DE29809082U1 - Photography system - Google Patents

Description

New York, NY 10011-6501/USA

Photography system

The invention relates to a photography system with a base frame and with several system components that can be at least partially combined to form at least one system unit and that can be assigned to the base frame, wherein the base frame has four vertical and rigidly connected support columns.

Such a photography system is known from a DIMIU photo table from Foba. The photo table has a base frame with four vertical support columns that are rigidly connected to each other by cross beams. The four support columns have different lengths in pairs and are conically tapered in the area of their upper ends and provided with screw pins, by means of which extension tubes or holders for reflectors can be attached to the base frame.

The object of the invention is to create a photography system of the type mentioned at the beginning that ensures a wide range of possible applications.

This task is solved by providing the support columns with plug-in profiles on their upper front ends, and by providing at least one plug-in profile with a

a boom arm that projects essentially radially to a longitudinal axis of the associated support column and serves as a system component is assigned, which can be detachably connected to the at least one plug-in profile. The at least one boom arm makes it possible to increase the usable area of the photography system in an area above the base frame, while at the same time retaining the advantage of a relatively small footprint for the photography system. This results in a space-saving solution that, due to the plug-in profiles, enables an exchange or a different combination of system components or system units with extremely simple means. Preferably, at least two boom arms are assigned to the plug-in profiles of the support columns, which form an enlarged support or bearing surface for corresponding system components or system units. The at least one boom arm has a corresponding plug-in profile that can be detachably connected to the plug-in profile of the respective support column. The plug-in profiles can alternatively be designed as female or male profiles, i.e. in particular as sleeve- or pin-shaped profiles, so that axial insertion is possible. The solution according to the invention can be used both for taking pictures in a studio and for taking pictures at other locations to which the required units of the photography system must be transported. The photography system is particularly suitable for different setup variations that a photographer selects based on his expertise depending on the type of object to be photographed, in particular with or without a background, with or without shadow, etc.

In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one boom arm is mounted so that it can rotate around the longitudinal axis of the support column by means of a corresponding plug-in profile on the associated plug-in profile of the support column. This allows the

The position of at least one boom arm can be changed as required depending on the required carrying or supporting function.

In a further embodiment of the invention, all plug-in profiles of the support columns are arranged at least approximately in a common horizontal plane. If these plug-in profiles are now provided with a total of four rotating cantilever arms, a particularly wide range of different support or supporting functions of the cantilever arms and thus of the base frame can be achieved. Each cantilever arm can carry its own system component. In the same way, however, all cantilever arms can also be used to hold a common system component, in particular a support frame or a support plate.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each boom arm has a plug-in profile at its free end that corresponds to the plug-in profile of the support columns for holding or storing additional system components or units. This further increases the application and combination options of the photography system according to the invention. The boom arms can accommodate additional system components in both a rotating and stationary manner. If the boom arms each accommodate additional boom arms, this results in scissor-like joint arrangements that can take on particularly advantageous carrying and support functions within the overall concept.

In a further embodiment of the invention, all system components and/or system units are each provided with at least one plug-in profile corresponding to the plug-in profiles. This results in a plug-in system that is easy to assemble or disassemble, whereby the various plug-in connections can be additionally secured using fixing devices if necessary.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a boom arm is connected to each support column, with all boom arms being mounted so that they can rotate in a common horizontal plane. This is a particularly advantageous arrangement, which enables a particularly large support or bearing surface relative to the base frame.

In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one extension profile is provided as a system component, which has a plug-in profile on at least one end. The extension profiles can be aligned horizontally or vertically, which results in different and diverse application and combination options.

In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one horizontal plate arrangement is provided, which is designed in particular as a table, shelf or compartment plate. The at least one plate arrangement forms a system component, whereby the plate arrangement can be designed to be fully or partially translucent or opaque.

In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one dimensionally stable, preferably vertically aligned screen arrangement is provided. This can be designed as a wall screen or as a reflector screen, whereby the wall screen can be designed to be fully or partially translucent or opaque. The screen arrangement can be designed in the form of a plate or in the form of a three-dimensional surface structure. A surface structure made of Plexiglas is particularly suitable here, which has a known, curved shape.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a flexible screen arrangement in the form of a flexible surface structure is provided. This surface structure can be stretched three-dimensionally or flatly.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a support device is provided for each of the at least one plate arrangement and/or for the at least one screen arrangement, which can be connected to the base frame and/or the at least one extension arm. The support device preferably has profile strips and/or a frame and/or support arrangements that can be connected to the base frame and/or the extension arm. The profile strips, the frame and the support arrangements represent system components. If the support device has several such system components, the support device forms a system unit either on its own or together with a plate or screen arrangement. The term system unit is preferably understood to mean a defined structure of the photography system for a specific purpose.

To connect the profile strips, the frame or the support arrangements of the support device to the at least one cantilever arm or the base frame, these are either directly provided with plug-in profiles that are matched to the corresponding plug-in profiles of the support columns and the at least one cantilever arm. Alternatively, adapters can be provided as additional system components, which on the one hand accommodate the corresponding elements of the support device and on the other hand are provided with plug-in profiles that are matched to the plug-in profiles of the base frame or the cantilever arm.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a tent structure that can be connected to the base frame and/or the at least one boom arm is provided. The tent structure preferably has at least one opening for positioning a camera in a manner known per se. The tent structure forms a system unit for certain object photographs.

