Computer simulation control frame

• US 6,851,950 B1
• Filed: 01/20/2004
• Issued: 02/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/20/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kurt Gamnig
• Original Assignee: Kurt Gamnig
• Inventors: Gamnig, Kurt
• Primary Examiner(s): Fernstrom, Kurt
• Application Number:
  US10/761,052
• Time in Patent Office: 385 Days
• Field of Search: 434 29- 31, 434/34, 434/35, 434/45, 434/46, 434/61, 434/62, 472/130, 312/194, 312/240, 297/217.7
• US Class Current: 434/45
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/08 for teaching control of aircraft, e.g. Link trainer

Abstract

A control frame for accommodating various control devices in different aircraft cockpit and vehicle configurations used with computer flight simulation programs and diverse games. The control frame allows realistic placement of control devices, simulating different cockpit configurations consistent with actual aircraft types and vehicles. Ergonomic consideration in the design reduces fatigue. The modular properties enable a quick change of the configurations. Stable mounting of device controllers and to fix in place a common computer/office chair will optimize control performance. The light, sturdy and small apparatus enables ease of handling and storage.

Claims

1. A modular support frame for holding of control devices in various configurations used in computer flight simulation programs and other diverse games comprising:

a base assembly including means for placing a rudder pedals controller;

a center support assembly including means for mounting a yoke controller;

and a means for joining the assemblies together;

whereby such control configuration represents a basic aircraft having a yoke controller with integrated throttles.

2. The support frame in claim 1 comprising:

said base assembly including a pedals platform with a means for adjusting the longitudinal position, said pedals platform accommodating said rudder pedals controller thereon;

said center support assembly installed at an angle to the vertical on said base assembly, said center support assembly including a center platform fastened on the top end, allowing the mounting of said yoke controller thereon;

and a plurality of fasteners to join the parts together.

3. The support frame in claim 1 comprising:

said base assembly including a pedals platform with a means for adjusting the longitudinal position, said pedals platform accommodating a vehicle pedals controller thereon;

said center support assembly installed at an angle to the vertical on said base assembly, said center support assembly including a center platform fastened on the top end, allowing the mounting of a steering wheel controller thereon;

and a plurality of fasteners to join the parts together.

4. The support frame in claim 1 comprising:

a right side support assembly including means for mounting of a throttle controller;

whereby such control configuration represents a traditional transport category aircraft.

5. The support frame in claim 4 comprising:

said right side support assembly is installed on said base assembly, said right side support assembly includes an auxiliary support mounted horizontally at the top portion, a right platform is fastened on the top of and the right side of said auxiliary support, said right platform allowing the mounting of said throttle controller thereon.

6. The support frame in claim 5 comprising:

a graphic user interface pointing device platform is mounted on top of and the left side of said auxiliary support, said graphic user interface pointing device platform accommodating a graphic user interface pointing device.

7. The support frame in claim 6 further comprising:

whereby said right side support assembly, including said auxiliary support, said right platform, said graphic user interface pointing device platform, said graphic user interface pointing device and said throttle can be moved to the left side of said base assembly in a mirror like fashion;

whereby such control configuration represents the right hand pilot station.

8. A modular support frame for holding of control devices in various cockpit configurations used in computer flight simulation programs and other diverse games comprising:

a base assembly including means for placing a rudder controller;

a left side support assembly including means for mounting a throttle controller;

a right side support assembly including a means for mounting a joystick controller;

and a means of joining the assemblies together;

whereby such control configuration represents a side stick fly-by-wire fighter type aircraft.

9. The support frame in claim 8 comprising:

said base assembly including a pedals platform with a means for adjusting the longitudinal position, said pedals platform accommodating said rudder pedals thereon;

said left side support assembly installed on said base assembly, includes a left platform fastened on the top end allowing the mounting of said throttle controller thereon;

said right side support assembly installed on said base assembly, includes a right platform fastened on the top end allowing the mounting of said joystick controller thereon;

and a plurality of fasteners to join the parts together.

