U.S. patent application number 12/348055 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-09 for folding truss system with integrated entertainment technology equipment and method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Robert Charles Baxter, JR.. Invention is credited to Robert Charles Baxter, JR..
Application Number | 20090173033 12/348055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40843485 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090173033 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baxter, JR.; Robert
Charles |
July 9, 2009 |
Folding Truss System With Integrated Entertainment Technology
Equipment and Method Thereof
Abstract
The described system provides a folding and self-contained truss
based entertainment technology support system designed for rapid
deployment. Embodiments disclose a system incorporating folding
truss technology in conjunction with lighting, dimming, power and
data distribution systems encompassing a complete and integrated
mobile and rapid deployment lighting and lighting support system.
Further embodiments describe truss systems used for the rapid
deployment, installation and removal of entertainment systems
including but not restricted to lighting, sound, video and scenic
equipment.
Inventors: |
Baxter, JR.; Robert Charles;
(Driftwood, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert C. Baxter. Jr.
P.O. Box 225
Driftwood
TX
78619
US
|
Assignee: |
Baxter, JR.; Robert Charles
Driftwood
TX
|
Family ID: |
40843485 |
Appl. No.: |
12/348055 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61018714 |
Jan 3, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/646 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63J 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/646 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/18 20060101
E04H012/18; E04B 1/19 20060101 E04B001/19; E04B 1/344 20060101
E04B001/344; A63J 1/00 20060101 A63J001/00 |
Claims
1. An entertainment truss system, comprising: three or more truss
sections, pre-joined with alternately mounted hinge joints; where
the truss system unfolds and/or folds as it deploys or returns to
cartage position.
2. An entertainment truss system of claim 1 where the truss is
pre-installed with entertainment technology equipment and
associated power distribution and data cabling.
3. An entertainment truss system of claim 2 where the entertainment
technology equipment comprises luminaires.
4. An entertainment truss system of claim 1 where at least one of
the truss sections is fitted with casters.
5. An entertainment truss system of claim 1 where an unlimited
number of further folding truss sections may be added to the
system.
6. An entertainment truss system of claim 1 where the truss system
is at all times structurally integral.
7. An entertainment truss system of claim 1 where the truss
sections are manufactured of aluminum or steel tubing which may be
of square or round cross section.
8. An entertainment truss system of claim 1 where; the hinge joints
are capable of rotating at least 180.degree. so that the truss
sections can fold back for stacking; the hinge joints are capable
of supporting the full load of the truss system including the
installed entertainment technology equipment.
9. An entertainment truss system of claim 8 where; the hinge joints
may be secured in the unfolded, deployed position by a locking
mechanism such that said locking mechanism may relieve the hinge
joint of the loaded stress.
10. An entertainment truss system of claim 8 where; the hinge
joints are capable of supporting the full load of the truss system
including the installed entertainment technology equipment during
deployment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/018,714, filed Jan. 3, 2008, the
entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to
entertainment technology systems and in particular, to truss
systems necessary to install and support entertainment systems
including but not restricted to lighting, sound, video and scenic
equipment in entertainment environments such as arenas, convention
centers, hotel ballrooms, and theatres.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many of the entertainment truss support systems currently
used in production applications are of a cumbersome and labor
intensive nature, requiring the use of hand tools and skilled labor
to assemble using conventional fasteners such as nuts and bolts or
pins. Common configurations are the pinned box truss as illustrated
in FIG. 1 and the bolt together box truss as illustrated in FIG. 2.
In each case the truss is manufactured in short sectional lengths
which are assembled on site to create a truss of the required
length. The assembly method in FIG. 1 is accomplished by engaging a
male spigot on the end of a first section of truss with female
sockets on a second section of truss. A bolt is then passed through
each of the engaged spigots and sockets and secured by a nut. These
bolts securely connect the sections of truss into a single
structural member. The assembly method utilized in FIG. 2 is a
further commonly utilized method, incorporating 4 to 8 bolts, nuts
and washers per truss joint. To assemble two sections the truss end
plates are lined up, bolts are inserted in the aligned gusset plate
holes and the nuts with washers are then applied and tightened.