In a further embodiment of the invention, tensioning and/or supporting means are provided for a tent structure of the tent construction,

which are attached to the base frame and/or the extension arms. The tent structure is designed to be flexible, whereby, depending on the type of tent structure, it can be made either from an unstable or inherently rigid textile surface structure or from an unstable or inherently rigid, but flexible plexiglass or plastic film or another surface structure made of a plastic material.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a support ring is provided as the support means, which is supported on vertical support arms and which supports a tent structure that can be suspended at least partially in a cylindrical manner. This is a particularly advantageous tent structure that defines a cabin-like space in which the object to be photographed can be positioned.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the plug-in profiles of the support column are provided with bearings for a rotatable, common horizontal platform, with drive means being assigned to the platform. The platform can in particular be mounted on rollers or cylinders, with the plug-in profiles preferably each having pivot bearing functions.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the drive means are integrated into a support column. This is a particularly space-saving design of the photography system. The driven version of the photography system is advantageously suitable for a particularly stable base frame including correspondingly stable system components that can accommodate a high load.

' In a further embodiment of the invention, the drive means are assigned an electrical or electronic control, the transmission lines of which are at least partially integrated in the base frame. By providing a corresponding control, automatic and precise adjustment is possible.

solution to the respective requirements and functions can be achieved.

Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a recording table according to a first embodiment of a photography system according to the invention,

Fig. 2 various system components of a photography system according to the invention in an exploded view,

Fig. 3 a length-adjustable extension profile serving as a system component,

Fig. 4 shows schematically in plan view a structure of the photography system according to the invention,

Fig. 5 shows a further schematic plan view of a further structure of the photography system with a base frame provided with four extension arms,

Fig. 6 shows schematically in plan view a further structure of the photography system according to the invention,

Fig. 7 shows schematically in plan view a further structure of the photography system according to the invention,

Fig. 8 shows a schematic plan view of another structure of a photography system according to the invention, in which different variants are shown,

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Fig. 9 shows an enlarged schematic representation of the mounting of a vertical screen arrangement as shown in Fig. 8,

Fig. 10 schematically shows another screen arrangement in the form of a flexible, rolled-up sheet,

Fig. 11 schematically shows in a plan view the mounting of a plate-shaped screen,

Fig. 12 shows a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a foil-like screen arrangement, j which is stretched between two U-profiles,

'Fig. 13 in a schematic exploded view a cross connection between two cantilever arms each provided with an extension profile, whereby the cross connection is also adjustable in length,

Fig. 14a shows an enlarged perspective view of a bracket that can pivot about a vertical axis for a plate-shaped, vertically aligned screen arrangement,

Fig. 14b shows another holder for a plate-shaped screen arrangement that can be aligned in different spatial positions,

Fig. 15 shows a further structure of the photography system according to the invention for object photography,

Fig. 16 shows schematically in plan view another structure of a photography system similar to Fig. 15,

Fig. 17 is a schematic plan view of another structure of a photography system similar to Figs. 15 and 16,

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Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of another structure of a photography system according to the invention with a horizontal support frame,

Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of another structure of a photography system according to the invention similar to Fig. 18, but with a vertical frame extension in which a curved Plexiglas structure is positioned,

Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of another structure of a photography system according to the invention, which is provided with a specially curved and designed Plexiglas surface structure and with a correspondingly curved support frame,

Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of another structure of a photography system according to the invention with a movable support rod for the rolling-up and rolling-down storage of a flexible surface structure,

Fig. 22 shows a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a structure for a photography system according to the invention,

Fig. 23 shows a perspective view of a tent structure of an embodiment of a photography system according to the invention ,

Fig. 24 shows schematically in a top view various possible variations for a tent structure according to Fig. 23,

Fig. 25 shows a schematic plan view of another arrangement for a flexible tent structure,

Fig. 26 shows a schematic plan view of another, but essentially rigid tent structure according to Fig. 25,

Fig. 27 shows a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a tent house similar to Fig. 26 with an asymmetrical shape that can be changed into a symmetrical shape,

Fig. 28 shows a perspective view of a tunnel-like tent structure according to an embodiment of a photography system according to the invention,

Fig. 29 in an enlarged section a support rail for the tunnel-like tent structure according to Fig. 28,

Fig. 3 0 in perspective view a photography system similar to Fig. 28,

Fig. 31 another tunnel-like tent structure similar to Figs. 28 and 30,

Fig. 32 shows a plan view of a corresponding support device for the tent structure according to Fig. 28 and 30,

Fig. 3 3 is a side view of a preferred support rail similar to Fig. 29,

Fig. 34 a representation of a rear end closure for a tunnel-like tent structure according to Figs. 28 to 32,

Fig. 35 a representation of a front end closure for a tunnel-like tent structure according to Figs. 28 to 32 with a camera opening,

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Fig. 36 shows a perspective view of a base frame designed for a high load, the support columns of which are provided with drive means,

Fig. 37 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a photography system according to the invention with a base frame similar to Fig. 36, on which a rotatable platform is mounted, and

Fig. 3 8 shows another structure similar to Fig. 37, in which a drive unit spaced apart from the support columns is connected via a traction drive to four drive wheels mounted in the support columns for rotating the platform.