10. The support frame in claim 9 further comprising:

an auxiliary support included in said right side support assembly, said auxiliary support mounted horizontally beneath said right platform, providing a means for mounting a graphic user interface platform which can accommodate a graphic user interface pointing device adjacent to the right side of said joystick controller.

11. A modular support frame for holding of control devices in various cockpit configurations used in computer flight simulation programs and other diverse games comprising:

a base assembly including means for placing a rudder pedals controller;

a center support assembly including means for usage as a chart table;

a left side support assembly including means for mounting a joystick controller;

a right side support assembly including means for mounting a throttle controller;

and a means of joining the assemblies together;

whereby such control configuration represents a side stick fly-by-wire transport category aircraft.

12. The support frame in claim 11 comprising:

said base assembly including a pedals platform with a means for adjusting the longitudinal position, said pedals platform accommodating said rudder pedals controller thereon;

said center support assembly installed at an angle to the vertical on said base assembly, said center support assembly includes a chart table fastened at the top end;

said left side support assembly installed on said base assembly, includes a left platform fastened on the top end allowing the mounting of said joystick controller thereon;

said right side support assembly is installed on said base assembly, said right side support assembly includes an auxiliary support mounted horizontally at the top portion, a right platform is fastened on the top of and the right side of said auxiliary support, said right platform allowing the mounting of said throttle controller thereon;

and a plurality of fasteners to join the parts together.

13. The support frame in claim 12 comprising:

a graphic user interface pointing device platform mounted on top of and the left side of said auxiliary support, said graphic user interface pointing device platform accommodating a graphic user interface device.

14. The support frame in claim 13 further comprising:

whereby said left platform, said joystick controller, said auxiliary support, said graphic user interface pointing device platform, said graphic user interface pointing device, said right platform and said throttle controller can be moved to the opposite sides in a mirror like fashion;

whereby such configuration represents the right hand pilot station.

15. A modular support frame for holding of control devices in various cockpit configurations used in computer flight simulation programs and other diverse games comprising:

a base assembly including means for placing a rudder pedals controller;

a center support assembly including means for usage as a chart table;

a center stick support assembly including means for mounting a joystick controller;

a left side support assembly including means for mounting a throttle controller, and a means for joining the assemblies together;

whereby such control configuration represents a center stick aircraft.

16. The support frame in claim 15 comprising:

said base assembly including a pedals platform with a means for adjusting the longitudinal position, said pedals platform accommodating said rudder pedals controller thereon;

said center support assembly installed at an angle to the vertical on said base assembly, said center support assembly includes a chart table fastened on the top end;

said center stick support assembly, attached to said center support assembly at a height and angle to accept a center stick platform so as to fit under the thighs of a sitting user, said center stick platform having said joystick controller mounted thereon, whereby the stick portion of said joystick controller is located between the users legs;

said left side support assembly installed on said base assembly, includes a left platform fastened on the top end allowing the mounting of said throttle controller thereon;

and a plurality of fasteners to join the parts together.

17. The support frame in claim 16 further comprising:

a right side support assembly installed on said base assembly, said right support assembly including a graphic user interface pointing device platform fastened on the top end to accommodate a graphic user interface device.

18. A modular support frame for holding of control devices in various cockpit configurations used in flight simulation programs and other diverse games comprising:

a seat chock assembly with means for fixing in place a rolling chair;

and a fastening means for preventing said rolling chair from swiveling;

whereby such device allows the user to maintain a steady relationship with respect to control devices.

19. The support frame of claim 18 comprising:

a seat forward chock and seat aft chock made of an angle extrusion attached to a left chock brace and a right chock brace creating a space for two casters of a rolling chair to rest;

and wherein the fastening means comprises a left and right chain assembly fastened on the underside of the chair frame, and each said chain assembly is secured at an anchor hole of said brace on the opposite side respectively.