While this method has proven safe when executed properly, it
inherently negates the strong point of the truss tubing itself by
relegating the truss joints to relying on the strength of the bolts
and gusset plates as opposed to using the tubing strength as in the
method shown in FIG. 1. The use of multiple bolts to connect truss
sections is thus inefficient, less than ideal structurally, and
time consuming to assemble. Further prior arts systems may use
interleaving fingers, splines or other connection means as known in
the art instead of the spigot and socket connection system shown
herein; however all such systems require the connection of a
plurality of separate truss sections to produce the required final
truss. The systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,117 to Lange
and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,187 to Bornhorst are typical
of the art.
[0004] In prior art entertainment truss support systems, multiple
sections of tube truss of varying dimensions and in lengths which
commonly range from 1 ft to 10 ft as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
are hand carried to the floor below the point where they are
intended to be suspended. Then, as described above, they are sited
end to end and hand bolted or pinned together to form the desired
continuous length. This procedure requires access to available
floor space immediately underneath the suspension points equal to
or greater than the final assembled truss length and width. Once
assembled, the finished truss is then suspended from chain-hoists
or other lifting mechanisms well known in the art and raised to a
working height convenient for the operators of approximately 4 to 5
ft. When secured at this operating height, entertainment technology
equipment such as lighting, sound, video or scenery may be
individually hung and installed in or from the truss. After
installation of the entertainment technology equipment, power and
data cables necessary for the operation of the entertainment
technology equipment can be run on or through the truss, connected
to the entertainment technology equipment, secured to the truss and
finally run off the ends of the truss to their respective
destinations for control and power. As a final step the hoists are
then operated to raise the truss assembly with all the
entertainment technology equipment and cabling attached to its
desired operating height.
[0005] This assembly process is extremely labor intensive and
resource consuming. The process requires skilled technicians at all
stages including connecting and securing the trusses, rigging the
entertainment technology equipment, and installing and securing the
power and data cables. A fault in any of these areas such as an
incorrectly tightened fastener or badly secured cable could create
a potential safety hazard. Further, because of the need to use the
entire space beneath the final truss hang position, which can mean
utilizing the entire stage area, the technicians are often under
severe time constraints and pressure to vacate that space in order
to make it available to other crafts, such as scenic construction,
sound, video and other technical components of an entertainment
event. Continuous expert and knowledgeable supervision of the
entire process is necessary to maintain a safe working
environment.
[0006] Further, if the floor space beneath the final rigging
position is inaccessible for some reason, such as being over a
seating area or pre-existing scenery or staging, then rigging prior
art truss can be difficult if not impossible to achieve. In such
cases the truss may need to be assembled elsewhere on site and is
then manhandled into position in a difficult and potentially
dangerous manner.
[0007] Attempts have been made to improve these systems by
transporting the truss sections with their entertainment technology
equipment pre-installed such that they can drop down or otherwise
fold into their operating positions as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
Such systems may be referred to as `pre-rig truss` or `drop-truss`
and an example of such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,862,336 to Richardson et al. Notwithstanding the pre-rigged
improvements, these trussing systems are still assembled on site
from individual, separate sections of truss and therefore require
access to clear floor space immediately underneath the suspension
points equal to or greater than the final assembled truss length.
Assembly is done through the means discussed and skilled labor.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a `drop truss` or `swing wing` prior art
assembly which incorporates folding sides to the truss sections.
Such a system may be partially pre-installed with entertainment
technology equipment and associated cabling, however the cable
systems are again specific to each individual section of truss and
need to be physically joined to adjacent sections during
installation. The prior art systems solve neither the problem of
floor space requirement nor do they provide improvements to the
means of connection of the separate truss sections and associated
cabling systems.
