speaker assembly mounted on or otherwise disposed relative to the chair so as to provide clear audio content to the participant. Also, adequate padding or cushioning material may be connected to various portions of the support frame and / or chair so as to facilitate comfort and safety of the participant during operation of the chair. In association therewith, an appropriate restraining assembly in the form of a lap belt or other more sophisticated torso harness may be connected to the chair to facilitate containment and comfort of the participant. In addition, various siding panels or enclosure components may be mounted on the support frame and / or chair structure so as to adequately enclose the chair during the multi-axis movement as well as provide an operationally realistic environment to the participant when disposed on the chair.

Problems solved by technology

However, disadvantage and problems associated with the manufacture, operation and cost of known or conventional gaming seats are well recognized in the video game industry.

Typically, the movement involved in such support assemblies is somewhat limited and frequently is not sufficiently versatile to provide a realistic simulation which corresponds to the content of the video game being observed.

Also, conventional gaming chairs and like support assemblies may be structured to directly correspond to a specific video game or category of games thereby lacking sufficient versatility to be readily adapted to a variety of different categories of video content.

Other problems and disadvantages associated with known gaming chairs involve the mechanical and operative components which serve to accomplish the intended simulated movement.

Such components may be slow to respond to manipulation of a joystick or other controlling structure by the participant.

Therefore, with such limited versatility of the type set forth above, gaming chairs, seats and like individual support assemblies do not adequately simulate movement of vehicles or other video content associated with many, if not a majority of the video games or like displayed video simulations.

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