Different designs of a photography system according to the invention are described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 35, whereby only a selection of suitable system components and system units are listed in only limited combinations. Various structures for defined object photographs are described in detail, but the photography system is not limited to these described structures. Depending on the requirements and functions placed on the photography system, the system components and units shown can also be constructed in other combinations and arrangements. In the same way, the system components and units shown can also be combined with other, not shown components and units that appear to the expert on the basis of his technical knowledge to be suitable for the respective structure. It is also pointed out that the representations according to Figs. 1 to 35 are limited to the carrying and support functions of the photography system. However, it is clear to the expert that the photography system can be equipped with known lighting elements, light control devices, recording cameras and background arrangements and of course

is to be supplemented by the objects to be photographed. The embodiments shown therefore represent only selected combination examples of the photography system in order to simultaneously provide the expert with a corresponding teaching for the combination of the system components shown with system components and photography units not shown, depending on the scope of requirements.

A shooting table for a photography system according to the invention according to Fig. 1 has a base frame 1 which is provided with four vertical support columns 2. The vertical support columns 2 are rigidly connected to one another via several crossbeams both in their foot area and in sections further up to the base frame 1. The upper ends of the support columns 2 are provided with plug-in profiles in the form of sleeve-like receptacles 3. These can have a round or rectangular cross-section depending on the application, but are round in the embodiment according to Fig. 1. Pin-shaped plug-in profiles of two cantilever arms 4 on the one hand and two extension profiles 6 on the other hand are inserted into the receptacles 3 of the support columns 2. The extension profiles 6 are held in the receptacles 3 with the aid of adapters 6a which are designed as compensating bushes and thus as spacers. Both the sleeve-shaped plug-in profiles in the form of the receptacles 3 and the pin-shaped plug-in profiles are each cylindrically designed so that the corresponding plug-in profiles can be rotated against each other. The cantilever arms 4 protrude radially to the longitudinal axes of the associated support columns 2 and thus horizontally to the side and have sleeve-shaped plug-in profiles in the area of their free ends that protrude vertically upwards, into which corresponding holding profiles 5 are inserted. The sleeve-shaped plug-in profiles of the two cantilever arms 4 are each additionally assigned a fixing means in the form of a radially screwable fixing screw, which fixes the holding profiles 5 in the plug-in profiles of the cantilever arms 4.

Length-adjustable extension profiles 6 are inserted into the opposite support columns 2, which are provided with retaining grooves or differently designed retaining receptacles to support a total of four transparent shelves 7 of the support table positioned one above the other. The base area of the shelves 7 protrudes beyond the base area of the base frame 1, which creates a space-saving base area for the support table.

The cantilever arms 4 as well as the plug-in profiles of the holders 3 and the upper front ends of the support columns 2 do not have to be cylindrical, but can also be polygonal. In this case, the corresponding plug-in profiles cannot be adjusted to rotate relative to one another when inserted. In order to enable a different positioning in the same horizontal plane, each cantilever arm 4 must be pulled out of the holders 3 or the support column 2 and reinserted in the corresponding offset state.

The holding profiles 5 can also be designed to be adjustable in length using the fixing screws, in that their pin-shaped plug-in profiles are designed to be so long that they can be pulled out of the plug-in profiles of the extension arms by a certain amount.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 2 and 3, a boom arm 4 is assigned a length-adjustable, vertically aligned extension profile 8, which is designed like a telescope.

The respective set length position can be secured using appropriate fixing screws. The extension profile 8 has a pin-shaped plug-in profile in the area of its lower front end and a plug-in profile in the form of a sleeve-like receptacle in the area of its upper front end. A receptacle is inserted into the upper plug-in profile.

The extension profile 8 can be positioned in a sleeve-shaped plug-in profile of a cantilever arm 4. The sleeve-shaped plug-in profiles are each assigned fixing means in the form of fixing screws to secure the inserted position of the respective component.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 4, the base frame, as shown in Fig. 1, is only represented by the four support columns 2 positioned rectangularly to one another, with the two rear support columns 2 in Fig. 4 each having a pivoting cantilever arm 4 assigned to them. The two cantilever arms 4 are provided with vertical support profiles at their free ends, between which a plate-shaped background screen 13 extends. According to an embodiment not shown, the holding profiles positioned in the cantilever arms 4 can additionally be connected to one another by a cross member that supports the background screen 13 from below. Two horizontally projecting support profiles 11, which support a shelf plate, are inserted into the front support columns 2 by means of corresponding plug-in profiles. In the same way, analogous to Fig. 1, several compartment plates 12 lying one above the other can also be provided. As can be seen from the dashed illustration, the background screen 13 can also be brought closer to the shelf plate 12 serving as the plate arrangement. To do this, the background screen 13 is simply removed from the holding profiles and the extension arms 4 are pivoted forward by the same amount. The background screen 13 is then reconnected to the holding profiles.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 5, all support columns 2 of the base frame are each provided with a pivoting boom arm 4. The two rear boom arms

4 carry corresponding holding profiles, analogous to Fig. 4, between which a background screen 13 extends. In the axial extension of the support columns 2, the plug-in profiles of the boom arms 4 also have non-slip support plugs (not specified in more detail) on which a support plate designed as an opaque plate 14 rests. The opaque plate 14 also rests on appropriately positioned, non-slip support plugs of two front boom arms 4, which extend forward from the support columns 2 parallel to the side edges of the rectangular opaque plate 14. Here too, as in the embodiment according to Fig. 4, a horizontal plate arrangement is combined with a vertical screen arrangement.

