U.S. patent application number 13/008261 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-16 for portable light emitting stage.
This patent application is currently assigned to TAIT TOWERS INC.. Invention is credited to Adam DAVIS, James FAIRORTH, Michael TAIT.
Application Number | 20110138709 13/008261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39328462 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110138709 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FAIRORTH; James ; et
al. |
June 16, 2011 |
PORTABLE LIGHT EMITTING STAGE
Abstract
A portable light-emitting stage component including a deck
supported by a support portion comprising at least one
light-producing element, a first side, a second side substantially
parallel the first side, a first end connected to the first side
and the second side, and a second end substantially parallel the
first end, the second end connected to the first side and the
second side. The at least one light-producing element directs light
through the deck. The first side includes a first rotatable latch
member comprising a first hook. The first side and the axis of
rotation of the first rotatable latch member are substantially
coplanar or parallel. The second side includes a first receiving
member comprising a first post. The support portion includes a
protrusion protruding from a side or end selected from the group
consisting of the first side, the second side, the first end, and
the second end.
Inventors: |
FAIRORTH; James; (Manheim,
PA) ; TAIT; Michael; (Lititz, PA) ; DAVIS;
Adam; (Leola, PA) |
Assignee: |
TAIT TOWERS INC.
Lititz
PA
|
Family ID: |
39328462 |
Appl. No.: |
13/008261 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11553071 |
Oct 26, 2006 |
7716895 |
|
|
13008261 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/173.1 ;
52/578; 52/745.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 3/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/173.1 ;
52/578; 52/745.21 |
International
Class: |
E04B 5/46 20060101
E04B005/46; E04C 2/30 20060101 E04C002/30; E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. A light-emitting stage having a first stage component and a
second stage component, the first stage component comprising: a
first side having a rotatable latch member; a second side having a
receiving member, the receiving member having a post; and a
protrusion extending from a portion selected from the group
consisting of the first side, the second side, a first end, and a
second end; wherein the first stage component is configured to
engage the second stage component.
2. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the rotatable latch
member includes a semi-circular hook shaped member.
3. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the rotatable latch
member includes a U-shaped loop member.
4. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the post in the
receiving member is a cylindrical post.
5. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the post in the
receiving member is a hook-shaped member.
6. The light-emitting stage of claim 5, wherein the hook-shaped
member is configured to receive a U-shaped loop member in the
rotatable latch member.
7. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the first side and
the axis of rotation of the rotatable latch member are
substantially coplanar or substantially parallel.
8. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the first stage
component comprises a transparent deck.
9. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the first stage
component comprises a semi-transparent deck.
10. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the rotatable
latch member and the receiving member form a draw latch
connector.
11. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the rotatable
latch member and the receiving member form a pull pin
connector.
12. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the rotatable
latch member and the receiving member form a coffin lock
connector.
13. A first stage component, the first stage component comprising:
a first side having a rotatable latch member; a second side having
a receiving member, the receiving member having a post; and a
protrusion extending from a portion selected from the group
consisting of the first side, the second side, a first end, and a
second end; wherein the first stage component is configured to
engage a second stage component.
14. The stage component of claim 13, wherein the rotatable latch
member includes a semi-circular hook shaped member.
15. The stage component of claim 13, wherein the rotatable latch
member includes a U-shaped loop member.
16. The stage component of claim 13, wherein the post in the
receiving member is a cylindrical post.
17. The stage component of claim 13, wherein the post in the
receiving member is a hook-shaped member.
18. The stage component of claim 17, wherein the hook-shaped member
is configured to receive a U-shaped loop member in the rotatable
latch member.
19. The stage component of claim 13, wherein the first side and the
axis of rotation of the rotatable latch member are substantially
coplanar or substantially parallel.
20. A method for erecting a light emitting stage, the method
comprising: positioning a first stage component adjacent to a
second stage component, the first stage component comprising: a
first side having a rotatable latch member; a second side having a
receiving member, the receiving member having a post; and a
protrusion extending from a portion selected from the group
consisting of the first side, the second side, a first end, and a
second end; wherein the first stage component is configured to
engage a second stage component; engaging the second stage
component to secure the first stage component and the second stage
component together.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/553,071, now pending, filed Oct. 26, 2006, which is a
continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,716,895 issued on May 18, 2010,
both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to portable lighted
structures. In particular, the present invention is directed to
stage platforms and structures having lighting integrated
therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Known staging systems typically include complicated and/or
large individual components and require assembly of the components
with threaded bolts or screws. Portable structures, such as stages
or platforms, must be capable of breaking down into relatively
small units that can be loaded onto trucks or airplanes for
transport. Use of conventional connections, such as threaded bolts
or screws increases the complexity of assembly and disassembly,
further increasing the time and labor required for the assembly and
disassembly. In addition, the portable structures must be capable
of assembly in a short amount of time, by personnel having little
or no technical skill. The above benefits must be provided while
providing a platform that is capable of supporting a large amount
of weight, such as the weight of theatrical performers and their
associated equipment.
[0004] Stages incorporating lighting or video elements have found
increasing use in theatrical performances. Portable stages that
incorporate lighting or video have additional components that
require intensive labor and/or time to erect and/or disassemble. In
addition, the increased weight from the components and the
complexity of the installation of additional lighting components
into support components create additional burdens for maintaining
support of the structure and makes assembly and disassembly of the
stage more difficult.
[0005] What is needed is a portable platform structure
incorporating lighting and/or video elements that is easily
assembled and disassembled with little or no technical skill,
having a stable structure, where the structure does not suffer from
the drawbacks of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One aspect of the present invention includes a portable
light-emitting stage component of a stage assembly. The portable
light-emitting stage component includes a deck supported by a
support portion. The support portion includes at least one
light-producing element, a first side, a second side substantially
parallel the first side, a first end connected to the first side
and the second side, and a second end substantially parallel the
first end, the second end being connected to the first side and the
second side. The at least one light-producing element is arranged
and disposed to direct light through the deck. The first side
includes a first rotatable latch member, and the first side and the
axis of rotation of the first rotatable latch member are
substantially coplanar or substantially parallel. The first
rotatable latch member includes a first hook. The second side
includes a first receiving member comprising a first post.
Additionally, the support portion includes a protrusion protruding
from a side or end selected from the group consisting of the first
side, the second side, the first end, and the second end.
[0007] Another aspect of the invention includes a method for
erecting a portable light emitting stage. The method includes
positioning a first stage component adjacent a second stage
component. Each stage component has a deck supported by a support
portion. The support portion also has at least one light producing
element arranged and disposed to direct light through the deck. The
stage component also has at least one connector arranged and
disposed to releasably connect adjacent support portions to form a
substantially planar surface area made up of a plurality of deck.
The method includes engaging the connector of the first stage
component with the connector of the second stage component to
clampingly secure the stage components together.
[0008] An advantage of the present invention is that stages
incorporating lighting or video may be easily assembled and
disassembled with little or no technical skill.
[0009] Another advantage of the present invention is that the
stages incorporating lighting or video may be disassembled into
small components which may be fitted into cargo spaces of
tractor-trailers or aircraft.
[0010] Still another advantage of the present invention that the
connections between stage components incorporating lighting or
video do not require the use of threaded bolts or screws.
[0011] Still, another advantage of the present invention that the
stage incorporating lighting or video may be assembled by hand with
little or no assistance of tools.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following more detailed description of the
preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows an elevational perspective view of a stage
component according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows the connections between stage components
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a cutaway view of a stage component according
to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of a stage component according
to still another embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows an elevation perspective view of a stage
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a cutaway view of a stage assembly according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a portable light emitting stage component 100
according to an embodiment of the present invention. Stage
component 100 includes a deck 103 supported by a support portion
105. Deck 103 is preferably a rigid transparent material capable of
supporting the weight of performers and/or equipment related to a
theatrical performance. Suitable materials for fabricating the deck
103 include, but are not limited to, plexiglass, glass, polymeric
and other substantially rigid transparent or semi-transparent
material. Although FIG. 1 shows the support portion 105 and the
deck 103 as having a substantially rectangular geometry, the
present invention is not limited to a rectangular geometry and may
include any geometry that may be formed into a stage. Further, the
deck 103 may be substantially planar or have features such as
bulges, slopes or textures, as desired to produce the desired
visual effect for the stage. The support portion 105 includes light
producing elements 107. Light producing elements 107 preferably
include light sources capable of emitting sequenced lights.
Sequenced lights include a plurality of light sources that are
controlled to display varying intensity and/or color of light. In a
preferred embodiment, the sequenced lights include light emitting
diodes (LEDs) controlled to provide images, including moving
images. A plurality of light producing elements 107 may be
positioned adjacent to each other to increase the surface area onto
which images are displayed (see, for example, FIG. 5). The light
producing elements 107 are preferably in communication with each
other and controlled by a single or a series of controllers, which
coordinate the display provided. The light producing elements 107
may be connected to each other and/or the controller by any
suitable means, including, but not limited to, wired or wireless
connections. While not so limited, the deck 103 is preferably
maintained at a position above the light producing elements 107
that provides a gap sufficient to provide cooling for the light
producing portion and to provide an aesthetically pleasing view of
the display provided by the light producing elements 107. Stage
component 100 includes connectors 109 for connecting the stage
component 100 to adjacent stage components 100. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, the connectors 109 have mating components, wherein
connector 109 may include either a latch member 111 or a receiving
member 113. The latch member 111 includes a feature that engages
with receiving member 113 in order to clamp together and retain the
adjacent stage components 100 in position, to form a substantially
planar surface comprising a plurality of decks 103, while providing
sufficient support at the junction between stage components 100 to
carry loads that include theatrical performers and/or the equipment
related to a theatrical performance. The features of the latch
member 111 and/or receiving member 113 may include any geometry
that provides clamping sufficient to provide a connection that
retains adjacent stage components 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the
features of the latching member 111 include a semi circular hook
shaped member. The features of the receiving member 113 shown in
FIG. 1 include a cylindrical post arranged in an opening, which is
configured to receive the hook shaped member feature of the
latching member 111.
[0021] In addition to connectors 109, the stage component 100 of
FIG. 1 includes protrusions 115 at ends of the support portion 105
of stage component 100 that, in conjunction with connectors 109,
engage adjacent protrusions and provide additional support. The
protrusions 115 are configured to engage mating protrusions 115 to
substantially retard relative movement between adjacent stage
components 100 and to provide additional support for the interface
between adjacent stage components 100. In one embodiment of the
invention the protrusions 115 may be configured without connectors
109 and may be disattachably engaged so as to provide sufficient
support to the connection between adjacent stage components 100 to
support the weight of performers and/or the equipment related to a
theatrical performance.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows stage component 100 of FIG. 1, wherein an
adjacent stage component 200 (shown in broken lines) having
connectors 109 (shown in solid lines to illustrate relative
positioning) are positioned with respect to connectors 109 of stage
component 100. Latch members 111 are rotatable in direction 203,
wherein the rotation facilitates engagement of the features of
latch member 111 with features of receiving member 113. While FIGS.
1 and 2 show latch member 111 as being rotatable and receiving
member 113 as being substantially static, either or both of the
latch member 111 and receiving member 113 may be movable to provide
the desired engagement between the latch member 111 and the
receiving member 113.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a stage component 100 according to an alternate
embodiment of the present invention. As in the stage component 100
shown in FIG. 1, the stage component 100 shown in FIG. 3 includes a
deck 103 supported by a support portion 105. The support portion
105 includes light producing elements 107. Light producing elements
107 preferably include light sources capable of emitting sequenced
lights. A plurality of light producing elements 107 may be
positioned adjacent to each other to increase the surface area onto
which images are displayed (see, for example, FIG. 5). Stage
component 100 includes connectors 109 for connecting the stage
component 100 to adjacent stage components 100. FIG. 3 includes the
deck 103 and the light producing elements 107 in broken lines in
order to better illustrate the arrangement of connectors 109 and
support portion 105. The arrangement of support portion 105 and
deck 103 shown in FIG. 3 has the advantage that the arrangement
provides a large continuous surface area of deck 103 that allows
transmission of light from light producing elements 107. The
assembly of a plurality of stage components 100, as shown in FIG.
3, permits the formation of a large substantially continuous
surface on which theatrical performers and/or equipment related to
a theatrical performance may be supported.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the features of the latching member 111
on support member 105 in this embodiment includes a U-shaped loop
member. The features of the receiving member 113 shown in FIG. 3
includes a hook shaped member, which is configured to receive the
U-shaped loop member feature of the latching member 111.
Protrusions 115 shown in FIG. 3 are configured to engage adjacent
stage components 100 and provide vertical support by engaging
protrusions present on the adjacent stage component 100. Although
not shown in FIG. 3, the protrusions 115 may further include
connectors 109 or other devices suitable for connecting or
retaining the stage components 100. The present invention is not
limited to a single light producing element 107, nor the particular
arrangement of deck 103 shown in FIG. 3.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the present
invention. As in the stage component 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,
the stage component 100 shown in FIG. 4 includes a deck 103
supported by a support portion 105. However, FIG. 4 includes an
alternate arrangement of deck 103 and support portion 105. This
embodiment includes the advantage of increased support across the
surface of the deck 103, while providing significant surface area
across the deck through which the light producing elements 107 may
direct light. In addition, surface 400, which extends above the
deck may further include light producing elements 107 or other
lighting devices to further provide desirable lighting on the stage
component. A plurality of light producing elements 107 may be
positioned adjacent to each other to increase the surface area onto
which images are displayed (see, for example, FIG. 5). The support
portion 105 includes a side surface 403 and an end surface 405.
Stage component 100 includes a first set of connectors 109 for
connecting the stage component 100 to adjacent stage components 100
along side surface 403 of the support portion 105 for connecting
adjacent stage components 100 in a side-by-side arrangement. In
addition, the stage component 100 includes a second set of
connectors 109 on end surface 405 for connecting adjacent stage
component 100 in an end-to-end arrangement. FIG. 4 includes the
deck 103 and the light producing elements 107 in broken lines in
order to better illustrate the arrangement of connectors 109 and
support portion 105 and is not limited to a single light producing
element 107, nor the particular arrangement of deck 103 shown.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the first set of connectors 109 on the
side surface 403 includes latching member 111 having features
including a U-shaped loop member. The first set of connectors on
the side surface 403 also includes a receiving member 113 having a
hook shaped member, which is configured to receive the U-shaped
loop member feature of the latching member 111. The second set of
connectors on the end surface 405 includes latching member 111
having features including a semi circular hook shaped member. The
second set of connectors on the side surface 403 also includes a
receiving member 113 having a cylindrical rod shaped member, which
is configured to receive the semi-circular hook shaped member
feature of latching member 111. Any combination of types and
placement of connectors 109 may be utilized that provides a
clamping engagement and supports adjacent stage components 100.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a stage assembly 500 made up of a plurality of
stage components 100 assembled to provide a substantially
continuous surface area made up of decks 103. Any number of stage
components 100 may be utilized in forming stage assembly 500. In
addition, the geometry of stage components 100 may be any geometry
that may be fastened together with connectors 109 to form a stage
assembly 500. The stage assembly 500 may be self-supporting or may
have spatially located placed support members (not shown in FIG.
5). In another embodiment of the present invention, the stage
assembly 500 may be fastened to a frame (not shown in FIG. 5) that
is configured to permit actuation of the stage assembly 500. In
this embodiment of the invention, the stage assembly may be lifted,
inverted, rotated, or actuated with any other combination of
movements that provide a visually desirable stage display.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of a stage assembly 500, wherein a
plurality of stage components 100 are positioned adjacent to one
another and connectors 109 are engaged with one another. In the
end-to-end connection arrangement, stage components 100 are
positioned in direction 603 with end surfaces 405 adjacent one
another. Connectors 109 are placed in latching engagement to retain
the stage components 100 in place adjacent to one another. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6, connectors 109 disposed at end surfaces
405 include latching member 111 having a pull pin connector feature
that engages a mating receiving member 113 having an opening (not
shown) to form the latching engagement. In the side-to-side
connection, stage components 100 are positioned in direction 605
with side surfaces 403 adjacent one another. Connectors 109 are
placed in latching engagement to retain the stage components 100 in
place adjacent to one another. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6,
connectors 109 disposed at side surfaces 403 are latching member
111 having a U-shaped loop member feature configured to engage a
mating receiving member 113 having a hook member feature. The
assembly of the stage can be repeated to create the desired stage
size. Components of varying sizes and geometries may be connected
together in the arrangement shown to provide a visually pleasing
display.
[0029] The connectors 109 of the present invention may include a
connector mechanism, such as draw latches, pull pin connectors,
coffin locks, and any other quickly disconnected system that is
capable of connecting the component units together with a quickly
disconnectable clamping engagement with sufficient support to
function as a decking or wall system.
[0030] In addition to the embodiments shown and described above,
the decking portion 103 and the support portion 105 may also have
geometries, attached devices or features that interlock separate
stage components 100 to provide additional support and ease of
positioning during assembly. The component units are preferably
sized for easy disassembly and transport. In a preferred
embodiment, the component units are configured to a size that fits
within the cargo hold of a 747, or similar aircraft. In addition,
the stage components 100 are arranged and/or discreetly labeled in
order to provide quick assembly, while providing suitable support
and providing the desired display for the decks 103.
[0031] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *