WO2002097530A1

WO2002097530A1 - Support frame for photographic/cinematographic screens

Info

Publication number: WO2002097530A1
Application number: PCT/EP2002/005072
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Cardellini; Paolo Speggiorin
Original assignee: Lino Manfrotto + Co. S.P.A.
Priority date: 2001-05-28
Filing date: 2002-05-08
Publication date: 2002-12-05
Also published as: ITPD20010122A1

Abstract

There is described a support frame for photographic/cinematographic screens having a quadrilateral shape in the operative support state of the screen, wherein contiguous sides (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) of the frame are hinged to each other and at least a first pair of opposing sides (3a, 3b) can be folded so that the frame can be folded into a non-operative state with a folded-up configuration where the sides are arranged against and substantially parallel with each other.

Description

Support frame for photographic/cinematographic screens

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a support frame for photographic/cinematographic screens according to the preamble of the principal claim. PRIOR ART

It is known in the particular prior art to produce, from fabric or other similar materials, screens which diffuse or reflect light for the illumination of photographic/cinematographic sets. These screens generally have a quadrilateral shape and can be of large dimensions, even a few metres in width. They are stretched by anchorage of their peripheral edges to a support frame, whose sides are formed by connecting a plurality of modular rod-like elements in order to obtain the necessary width dimensions. The frame produced in this manner is typically supported by a pair of stands having vertical uprights, to which the frame is articulated to allow adjustable inclination thereof. One of the disadvantages of those known frames consists in that the movement thereof, for example, from one photographic/cinematographic set to another, is not easy because of the total dimensions and generally requires the disassembly of the frame with complete uncoupling of the rod-like elements which constitute it. Typically, this proves necessary for transporting the frame from one set to another, for example, by truck, or for transferring the frame in photographic/cinematographic sets which are set up in internal rooms. This disassembly and assembly operation then proves both necessary and extremely complex for frames having large dimensions with a resultant increase in the associated times and costs. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The technical problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a support frame for photographic/cinematographic screens which is structurally and functionally designed to overcome all of the disadvantages mentioned with reference to the known technology mentioned. This problem is solved by the invention by means of a support frame for photographic/cinematographic screens which is produced in accordance with the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the detailed description below of two preferred embodiments thereof which are illustrated, in an exemplary and non-limiting manner, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the support frame for photographic/cinematographic screens which is produced in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 2 is a partial schematic plan view of the frame in a partially folded configuration,

Figure 3 is a plan view of the frame in Figure 2 in a completely folded configuration,

Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of a portion of the frame in the folded and deployed configurations, respectively, - Figure 6 is a perspective view drawn to an enlarged scale of the detail of the frame illustrated in Figure 2,

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the frame according to the invention in a partially folded configuration,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a detail of the frame in Figure 7, - Figure 9 is a schematic side elevation of the frame in Figure 7 in the folded configuration,

Figure 10 is a cross-section of the detail in Figure 8. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Initially with reference to Figures 1 to 6, there is generally designated 1 a first embodiment of the support frame for a photographic/cinematographic screen 2 of fabric or a similar material which is used to diffuse or reflect light for the illumination of photographic or cinematographic sets and which is produced in accordance with the present invention.

The frame 1 has a quadrilateral shape in the operative state of the screen support (Figure 1) with pairs of opposing sides designated 3a, 3b and 4a, 4b, respectively. The screen 2 is stretched along the peripheral edge at the sides of the frame 1 , for example, by means of cords or resilient elements, all designated

5, in a manner which is conventional per se. The frame 1 is also supported by a pair of stands 6, each comprising a tripod support 7 for supporting a central column 8 which includes two or more sections 9 which are telescopically associated with each other. At the end remote from the tripod, each column 8 is also connected, by means of an articulated joint, to the respective side 3a, 3b of the frame in order to allow adjustable inclination of the screen 2 relative to the vertical, in a manner which will be explained in greater detail in the following description.

Each side of the frame 1 is formed with one or more rod-like elements 10, for example, having a modular configuration, which are connected as extensions of each other in order to obtain the length of side required. Each rod-like element 10 preferably has a hollow tubular square cross-section having adequate strength and resistance to provide the frame 1 with appropriate overall rigidity even when sides of the frame are of great length, even in the order of several metres.

The contiguous sides of the frame 1 are also hinged relative to each other by means of first articulation devices 11 which are provided at the corners of the frame 1. Each device 11 comprises a first hinge element 12 and a second hinge element 13, which are "snail-shaped" and which are fixed for rotation about a common hinge pin 14 which constitutes the hinge axis which is directed perpendicularly to the plane of the frame 1. It should be noted that each of the devices 11 also comprises means for limiting the maximum relative angular pivoting between the first hinge element 12 and the second hinge element 13 into an angular position in which the contiguous sides of the frame 1 are deployed at right-angles to each other.

Each hinge element 12, 13 is also provided with means for releasable connection to the respective rod-like element 10 which defines at least partially the side of the frame. The connection means comprise a pair of appendages 15a, b (Figure 5) which extend parallel from the respective hinge element 12, 13 and which can open out resiliently relative to each other in order to be inserted and locked in the hollow section of the rod-like element 10. There are further provided screw-type means for clamping the connection means to the corresponding rodlike element 10.

According to a principal feature of the invention, the pair of opposing sides 3a, 3b (that pair which is articulated to the support stands 6 of the screen) can be folded and each of the sides 3a, 3b comprises at least a first section 16a and a second section 16b which are hinged to each other and which can pivot between a first position, in which they are aligned as extensions of each other (Figure 5), and a second position, in which they are pivoted through 180° and folded on top of each other (Figure 4).

For the articulation of the sections 16a, 16b, the frame is provided with second articulation devices 17 which include a third hinge element 18 and a fourth hinge element 19. The hinge elements are connected to a common plate-shaped element 20 for rotation about separate axes of rotation which are parallel with each other, as is visible in Figures 4 and 5. By means of the articulation device 17, the sections 16a, 16b are articulated to each other, in a central position of the corresponding side, in order to pivot relative to each other between the first position (Figure 5) and the second position (Figure 4). With reference to Figure 2, the frame 1 can therefore be folded into a non-operative state, illustrated in Figure 3, in which it takes up a folded-up configuration with the sides 3a, 3b and 4a, 4b arranged against, and substantially parallel with, each other. In this configuration, the sections 16a, 16b of each side 3a, 3b are pivoted (through 90°) into a position arranged against the respective contiguous sides 4a, 4b with the corresponding articulation devices 17 moved towards each other into a position facing each other at a minimum distance.

Conversely, in the operative state of the support of the screen 2, illustrated in Figure 1 , fixing means, which are generally indicated 21 , are provided for rigidly locking the first section 16a and second section 16b of each of the sides 3a, 3b in alignment with each other, thus preventing any relative pivoting. The fixing means comprise a profile member 22 having a channel-shaped cross-section which is externally fitted on the corresponding rod-like element of the frame, partially on the first section 16a and partially on the second section 16b. Between the opposing flanges 22a, 22b of the profile member, there are further provided screw-type closing means which are suitable for clamping the profile member 22 on the corresponding rod-like element 10. The means comprise a pair of threaded shanks 23 which are fixed in a pivoting manner at one end thereof to the flange 22a of the profile member and which can be clamped by means of a wing nut 24 against the opposing flange 22b (Figure 6). The flange 22a of the profile member 22 is further extended into a plate-shaped member 25 containing an open slot- shaped hole 26 which is provided for hinging connection to a pivot, which is not illustrated, of the column 8 of the tripod support 7, so that the frame 1 can be tilted relative to the vertical with adjustable inclination. During operation, the frame 1 can be folded, by means of the articulation devices 11 and 17 into the compact folded-up configuration with the sides arranged against each other, as illustrated in Figure 3. This configuration can be obtained after disengaging the fixing means 21 , for example, by disassembling or slidingly moving each profile member 22 away from the respective portion of the rod-like element 10 involved in the articulation of the sections 16a, 16b. Conversely, in order to move the frame 1 into the deployed operative configuration in Figure 1 , it is sufficient to pivot the sides 3a, 3b towards the partially open position in Figure 2 until complete alignment of the sections 16a, 16b of each side 3a, 3b is obtained, and subsequently to lock the respective articulations by means of the profile members 22 which, in turn, function as elements for the hinging of the frame on the tripod supports of the vertical support.

With reference to Figures 7 to 10, a second embodiment of the frame according to the invention is generally indicated 50, wherein details which are similar to those of the previous example are denoted with the same reference numerals.

The frame 50 differs from that in the previous example mainly in that the second pair of sides 4a, 4b can also be folded in addition to the first pair of sides 3a, 3b so that the frame 1 can further be folded about an axis which belongs to the plane of the frame. Each of the sides 4a, 4b comprises a third section 51a and a fourth section

51 b which are hinged by means of a third articulation device 52, which is structurally identical to the device 17, by means of which the sections 51a, 51 b can be pivoted between an operative position, in which they are aligned as extensions of each other, and a second position, in which they are pivoted through 180° and folded on top of each other.

In order rigidly to lock the sections 51a, 51 b in the position of mutual alignment, a sleeve 53 of square cross-section is provided and is fitted externally on the rod-like element 10 of the frame, partially on the third section 51a and partially on the fourth section 51 b of the respective side 4a, 4b, in order to block any relative pivoting of the sections.

It will be appreciated that, since the hinge elements of the third articulation device 52 have overall cross-sections included within the cross-section of the corresponding rod-like element, the sleeve 53 is fitted slidingly thereon.

There are preferably provided on the sleeve 53 screw-type clamping means which include a pair of threaded shanks 54 which are screwed into through-holes 54a in the sleeve 53 and can be clamped by being pressed against the corresponding rod-like element 10, on which the sleeve is fitted. The threaded shanks 54 are advantageously provided with appendages 55 which constitute tightening handles (Figures 8 and 10).

During operation, the frame 50 can initially be folded by means of the articulation devices 11 and 17 into the folded-up configuration in Figure 3 and afterwards can be further folded by means of the articulation devices 52 into the configuration in Figure 9, in which the longitudinal dimensions of the frame are further reduced. This configuration is obtained by releasing the articulation of the sides 4a, 4b by uncoupling the respective sleeves 53 from the hinging elements of the third section 51a and fourth section 51 b.

Conversely, in order to move the frame into the deployed operative configuration in Figure 1 , it is sufficient initially to pivot the sides 4a, 4b towards the open position until complete alignment of the sections 51a, 51 b of each side 4a, 4b is obtained and then to lock the respective articulation by means of the corresponding sleeves 53, and then to repeat the operations already described with reference to the frame 1. The invention thereby solves the problem mentioned, obtaining numerous advantages over known solutions.

A first advantage consists in that the frame according to the invention allows rapid and simple assembly, additionally owing to the limited number of components which constitute the hinge elements of the articulations of the frame. A second advantage is that the frame can be readily and rapidly folded without necessitating any disassembly or dismantling of the rod-like elements which constitute it, taking up very little space, which allows it to be readily transported and stored on vehicles, even when it has large dimensions. Furthermore, owing to the reduced dimensions, the frame can advantageously be moved even in internal photographic/cinematographic sets and can conveniently be moved through openings and passages between internal rooms. In addition, in rooms of this type, often having restricted space, the preparation of the screen requires only simple operations for opening the screen and assembling the fixing means in order to block the articulations thereof.

Another advantage is that the screen according to the invention can be folded into the compact folded-up configuration without necessitating the disassembly of the screen from the frame, facilitating and speeding up the preparation operations for the illumination equipment of the set, with a reduction in associated times and costs.

Claims

1. Support frame for photographic/cinematographic screens having a quadrilateral shape in the operative state for supporting the screen, characterized in that contiguous sides (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) of the frame are hinged to each other and at least a first pair (3a, 3b) of opposed sides can be folded so that the frame can be folded into a non-operative state with a folded-up configuration having sides arranged against and substantially parallel with each other.

2. Frame according to claim 1 , wherein each of the foldable sides, (3a, 3b) comprises at least a first section (16a) and a second section (16b) which are hinged to each other and which can pivot between a first position, in which they are aligned as extensions of each other, and a second position, in which they are pivoted through 180° and folded on top of each other.

3. Frame according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a first articulation device (11) for the contiguous sides (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) of the frame at the corners of the frame, the first device (11 ) comprising a first hinge element (12) and a second hinge element (13) which are connected for rotation by means of a hinge pin (14) and which can be fixed to contiguous sides of the frame.

4. Frame according to claim 3, wherein each of the hinge elements (12, 13) comprises means for releasable connection (15a, 15b) to a rod-like element (10) which defines at least partially the side of the frame.

5. Frame according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a second relative articulation device (17) for the first section (16a) and second section (16b) of the foldable sides (3a, 3b) of the frame, the second device (17) comprising a third hinge element (18) and a fourth hinge element (19), which can be connected to a common plate-shaped intermediate element (20) for rotation in order to cause the sections (16a, 16b) to be articulated to each other as well as to be pivotable between the first position and the second position.

6. Frame according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the third hinge element (18) and fourth hinge element (19) are structurally identical and are provided with releasable connection means for connection to the respective rodlike element (10) of the frame.

7. Frame according to claim 4, wherein the connection means comprise a pair of appendages (15a, 15b) which extend parallel from the respective hinge element (12, 13) and which are resiliently contractile towards each other in order to be inserted and locked in a hollow portion of the rod-like element.

8. Frame according to one or more of claims 2 to 7, comprising first fixing means (21 ) for rigidly locking the first section (16a) and second section

(16b) in the first position of mutual alignment, the fixing means comprising a profile member (22) having a channel-shaped cross-section which is externally fitted on the corresponding rod-like element of the frame, partially on the first section (16a) and partially on the second section (16b) of the foldable side in order to block any mutual pivoting of the sections about the axis of articulation.

9. Frame according to claim 8, wherein screw-type clamping means (23, 24) are provided for locking the profile member (22) against the first section (16a) and second section (16b) of the rod-like element.

10. Frame according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the profile member (22) is extended into a plate-shaped member (25) which is suitable for being hinged to a vertical support upright of the frame so that the frame can be tilted with adjustable inclination.

11. Frame according to one or more of claims 3 to 10, wherein the first articulation device (11) comprises means for limiting the maximum relative angular rotation of the first hinge element and second hinge element into an angular position in which the contiguous sides of the frame are substantially deployed at right-angles to each other.

12. Frame according to one or more of claims 2 to 11 , wherein the first section (16a) and second section (16b) are hinged in a central position along the respective side of the frame.

13. Frame according to one or more of claims 2 to 12, wherein, in the non-operative state in a folded-up configuration of the frame, the sections (16a, 16b) of the foldable sides are pivoted into a position arranged against the respective contiguous sides of the frame, with the corresponding second articulation devices (17) moved towards each other into a position facing each other at a minimum distance.

14. Frame according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a second pair of opposing sides (4a, 4b), distinct from the first pair (3a, 3b), can be folded so that the frame can, in turn, further be folded about an axis which belongs to the plane of the frame.

15. Frame according to claim 14, wherein each of the foldable sides (4a, 4b) of the second pair comprises a third section (51a) and a fourth section (51b) which are hinged to each other and which can be pivoted between an operative position, in which they are aligned as extensions of each other, and a second non-operative position, in which they are pivoted through 180° and folded on top of each other.

16. Frame according to claim 15, comprising a third articulation device (52) for the third section (51a) and fourth section (51 b) of the respective foldable sides of the frame, the third articulation device (52) comprising respective hinge elements which are rotatably connected to each other in order to render the sections pivotable between the said positions thereof.

17. Frame according to claim 16, wherein the hinge elements for the articulation of the third section (51a) and fourth section (51 b) are structurally identical to the first hinge element (12) and second hinge element (13).

18. Frame according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, wherein second fixing means are provided for rigidly locking the third and fourth sections in the operative position of mutual alignment, the means comprising a sleeve (53) which is externally fitted on the rod-like element of the frame, partially on the third section (51a) and partially on the fourth section (51b) of the foldable side, in order to block any relative pivoting of the sections.

19. Frame according to claim 16, wherein the hinge elements have overall cross-sections included within the cross-section of the corresponding rod- like element (10) so that the sleeve (53) is fitted slidingly between the third section (51a) and fourth section (51 b) of the foldable side of the frame.

20. Frame according to claim 19, wherein screw-type means (54) are provided for clamping the sleeve against the rod-like element, on which the sleeve is slidingly mounted.

21. Frame according to claim 20, wherein the screw-type clamping means comprise threaded shanks (54) which are screwed into through-holes (54a) in the sleeve (53) and which are able to be pressingly locked against the corresponding rod-like element, the threaded shanks (54) being provided with handling appendages (55).

22. Frame according to one or more of claims 4 to 21 , wherein the rodlike elements (10) have a hollow square cross-section.