The embodiment according to Fig. 6 is similar to the embodiment according to Fig. 5. Here, an approximately equally large opaque plate 15 is positioned not lengthwise but crosswise on the support plugs of the cantilever arms 4. In addition, two cantilever arms 4 are assigned to each of the two rear support columns 2, which complement each other to form a scissor arm arrangement. The second cantilever arm 4 is rotatably mounted in the free end of the first cantilever arm 4 mounted on the support column 2. The second cantilever arm 4 carries a background screen 16, which is larger than the background screen 13 according to Fig. 5. The arrangement of the cantilever arms 4 in pairs makes it possible to move the background screen 16 parallel to the rear edge of the opaque plate 15 or at different angles and thus to change the distance of the background screen 16 from the opaque plate 15.

Of course, the cantilever arms 4 can also be mounted in the support columns 2 via the interposition of extension profiles or compensation bushings, so that different heights can be set for the respective opaque panel.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment similar to Fig. 5, in which a small opaque plate 17 is positioned with its corners on the support profiles of the cantilever arms 4 positioned in the axial extension of the support columns 2, as well as on the support columns 2 themselves. It is possible to place another plate on such a support plate 17 with a non-slip base in between, whereby a corresponding support or bearing surface can be enlarged. This also makes it possible to create optical impressions by combining a partially permeable or colored plate with a completely transparent or completely shielding plate.

The embodiment according to Fig. 8 shows the different possible uses of the cantilever arms 4 as supports for holding profiles 21, between which background screens 18, 19, 20 of different lengths extend. The holding profiles 21 are designed as U-shaped hollow profiles, each open towards the opposite channel profile 21. The holding profiles 21 can be provided with shoulders in their foot area so that the background screens 18, 19, 20 can be inserted from above between the holding profiles 21. In a similar way, the holding profiles 21 can be assigned clamping devices that fix the background screens 18, 19, 20 to each holding profile 21. Finally, a preferred solution is to fix the cantilever arms 4 themselves in their respective angular position relative to the stationary support columns 2 by fixing the corresponding plug-in profiles using the clamping screws in the sleeve-shaped plug-in profiles of the support columns 2. Depending on the width of the background screens 18, 19, 20, the cantilever arms 4 are aligned in different angular positions according to Fig. 8. The background screens 18, 19, 20 serving as screen arrangements are plate-shaped and preferably made of transparent plexiglass.

Fig. 9 to 12 reveal different screen arrangements which are positioned between the opposing support profiles 21.

are positioned. Thus, a first screen arrangement according to Fig. 9 is designed as a flexible plate screen 22, which is clamped between the opposite holding profiles 21 and can be secured in a convex curve between the holding profiles 21. In the embodiment according to Fig. 10, the screen arrangement is formed by a flexible, roll-up sheet 23, which can be fixed with its front edge to one holding profile 21 in the extended state and can also be rolled up onto the other holding profile 21. The roll-up sheet 23 thus enables particularly simple adaptation to different screen widths. The design according to Fig. 11 represents a stable plate, preferably a Plexiglas plate 20.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 12, a film-like shield arrangement 24 is fixed, in particular glued or otherwise secured, to a front side of the two holding profiles 21.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic cross connection between two cantilever arms 4 which are pivotably positioned on corresponding support columns 2, each cantilever arm 4 having a vertically aligned extension profile 8 at its free end. The two extension profiles 8 can be adjusted in length as shown by the arrows. A telescopically extendable cross member profile 25 can be connected to the extension profiles 8 using corner connectors 27, 26 which have plug-in profiles corresponding to the upper plug ^- in profiles of the extension profiles 8. Here too, the connection is made by means of corresponding plug-in profiles.

In Fig. 14a, a support 28a serving as a system component is provided for a vertical, plate-shaped screen arrangement, which is inserted into a corresponding plug-in profile of a boom arm, a compensating sleeve or

a support column is pivotably mounted about a vertical pivot axis. The support has a holding foot 29a into which a lower edge of the screen arrangement can be inserted. In addition, the support 28a has two lateral frame profiles 32a which can be moved along a straight guide 31 along the support 28a and can thus be adapted to different widths of screen arrangements. The frame profiles 32a are provided with U-shaped hollow profiles that are open towards the inside, analogous to the previously described embodiments, between which the respective screen arrangement can be inserted.