[0009] Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an improved
method and system of installation of truss, entertainment
technology equipment, and their power and control in entertainment
technology applications that can be completed in a more timely and
safe manner and within a reduced floor space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which like reference numerals indicate like features and
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art entertainment spiggoted truss
system;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art entertainment nuts and bolt
truss system;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a prior art entertainment truss system
which may incorporate pre-rigged lighting fixtures;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a prior art swing wing entertainment
truss system;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an overview of an embodiment of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in its
storage format;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the invention as
deployed;
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in its
storage format prior to being deployed;
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0029] FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of the invention while
being deployed;
[0030] FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the invention as
deployed;
[0031] FIG. 21 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention;
and
[0032] FIG. 22 illustrates yet a further embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are
illustrated in the FIGUREs, like numerals being used to refer to
like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
[0034] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to
entertainment technology systems and, in particular, to truss
systems necessary to install and support entertainment systems
including but not restricted to lighting, sound, video and scenic
equipment in entertainment environments such as arenas, convention
centers, hotel ballrooms, and theatres.
[0035] The disclosed invention provides a structure and method to
facilitate the rapid deployment and removal of an entertainment
technology truss system designed to support entertainment
technology equipment such as luminaires, dimmers, power
distribution systems, loudspeakers, microphones, projectors,
scenery or other entertainment technology equipment as well known
in the art.
[0036] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention as illustrated
in FIG. 5, the entertainment technology equipment may be a
plurality of luminaires 110, dimming systems 130, 132, 134, 136,
138 and power distribution 114 along with all cabling to
interconnect these devices. FIG. 5 illustrates an entire truss
system 100 in a partially unfolded state so that the individual
components are easier to distinguish. Five sections of truss 120,
122, 124, 126, 128 are herein illustrated; however the invention is
not so limited and further embodiments of the invention may use any
number of connected truss sections. All the entertainment
technology equipment 110, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 114 may be
pre-installed into truss sections 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 along
with all necessary cabling to interconnect the equipment. Each of
the truss sections 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 may be of a short length
so as to be convenient to store and move around a venue. In one
embodiment the truss sections 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 are each 8 ft
in length, however the invention is not so limited and the truss
sections can be of any length without departing from the spirit of
the invention. Each truss section is permanently connected to the
adjacent truss section through hinges 150, 152, 154, 156 such that
each truss section may rotate through an angle from lying parallel
to the adjacent truss section to aligning axially with the adjacent
truss section. To facilitate this action hinges 150, 152, 154, 156,
158 need to allow approximately 180.degree. of rotation at each
joint and must be designed so that the hinge does not interfere
with such rotation. Further hinges 150, 152, 154, 156, 158 are
mounted on alternate faces on each adjacent truss section such that
the truss sections will fold in a `Z` pattern. For example on truss
section 124 first hinge 152 connecting to truss section 122 is on
the bottom corner of truss 124 while second hinge 154 connecting to
truss section 126 is on the top corner of truss 124.
[0037] The use of hinges to connect the truss sections provides a
permanent connection between the truss sections and further allows
a dedicated path for cabling to be installed to connect the items
of entertainment technology equipment with both electrical power
and control data. This cabling may be permanently installed within
the truss system and provide links and connections between all
sections of truss. As the cabling runs between truss sections it is
routed adjacent to the hinges such that it does not interfere with
the operation of said hinges and so that no strain or load is
placed on the cabling. In the illustrated embodiment such cabling
may connect together the power distribution unit 114, dimming
systems 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 and the plurality of luminaires 110
such that external connections to system 100 may be limited to a
power supply cable and a data control cable.
[0038] Truss system 100 may be fitted with wheels or casters 104
such that it is easily moved around a venue or on and off vehicles
for transport. Casters 104 may be fixed or removable and may be
elevated or recessed. Each truss section may be fitted with a stop
or bumper 140, 142, 144, 146, 148 which provides a secure and
structurally sound resting point for the adjacent truss section to
rest on when the system is folded.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the truss system 100 in
its folded, undeployed, state so that it may be stored and
transported in the most compact configuration. The height and width
of the folded system may be chosen so as to allow the system to
pass through standard doorways and to be transported in standard
vehicles. For example it may be constructed so as to be less than 8
ft in height so that it would easily be transported within a
standard shipping container and pass through a typical loading dock
door. The height and width of each truss section also may be
selected so as to contain the required entertainment technology
equipment within the structure of the truss section(s).
[0040] The truss system may be deployed in a number of manners
depending on the floor space and venue height available. Two
methods will be described; however other installation techniques
are possible and the techniques of installation are not a
limitation of the invention. We first consider an installation
technique for a venue where we have a limited floor space
available, but sufficient height. To deploy the truss system in
these circumstances the folded system 100 is positioned under a
hoist suspension point and the first truss section 128 is connected
to a hoist by suspension line 116 as illustrated in FIG. 6. The
choice of suspension point and hoist is outside of the scope of
this invention and such suspension points and hoists may be
provided from chain hoists, counterweight systems, powered rigging
hoists, manual winches or any other rigging suspension hoist as
well known in the art. Suspension line 116 may then be raised such
that first truss section 128 is lifted and rotates around hinge 156
which connects it to second truss section 126 so as to raise first
truss section 128 to a vertical position as shown in FIG. 7.
Suspension line 116 may then be lowered again such that first truss
section 128 continues to rotate about hinge 156 and is lowered
until it is axially aligned with second truss section 126 as
illustrated in FIG. 8. First truss section 128 and second truss
section 126 may now be connected together at point 166 by use of a
pin through the spigot, bolt, clamp or other method well known in
the art such that first truss section 126 and second truss section
128 are connected and behave as a single longer truss section and
hinge 156 is constrained from rotation.
[0041] Suspension line 116 may now be raised again and will lift
first truss section 128 and second truss section 126 as a single
combined unit to the vertical position illustrated in FIG. 9. As
Suspension line 116 continues to lift it will start to raise third
truss section 124 which will rotate around hinge 152 until it also
is vertical as shown in FIG. 10. Second truss section 126 and third
truss section 124 may now be connected together at point 164 by use
of a pin through the spigot, bolt, clamp or other method well known
in the art such that first truss section 126, second truss section
128 and third truss section 124 are connected and behave as a
single longer truss section and hinge 154 is constrained from
rotation.
[0042] Similarly suspension line 116 may now be further raised such
that fourth truss section 122 is also raised vertically and is
secured at point 162 so that four sections are connected as shown
in FIG. 11. Finally, suspension line 116 may be further raised such
that fifth truss section 120 is also raised vertically and secured
at point 160 so that all five truss sections are connected as shown
in FIG. 12 and all hinges 150, 152, 154, 156 are constrained from
further rotation. At this point a second suspension line 118 may be
connected to the truss system and the entire system raised and
rotated as a single unit until it is horizontal in its final
deployed orientation as illustrated in FIG. 13. Although two
suspension points 116, 118 are here shown on the first and fifth
truss sections the invention is not so limited and any number,
positioning and layout of suspension points may be used in further
embodiments of the invention. The installation technique shown in
FIGS. 6 to 13 provides installation in a minimum of floor space in
a very efficient and simple manner. At all times the truss system
100 remains a single connected structure so that at no point are
any truss sections separated from each other. The technicians have
only to install the connections 160, 162, 164, 166 that prevent
truss rotation.
[0043] Although the methodology for five truss sections is
disclosed in this embodiment the technique may be extended in
further embodiments and any number of hinged truss sections may
similarly be deployed and attached to one another, thus extending
the overall truss length.
[0044] In a further embodiment hinges 150, 152, 154, 156 may be
provided with a locking mechanism through a pin, bolt, clamp or
other device such that further security is provided to prevent
rotation and movement at the hinge points.
[0045] We now consider a second installation technique for a venue
where we have sufficient floor space available to accommodate the
entire length of the truss system but a low height. To deploy the
truss system in these circumstances the folded system 100 is
positioned under a hoist suspension point and the first truss
section 128 is connected to a hoist by suspension line 116 as
illustrated in FIG. 14. The choice of suspension point and hoist is
outside of the scope of this invention and such suspension points
and hoists may be provided from chain hoists, counterweight
systems, powered rigging hoists, manual winches or any other
rigging suspension hoist as well known in the art. Suspension line
116 may then be raised such that first truss section 128 is lifted
and rotates around hinge 156 which connects it to second truss
section 126 so as to raise first truss section 128 to a vertical
position as shown in FIG. 15. Suspension line 116 may then be
lowered again such that first truss section 128 continues to rotate
about hinge 156 and is lowered until it is axially aligned with
second truss section 126 as illustrated in FIG. 16. The unfolding
truss stack, being on casters, rolls and stays directly under the
lift point while it unfolds. First truss section 128 and second
truss section 126 may now be connected together at point 166 by use
of a pin, bolt, clamp or other method well known in the art such
that first truss section 126 and second truss section 128 are
connected and behave as a single longer truss section and hinge 156
is constrained from rotation.
[0046] A second suspension line 117 may now be connected to second
truss section 126 and first suspension line 116 and second
suspension line 117 raised together such that first truss section
128 and second truss section 126 are raised and third truss section
124 will be rotated to a vertical position around hinge 152 as
shown in FIG. 17. Suspension lines 116 and 117 may now be lowered
together while simultaneously moving the remaining truss sections
120 and 122 on casters 104 such that third truss section 124
continues to rotate and lower until it is axially aligned with both
second truss section 126 and fourth truss section 122 as
illustrated in FIG. 18. Second truss section 126 and third truss
section 124 may now be connected together at point 164 and third
truss section 124 and fourth truss section 122 may be connected
together at point 162. At this point the first, second, third and
fourth truss sections are connected together and may be further
raised as a single unit by suspension lines 116 and 117 as
illustrated in FIG. 19 until the fifth truss section 120 is raised
into a vertical position by rotating around hinge 150.
[0047] A third suspension line 118 may now be connected to fifth
truss section 120 which may subsequently be raised until fifth
truss section 120 is axially aligned with fourth truss section 122
and can be connected together at point 160 to form the final
deployed system as illustrated in FIG. 20. All five truss sections
are securely connected and all hinges 150, 152, 154, 156 are
constrained from further rotation.
[0048] Although three suspension points 116, 117, 118 are here
shown on the first, second and fifth truss sections the invention
is not so limited and any number, positioning and layout of
suspension points may be used in further embodiments of the
invention. The installation technique shown in FIGS. 14 to 20
provides installation in a minimum of ceiling height space in a
very efficient and simple manner. At all times the truss system 100
remains a single connected structure so that at no point are any
truss sections separated from each other. The technicians have only
to install the connections 160, 162, 164, 166 that prevent truss
rotation.
[0049] Although the methodology for five truss sections is
disclosed in this embodiment the technique may be extended in
further embodiments and any number of hinged truss sections may
similarly be deployed and attached to one another, thus extending
the overall truss length.
[0050] In a yet further embodiment hinges 150, 152, 154, 156 may be
provided with a locking mechanism through a pin, bolt, clamp or
other device such that further security is provided to prevent
rotation and movement at the hinge points when the truss system is
deployed. Such locking mechanism may take the applied load and
relieve the hinge of the loaded stress.
[0051] In all embodiments described herein the entertainment
technology items installed in the truss system such as a lighting
system comprising luminaires, dimming system and power distribution
may subsequently be connected to existing or temporary distribution
systems in the venue so as to connect to main data and power
distribution. This may, in some embodiments, be accomplished
through a single connection for power and a single connection for
data providing an extremely simple and rapid installation of the
entire system.
[0052] FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of
the invention 200 showing the truss sections unfolding. FIG. 22
illustrates views of a yet further embodiment of the system 300
with entertainment technology devices installed within the truss
sections.
[0053] The embodiments disclosed provide a means for entertainment
technology rigging that is both rapid to deploy and remove, and
provide a safe integrated system at all times. The truss may also
be installed with a minimum of labor and installation time while
causing a minimum of inconvenience to other users of the space.
[0054] While the disclosure has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments
may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure
as disclosed herein. While the disclosure has been described in
detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions
and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the
spirit and scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *