Computer interactive motion simulator

A motion simulator for use with an existing personal computer and off the shelf software comprising:

• A) a main frame unit that includes
• (1) a base unit,
• (2) an upright stanchion attached at one end thereof to the base unit and having a second end located above said base unit;
• B) an L-shaped pitch frame arm having a long leg and a short leg, a pitch pivot joint attaching said long leg to said second end, a roll pivot joint attached to said short leg, said pitch frame arm being located in a plane spaced above said base and including,
• (1) a pitch axis extending through said pitch pivot joint, and
• (2) a roll axis extending through said roll pivot joint;
• C) an L-shaped roll frame having a long leg connected at a top end thereof to said roll pivot joint and extending toward said base unit, and a short leg located above said base unit;
• D) a yaw connection element mounted on said roll frame short leg and having a yaw axis extending therethrough;
• E) a U-shaped cockpit frame element having a plate thereof mounted on said yaw connection element, a first leg connected at one end thereof to said plate and another end thereof spaced above said plate, and a second leg having one end thereof connected to said plate and having a second end spaced above said plate;
• F) a seat platform mounted on said cockpit frame first leg;
• G) a seat unit having a seat base and a back connected to said seat base, said seat base being mounted on said seat platform;
• H) a monitor support platform mounted on said cockpit frame second leg;
• I) a keyboard support platform mounted on the edge of said monitor support platform;
• J) a rigid control arm connected at a proximal end thereof to said stanchion and having a distal end thereof spaced from said support stanchion above said base unit;
• K) a control stick connected at one end thereof to said U-shaped cockpit frame above the U-shaped cockpit frame plate and having a second end thereof connected to said rigid control arm distal end, a first universal joint connecting said control stick to said rigid control arm beneath said seat platform and above said base unit, a second universal joint connecting said control stick to said cockpit frame, said rigid arm being stationary whereby movement of said control stick causes proportional movement of said cockpit frame unit with respect to said rigid arm;
• L) a center of gravity of said cockpit frame unit being located beneath said pitch and roll axis;
• M) self centering of said U-shaped cockpit frame caused by the location of said center of gravity;
• N) feedback feel caused by said self centering;
• and
• O) a one quarter gimbal construction to allow simple user access.