A particularly preferred system component for a vertical, plate-shaped screen arrangement according to Fig. 14b has a structure that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The carrier 28b shown is designed as an angle bracket in that it is made up of two U-profile sections 29b, 32b joined together at right angles. The U-profile sections 29b, 32b are designed and aligned in such a way that the plate-shaped screen arrangement can be inserted into this angle bracket from above. The U-shaped profile section 32b, which is vertically aligned in the assembled state, has a pin-shaped plug-in profile 30b at its lower end, which is analogous to the plug-in profile 30a according to the embodiment according to

j Fig. 14a can be inserted into a corresponding, sleeve-shaped plug-in profile of a cantilever arm, a support column or another system component. The plug-in profile 30b is cylindrical, so that the carrier 28b is held so that it can rotate about a vertical axis within the plug-in profile of the cantilever arm or the support column or another system component. The opposite carrier 28b (not shown) projects with its horizontal U-profile section 29b towards the carrier 28b shown when assembled and accommodates an opposite corner of the plate-shaped screen arrangement. The plate-shaped screen arrangement can also be clamped in place by spring clips in the U-shaped profile sections of the carrier 28b.

These spring clips are designed in the same way as known spring clips for picture frames. The screen arrangement is thus held by a single support 28b, which can be aligned in different angular positions and can therefore position the screen arrangement in almost any position.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 15, the upper front ends of the support columns 2 are each assigned receptacles 3, with a boom arm 4 being pivotably mounted in each of three receptacles 3. One boom arm 4 carries a horizontal support plate 33 by means of a vertically length-adjustable support profile, which is used to hold the object to be photographed. A pair of boom arms 4 is assigned to each of the other two support columns 2, which thus each form a scissor arm arrangement and offer expanded movement options. Two pivotable umbrella arrangements 35, 36, each held in a yoke-like support frame 34, benefit from these expanded movement options. The support frames 34 serving as pivoting frames are mounted on the one hand around a vertical axis of rotation on corresponding vertical and length-adjustable extension profiles of the boom arms 4. On the other hand, the screen arrangements 35 and 36 are each pivotably mounted about a horizontal pivot axis via pivot bearings 37 on vertical legs of the support frame 34. The respective pivot positions can be secured by means of fixing means not shown in detail.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 16, only two support columns 2 are provided with extension arms 4 arranged in pairs, so that two scissor arm arrangements are created. One scissor arm arrangement carries the support plate 33 for holding the object to be photographed. The other scissor arm arrangement

renarm arrangement carries a support frame 34 as shown in Fig. 15 &igr;
is shown.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 17, a support frame 34 according to Figs. 15 and 16 is pivotally mounted on a cross member profile 38, whereby the pivot bearing 39 is positioned with a vertical pivot axis halfway along the length of the cross member profile 38. The cross member profile 38 is in turn pivotally mounted in the area of the free ends of the extension arms 4 by means of corresponding plug-in profiles, preferably by means of corner connectors similar to Fig. 13. The two-point support of the cross member profile 38 makes it possible to support the support frame 34 safely, even if it is very heavy. In addition, complex movement options arise for the support frame 34 and thus for a corresponding umbrella arrangement relative to a stationary support plate 40. Alternatively, the cross member profile 38 can be provided with two downwardly open receptacles.

!which can be plugged directly onto the pin-shaped plug profiles of the cantilever arms 4.

Another embodiment of a photography system according to the invention has a base frame 1 according to Fig. 18, which supports a horizontal, square support frame 41. The support frame 41 is provided with L-shaped support profiles, which enable a support plate to be inserted into the support frame 41. The support frame 41 has feet that protrude downwards at the height of the four support columns 2 and are designed as pin-shaped plug-in profiles. These feet are received in corresponding plug-in profiles of length-adjustable extension profiles 8, which in turn sit on pin-like plug-in profiles of the boom arms 4. The boom arms 4 also have pin-like, downward-protruding plug-in profiles that are held in the receptacles 3. These in turn serve as sleeve-like plug-in profiles of the support columns 2.

The embodiment according to Fig. 19 is based on the embodiment according to Fig. 18. According to Fig. 19, an angle frame 42 is additionally placed on the support frame 41, which consists of a high

horizontal frame section and a vertical frame section at right angles. The angle frame 42 is firmly connected with its horizontal frame section at least in the area of the long sides to the support frame 41 by means of detachable fastening means. The support frame 41 is held in the extension profiles of the support columns 2 of the base frame 1 as shown in Fig. 18. A flexible, but largely inherently rigid sheet structure, preferably a Plexiglas structure, can be clamped into the angle frame 42. Appropriate clamping or securing means are provided for this purpose, which are not shown in more detail in Fig. 19. The transverse frame profiles of the support frame 41 can also be removed if they are not required to support the sheet structure from below or for the overall stability of the structure. Particularly in the case of transparent surface structures, the rear, transverse frame profile of the support frame 41 is removed in order to avoid producing disturbing shadows during lighting, so that the support frame 41 only has three sides.

In Fig. 20, the base frame 1 carries a three-dimensional surface structure 45, which is designed to be inherently rigid but flexible, similar to the flexible surface structure according to Fig. 19, and is preferably made of a Plexiglas material. The Plexiglas material of the surface structure 45 is preferably sandblasted. The surface structure 45 is held in an arched frame 44, which is firmly connected to the surface structure 45 in the area of the front and rear end edges. The surface structure 45 is also held in the two vertical leg sections of the arched frame 44 - seen from the upper cross member. The surface structure 45 has different dimensions compared to known Plexiglas structures, which is only indicated in Fig. 20. The distance of the horizontal area to the back is longer, the height of the back is greater, so that a vertical plane with a width/length ratio of 1 to 2 can be achieved. The absolute width of the surface structure is narrower and

the ratio of width to height is smaller. The inherently rigid surface structure 45 is supported by two horizontally aligned support rails 43, which are held in the holders 3 and thus on the support columns 2 by means of vertical support profiles. The correspondingly curved arched frame 44 consists of two horizontal hollow profiles extending between opposite support columns 2 of the base frame, which are designed as tubes arranged parallel one above the other, as well as front and rear curved support sections that are inserted into these horizontal profiles. The support sections are inserted into different pairs of horizontal profiles so that they can be positioned independently of one another. The insertion depth of the support sections in the horizontal hollow profiles fixed to the base frame is variable, which also means that the curvature and distribution of the surface structure is variable. The intended curvatures of the support sections are more stable than correspondingly angled support sections.

In the embodiments according to Figs. 18 to 20, the boom arms 4, which are arranged in a pivoting manner, are shown without any function. These boom arms 4 can be used to accommodate a wide variety of system components of the photography system. However, the lighting units and camera preferably remain separate from the base frame 1 and thus also from the boom arms 4.

The embodiment according to Fig. 21 corresponds essentially to the embodiment according to Fig. 18. What is different in this embodiment, however, is that the two rear boom arms 4 carry a variably positionable support structure 46 to 48. Curved support arms are held in the boom arms 4, which are connected at their free ends to upwardly projecting support tubes 47 using connecting joints 46. The opposing support tubes 47 are connected to one another via connecting joints 46 and a crossbar 48. The crossbar 48 can be horizontal or

also be aligned at an angle. This depends, among other things, on the positioning of the connecting joints 46, which are designed as swivel clamps or clamping heads for relative rotational movements of two components in different planes. The crossbar 48 carries a roller for a surface structure that can be rolled up and down and can serve as a background for a support plate that can be positioned in the support frame 41. Because the crossbar 48 can be positioned in different, inclined or even skewed positions relative to the support frame 41 due to the sum of possible movements of the boom arms, support arms, support tubes, etc., an individual adaptation of the surface structure to the desired object recording is possible. Instead of the curved support arms, support arms set at right angles can also be used.

'be provided.

Fig. 22 shows the function of the scissor arm arrangements formed by two cantilever arms 4 each, whereby corresponding system components held on the cantilever arms 4 of a corresponding support plate 49, which is fixed to the base frame, can be delivered in complex movement combinations.

Fig. 23 shows a framework for a cylindrical tent structure, whereby the framework consists of tensioning and supporting means. A textile or plastic sheeting (not shown in detail) is pulled or hung on a horizontally aligned support ring 50 and, if necessary, stretched. The sheeting then hangs freely downwards. The support ring 50 is held by four support brackets 51, which are positioned on vertical support rods 52. The support rods 52 are in turn held in corresponding support profiles of a cantilever arm 4. The support ring 50 is positioned concentrically above a horizontal support plate 53, which is supported on short, vertical extension profiles of the support columns 2 with the help of non-slip support plugs 54.

Fig. 24 shows different variations of the cylindrical tent structure according to Fig. 23. As can be seen from Fig. 24, support rings of different sizes can be supported in a simple manner by positioning the four boom arms 4 at different angles along their respective circular path around the associated support column 2. The dot-dash circles represent the movement paths of the free ends of the boom arms 4. The concentric, middle circles represent arbitrarily selected dimensions of various support rings.

Fig. 25 shows another tent structure in which each of the four boom arms 4 is provided with a vertically upward

protruding support profile. A roll 57 of a textile or plastic film-shaped and flexible sheet 56 is positioned on a support profile. The sheet can now be pulled off this roll 57 and redirected around the support profiles of the other extension arms 4. The free end of the sheet is hooked back into the area of the roll 57 or fixed in some other way to achieve an open or closed shell. Depending on the elastic flexibility of the flexible sheet 56, the extension arms 4 can be moved, whereby in addition to the rectangular arrangement of the sheet 56 forming a tent shell, an irregular quadrilateral, a trapezoid, a square or another geometric shape can be achieved. The tent shell is stretched around a horizontal support plate 55. In the same way, it is possible to achieve just a flat or spatial, open surface through the surface structure by hanging it on other poles of the respective extension arms 4 or fixing it in another way. Depending on the user's intended use, the tent shell can thus be stretched variably.

• · · Φ

In the embodiment according to Fig. 26, an inflated tent structure is formed by flexible tension arches 58, 59, which are each connected to the boom arms 4.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 27, a symmetrical or asymmetrical dome-like tent structure is achieved by two flexible tension arches 60, which are connected to diagonally opposite cantilever arms 4. The cantilever arms 4 can also be connected to one another by j cross beams (not specified in more detail).

[be. The support columns 2 carry a support frame 61 for receiving a corresponding support plate for supporting an object to be photographed.

All tent structures have at least one opening for a camera in the corresponding surface structure that forms the tent shell.

In the embodiment according to Figs. 28 and 29, a tunnel-like tent structure is formed by an inherently rigid but flexible surface structure, preferably a Plexiglas material, which extends like a half cylinder over a horizontal support plate 64. The tunnel-like surface structure 62 is clamped in place with the aid of support rails 63 in the area of its opposite side edges. The support rails 63 are positioned with the aid of pin-shaped plug-in profiles in corresponding, sleeve-shaped plug-in profiles of the boom arms 4.

The embodiment according to Fig. 30 corresponds essentially to the previously described embodiment according to Figs. 28 and 29. In this embodiment, however, an enlarged support plate 65 is provided, the width of which is adapted to the distance between the opposing support rails 63 I in such a way that the support plate 65 can be pushed onto the horizontal support sections of the two L-shaped support rails 63 and positioned on them.

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In this case, the cantilever arms 4 or the support columns 2 do not need to have their own non-slip support plugs.

The illustration in Fig. 30 also shows that this support plate 65 does not necessarily have to be pushed onto the support rails, but can be placed directly onto the cantilever arms or onto the base frame, so that different support plates of different sizes can be used.

The embodiment according to Fig. 31 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 30 or the embodiment according to Figs. 28 and 29 only in that two length-adjustable extension profiles 8 are assigned to a support rail 63, by means of which the support rail 63 is connected to the two cantilever arms 4. This makes it possible to achieve an asymmetrical shape of the tunnel structure.

From the top view according to Fig. 32 it can be seen that the support rails 63 according to the embodiments according to Figs. 28 to 31 can be fixed to the boom arms 4 with the aid of fixing means in the form of clamping screws, so that the boom arms 4 together with the associated support rail 63 cannot carry out any undesirable pivoting movements.

The support rail 63a according to Fig. 33 corresponds essentially to the support rails 63 described above. In order to be able to close off the tunnel-shaped tent structure at the front sides, semicircular end plates 75, 76 are provided, which are made of

[ the material of the surface structure 62 and are designed to be inherently rigid. To accommodate these end plates 75, 76, the opposing support rails 63a in their arrangement, in particular according to Fig. 32, on the vertical section of the angle profile at their opposite end areas each have a receiving slot 63b or 63c. The somewhat wider slot 63c enables the accommodation of end plates 75, 76 of different thicknesses, whereby in the wide receiving

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slot 63c, narrow end plates 75, 76 can also be accommodated by additionally clamping in corresponding filler blocks. The end plates 75, 76 are held in the receiving slots 63b or 63c either exclusively by clamping or additionally by suitable fixing means such as in particular wedges, adhesives, adhesive or bonding tapes or other types of clamping means. The end plate 76 shown in Fig. 35 also has a circular opening 77 for inserting a camera.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 3 6, an extremely stable structure of a base frame 66 with a rectangular base area is provided, which can bear high loads. Both the support columns 67 and the respective cross members are formed by square hollow profiles. The support columns 67 have an extension in their upper front area, which serves to accommodate rotary bearings and/or to accommodate drive means. The support columns 67 can accommodate both cylindrical and square profiles. The component 69 can be arranged coaxially in length relative to the support column 67 and can also be arranged rotatably within the support column 67. The corresponding drive means are located within the support column 67. The component 68 represents an elbow, which is suitable for mounting a camera or for holding an object to be photographed or another required device. The elbow legs of the elbow 68 are mounted with high precision. The elbow 68 protrudes into the support column 67 by means of a drive pin, whereby corresponding drive means are integrated within the support column 67. Corresponding power supply and transmission lines are also laid within the support columns 67 and the crossbeams, which enable electrical or electronic control of the drive means for various system components of this photography system. Connection blocks 70 connect the drive means to external power supply sources or control units. This embodiment is therefore particularly suitable for very precise, repeatable increments.

mental movements. Such features are particularly suitable for trick and special effects photography as well as for scientific photography.

Figures 37 and 38 show two different drive concepts for a horizontal, rotatably mounted platform 71, which is mounted on a base frame 66 that has a different, namely square, base area compared to the base frame 66 (see Figure 36). For this purpose, a turntable is rotatably mounted in each support column 67, on which the platform 71 rests in such a way that it is mounted concentrically to rotate about a central axis of rotation. In addition, a drive unit 72 is integrated in one of the support columns, which acts directly on the outer edge of the platform 71.

j In the embodiment according to Fig. 3 8, all four support columns 67 are provided with turntables on which the platform 71 is mounted concentrically so that it can rotate. The turntables are driven by means of a traction drive in the form of a belt or chain drive 74, which serves as a transmission means for a drive motor 73.

The support columns 67 according to Fig. 36 to 38 are also each provided with open front ends, which are designed as plug-in profiles for inserting pivot bearings and driven or non-driven system components such as cantilever arms or the like.

Claims (32)

Expectations 1. Photography system with a base frame and with several system components that can be at least partially combined to form at least one system unit and that can be assigned to the base frame, the base frame having four vertical and rigidly connected support columns, characterized, that the support columns (2) are provided with plug-in profiles on their upper front ends, and that at least one plug-in profile is assigned a cantilever arm (4) which projects at least substantially radially to a longitudinal axis of the associated support column (2) and serves as a system component and which can be detachably connected to the plug-in profile of the support column. 2. Photography system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one boom arm (4) is mounted so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the support column (2) by means of a corresponding plug-in profile on the associated plug-in profile of the support column (2). 3. Photography system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that all plug-in profiles of the support columns (2) are arranged at least approximately in a common horizontal plane. 4. Photography system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each boom arm (4) has at its free end a plug-in profile corresponding to the plug-in profiles of the support columns (2) for holding or storing further system components or units. 5. Photography system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all system components and/or system units are each assigned at least one plug-in profile corresponding to the plug-in profiles of the support columns (2) or the extension arms (4). 6. Photography system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a boom arm (4) is connected to each support column (2), whereby all boom arms (4) are mounted so as to be rotatable in a common horizontal plane. 7. Photography system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one extension profile (8) is provided as a system component, which has a plug-in profile at least on one end. 8. Photography system according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one extension profile (8) is designed to be adjustable in length. 9. Photography system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one horizontal plate arrangement (7, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 33, 40, 49, 53, 55, 64, 65, 71), which is designed in particular as a table, storage or compartment plate, is provided. 10. Photography system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one at least largely dimensionally stable, preferably vertically aligned screen arrangement (34, 35, 36; 20 to 24; 13, 16, 45) is provided. 11. Photography system according to claim 10, characterized in that the screen arrangement is plate-shaped. 12. Photography system according to claim 10, characterized in that the screen arrangement (22, 23, 45) is designed as a spatial surface structure. 13. Photography system according to claim 12, characterized in that a flexible screen arrangement (22, 23) is provided, in particular in the form of a flexible sheet-like structure. 14. Photography system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the at least one plate arrangement and/or for the at least one screen arrangement a support device (5, 6, 9, 21, 8, 25, 28, 34, 41, 42, 44) is provided, which can be connected to the base frame (1) and/or the at least one extension arm (4). 15. Photography system according to claim 14, characterized in that the support device has profile strips and/or frames and/or support arrangements which are connected to the base frame (2) and/or the at least one boom arm (4). 16. Photography system according to claim 14, characterized in that the support device is provided with a horizontally or vertically aligned support shaft (21, 48) for receiving a flexible sheet that can be rolled up and unrolled, which is rotatably mounted on a holder that is fixed to the frame. 17. Photography system according to claim 14, characterized in that the support device has two curved support sections (44) that can be connected to the base frame 1. 18. Photography system according to claim 14, characterized in that the support device has a pivoting frame (34) for holding a plate-shaped screen arrangement (36). 19. Photography system according to claim 14, characterized in that the support device has length-adjustable horizontal or vertical holding profiles. 20. Photography system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tent structure (50, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 62, 63) is provided which can be connected to the base frame (2) and/or the extension arms (4). 21. Photography system according to claim 20, characterized in that tensioning and/or supporting means (50, 58, 59, 60, 63) are provided for a tent structure of the tent construction, which are fixed to the base frame (2) and/or the extension arms (4). 22. Photography system according to claim 21, characterized in that a support ring (50) is provided as the support means, which is supported on vertical support arms and which carries an at least partially cylindrically suspended tent structure. I 23. Photography system according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug-in profiles of the support columns (67) are provided with bearings for a rotatable, common, horizontal platform (71), the platform (71) being provided with drive means J (72). 24. Photography system according to claim 23, characterized in that the drive means (72) are integrated in a support column (67). 25. Photography system according to claim 23, characterized in that the drive means comprise transmission means (74) which extend between a drive unit (73) and the bearings for the platform (71). I2496TXI 26. Photography system according to claim 25, characterized in that the transmission means comprise a traction drive (74). 27. Photography system according to claim 23, characterized in that the base frame (66) is designed to be stable for a high load-bearing capacity. 28. Photography system according to one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the drive means are assigned an electrical or electronic control, the transmission lines of which are at least partially in the base frame (66) are integrated. 29. Photography system according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in j indicates that the plug-in profiles, the bearings and the drive means are designed as precision units, ' which enable application for trick and special effects photography as well as for scientific photography. 30. Base frame for a photography system according to one of the preceding claims, with four vertical and rigidly connected support columns, characterized in that .; the support columns (2) are provided at their upper ends with plug-in profiles for the detachable reception of at least one stationary or rotating system component or system unit. 31. Tent structure for a photography system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an open or closed support ring (50) is provided, which can be positioned stationary by means of several support elements (51, 52) and which supports a curtain-like tent structure which can be pulled up at least semi-cylindrically along the support ring (50). 32. Tent construction according to claim 31, characterized in that the tent structure is held on the support ring (50) in such a way that it hangs downwards largely freely, at least in the assembled functional state.