WO1997018370A2

WO1997018370A2 - Entertainment building arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO1997018370A2
Application number: PCT/GB1996/002818
Authority: WO
Inventors: Murray Henry Christopher Gough
Original assignee: Murray Henry Christopher Gough
Priority date: 1995-11-16
Filing date: 1996-11-15
Publication date: 1997-05-22
Also published as: WO1997018370A3; AU7582296A

Abstract

An entertainment building arrangement comprising means for the display of an event to be viewed, and a stand (1) comprising tiered decks (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) for receiving parked vehicles in rows facing the event such that the vehicle occupants can view the event.

Description

ENTERTAINMENT BUILDING ARRANGEMENT The present invention relates to a building arrangement which enables vehicle occupants to view an event such as a cinematographic image, or a play. The concept of a drive-in cinema is already known, but normally this iε provided by erecting a screen in an open field, where cars park so that the occupants can see the screen. Sound is provided by loud speakers distributed around the field and connected by wire to a sound source. Once the cars are parked, the car occupants can take one of the speakers and place is inside the car or hooked onto the car window to receive sound.

Whilst this arrangement provides the advantages of allowing the film to be viewed from the comfort of a vehicle, the arrangement suffers from several disadvantages. Such a drive-in cinema requires a large amount of open space in order to accommodate a sufficiently large audience. Further, whilst in certain weather conditions it is highly desirable to be in the open air, during for instance heavy rain, the view of the screen is obscured. Further, since it is necessary for the engines of the cars to be turned off during the performance, during extreme weather conditions i.e. during extremely hot or cold weather, conditions within the car can become uncomfortable if not unbearable.

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an entertainment building arrangement which requires less land whilst maintaining the size of the vehicle occupant audience.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a weather screening arrangement for enhancing ambient weather conditions to improve visibility of the event being viewed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for efficiently directing vehicles to their destination to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

In accordance with one aspect the present invention provides an entertainment building arrangement comprising means for the display of an event to be viewed, and to stand comprising tiered decks for receiving parked vehicles in rows facing the event such that the vehicle occupants can view the event.

Thus by providing a multi-storey parking arrangement allowing vehicle occupants to view an event, the present invention can provide a far more compact drive-in cinema for instance, than is provided in the prior art.

Preferably each deck is provided with a transparent screen at the front thereof facing the event and the screen sloped downwards and away from the event at an angle to the vertical to avoid the vehicle occupants receiving disturbing reflections.

The visibility through the reflective screens can be enhanced by the use of a blower means generating a down draft or an up draft over the transparent shields to prevent condensation and to deflect rain fall away from the screen. By providing the transparent screens in front of each of the decks, the decks are thus enclosed and can be air-conditioned thus providing a favourable environment for the viewing of the event which can be a cinema screen, a stage performance, a sporting event or any other event which is watched by a large number of spectators. In one embodiment each deck is arranged to hold a single row of vehicles across the width of each deck such that the vehicles are parked facing the event at a front of each deck. This arrangement allows for each deck to be partitioned across the width into a plurality of stalls. Each stall can hold one or more vehicles and the partitioning is movable across the width of the decks to vary the number and size of the stalls depending on customer requirements. For instance, a party may require a stall to hold three vehicles such that the occupants of the three vehicles can share the viewing experience.

In order to provide privacy, once the vehicle is parked, the stall can be fully enclosed by the closing of a rear partition which can take the form either of a hinged door of a roller shutter for example. This rear partition conveniently includes an access door to allow non-vehicular access into and out of the stall. Such access can be controlled by a suitable control arrangement such as a key or a swipe card.

In order to provide for a high degree of safety in the case of an emergency, an emergency exit is ideally provided from each stall through the transparent screen. The emergency exit can be provided either by the transparent screen being arranged to fall onto the deck in front of the screen to form an emergency passage across the width of the deck in front of the partitions, or the transparent screen can be arranged to be hingedly connected to an upper deck and releasable from the lower deck to swing to a vertical position forming an emergency passage across the width of the deck in front of the partitions and behind the transparent screens. In this way, vehicle occupants can leave the stalls in an emergency and pass along the width of the decks to the side of each deck. Emergency exits are then provided at the sides of each deck at positions in front of the partitions to allow rapid exiting by the spectators. Ideally, such emergency exits comprise inflatable chutes such as used by airlines.

To ensure that there is safe passage along the decks, one embodiment of the present invention an emergency barrier is hingedly connected to the front edge of each of the decks. The emergency barrier is movable from a prone position to an upright position in an emergency to prevent spectators falling from the decks when using the emergency passage across the widths of the decks .

In another embodiment of the present invention each deck can be raked or terraced such that each deck can accommodate a plurality of rows of vehicles. Whilst this arrangement increases the number of vehicles which can view the event, this does not allow for the use of stalls with the privacy that they provide.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an entertainment building arrangement comprises means for the display of an event to be viewed; and a stand comprising a covered, raked or terraced area for receiving parked vehicles in rows facing the event to be viewed, and a sloping transparent screen between the covered, raked or terraced area and the event to be viewed, the transparent screen being sloped so as to avoid car occupants receiving disturbing reflections.

Thus in this aspect of the present invention, vehicle occupants still benefit from being enclosed enabling the control of ambient conditions by air- conditioning.

Sound associated with the event being viewed can be communicated to the occupants of the vehicles using the conventional wired sound source or by using a cordless system. Such a cordless system can provide sound to the occupants of vehicles either utilising the vehicles own radio system or units can be provided to each vehicles on entrance to the entertainment building, which units are capable of receiving signals in order to provide sound within the vehicle. Such a cordless system used with the unit can utilise any known method of remotely communicating e.g. radio waves or infra red. Whilst the vehicle occupants are within the privacy of their stall, they can conveniently control their environment, e.g. lighting and air conditioning from a control console which can either be incorporated within a remote unit or it can be provided on a pedestal within the stall. Further, in one embodiment the vehicle occupants are able to summon help, summon service personnel, raise an alarm, or send other commands from the comfort of their own stall using either the remote module or the module provided on a pedestal within the stall.

In order to provide access to each deck or terrace, a ramp arrangement is provided. Conveniently, in order to provide for an efficient flow of traffic, a first ramp arrangement is provided on one side of the decks or terraces or vehicles to enter the decks or terraces and a second ramp arrangement is provided on the other side of the decks or terraces for vehicles to leave the decks or terraces. Preferably the ramp arrangements each comprise a tower having a spiral ramp therein in order to conserve space.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle directing system comprising a tag for fixing to a vehicle identifying the destination of the vehicle, a tag detecting means provided at one or more locations to detect the presence of the tag within the vicinity of the detection means, direction means to determine the directions the vehicle should take from the location to reach the destination, and display means arranged at the or each location to display instructions to the occupants of the vehicle to direct the vehicle towards its destination. Thus in accordance with this aspect of the present invention which is applicable not only to an entertainment building, vehicles can be efficiently directed to their desired designation e.g. their parking space. Conveniently, in order to provide vehicle management, the position of each vehicle can be monitored.

A security feature of one embodiment of the present invention provides access control means which is responsive to detected identification tags to only allow vehicles access to an area identifiable from the identification tag. In this way access to certain areas by vehicles can be controlled.

In a further embodiment of the present invention an electronically readable card is issued to the occupants of each vehicle upon entrance to the entertainment building arrangement. The electronically readable card is adapted to store information on services and/or products paid for upon entrance. Card reading means are provided at locations around the entertainment building arrangement for reading the card to provide the services and/or products paid for. This embodiment enables the vehicle occupants to decide what services and/or products they require upon entering the entertainment building, whereupon they can pay for the desired services and/or products and be provided with a card. Whenever the vehicle occupants require the paid for services and/or products, the card can be read in order that the services and/or products being provided e.g. a waitress can be summoned to provide the paid for meal.

The entertainment building arrangement of the present invention can ideally comprise a complex including not only the drive-in facilities, but also other leisure or educational facilities. For instance, the complex can include a multi-screen cinema, a shopping complex, nightclubs, a bowling alley, sporting facilities, restaurants, bars, casinos, hotels, video game arcades, and children activity centres. Thus, in addition to the drive-in facilities, conventional parking will be provided within the centre and vehicles entering the centre will be directed either towards conventional parking or towards the spaces allocated for viewing an event depending upon the facilities which have been paid for by the vehicle occupants. In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a weather screen arrangement comprising a canopy suspendible above the ground and comprising flexible sheeting having holes therein large enough to reduce its wind resistance and small enough to prevent rain drops falling therethrough, and canopy raising and suspending means for raising and suspending the canopy above the ground.

This aspect of the present invention is applicable not only to the entertainment building arrangement, but also as more general applications where it is desirable to shield an area from rainfall and improve the ambient weather conditions under the canopy. When the canopy is used as a weather screen for the entertainment complex, it reduces the rainfall between the event to be viewed and the occupants of the vehicles, thus enhancing the visibility of the event.

In order to enhance the ambient light conditions to suit the event being viewed, the canopy is preferably light absorbing on one side and light reflecting on the other, and the raising and supporting means is capable of raising and supporting the canopy reversibly. Thus, this enables the canopy to act as a source of ambient light when the under-surface is reflective by directing light onto the reflective εurface to generate more natural lighting conditions. Alternatively, when it is necessary to reduce ambient light under the canopy, if the canopy is reversed the light absorbing surface will reduce the light underneath the canopy.

The canopy can be supported by any suitable arrangement such as a lighter than air balloon which can either be tethered to the ground or provided with a suitable propelling arrangement to enable it to maintain a stationary position. Alternatively, any other suitable aircraft can be used or a supporting arrangement fixed to the ground e.g. a canter lever arm. Thus the raising and supporting arrangement enables the canopy to be raised from the ground and extended into its open position. When the canopy is not in use, it can conveniently be stored. In the entertainment building arrangement, the store can conveniently be positioned at the centre of the area to be screened so that when the canopy is to be deployed it is simply necessary to open the store and hoist up the canopy. For more general applications, the canopy can be stored in a mobile trailer whereby it can be driven to an event which requires screening. The trailer could also for instance contain the lighter than air balloon un-deflated and this can be inflated when the mobile trailer is at the event.

Conveniently the canopy forms a pyramidal structure when suspended and the raising and suspending means is arranged to suspend the canopy from the apex of the pyramidal structure and each corner of the pyramidal structure is tethered to the ground. Preferably the canopy is formed of four triangular parts adapted to be connected together before or during the raising of the canopy. The four parts can for instance be connected together using suitable clips or fasteners as the canopy is being raised.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an entertainment building complex in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the entertainment building complex of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the front of the entertainment building complex of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the entertainment building complex of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a front view of an entertainment building complex according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of an entertainment building complex of the embodiment of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an entertainment building complex of a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a stall provided in the entertainment building complex of the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is an illustration of the positioning of the partitions forming the stalls in the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the partitioning of the decks in the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 11 illustrates the use of a roller shutter for the rear partition of the stalls;

Figure 12 illustrates the use of a hinged partition for the rear partition of the stalls; Figure 13 illustrates the provision of a removable module on a pedestal within a stall;

Figure 14 illustrates a remote portable unit in a vehicle for generating sound associated with an event being viewed; Figure 15 illustrates the arrangement of decks in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention wherein the transparent screens are hingable to provide emergency exits from the stalls;

Figure 16 is an illustration of the decks of one embodiment of the present invention wherein the transparent screens fall out to provide emergency exits from the stalls; Figure 17 is an illustration of the decks of another embodiment of the present invention wherein the transparent screens fall out to provide for emergency exits from the stalls and a barrier is provided at the edges of the decks;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of one side of the entertainment building arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention wherein chutes are provided as emergency exits from the decks; Figure 19 is an illustration of the decks in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention where the decks are not terraced, and transparent screens are provided which are hingable to provide for emergency exit from the decks; Figure 20 is a schematic illustration of the vehicle directing system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 21 is an illustration of the decks of a further embodiment of the present invention which are terraced and are open to ambient weather conditions;

Figure 22 is a schematic illustration of the use of a weather shield to screen an area between a cinema screen and an audience in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23 is a plan view of the canopy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 24 is a view of a raising and supporting arrangement for a canopy in an entertainment building complex in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 25 is a schematic illustration of a weather screen arrangement for screening an area in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention which comprises a combined use entertainment building complex. As can be seen in the drawings, the complex comprises a stand 1 facing a screen 2 which is a cinema screen and comprises the event to be viewed in this embodiment of the present invention. The screen 2 could be replaced with a stage or any sporting event for example. Alternatively, the screen could form a back drop to a stage or sporting event for example.

The stand 1 is formed of tiered decks la, lb, lc and Id forming multi-storey parking facilities for receiving parked cars in rows such that each deck receives a single row across its width. The tiered decks are set back from one another to form terracing. Above the tiered decks la, lb, lc and Id for cars there is provided a conventional seated auditorium area 3.

Behind the stand 1 there are provided within the entertainment building complex a number of other leisure and educational facilities such as restaurants and/or multi-screen cinemas 5. Below ground there is provided conventional underground parking facilities 6 to provide parking for those visitors to the entertainment building complex who do not use the drive-in cinema stand 1. Thus the parking area within the complex includes at least a portion in which cars can park in an arrangement in which the occupants can view an event i.e. a cinema screen.

In order to provide access to the decks of the stand 1 and to the various levels of the underground parking facilities 6, spiral ramps are provided in towers 7a and 7b. The spiral ramp in tower 7a receives cars at is base and provides access to each of the decks whilst tower 7b provides exits from the decks. In this way, there is a one-way flow of traffic across the entertainment building complex thus ensuring a sufficient traffic flow through the complex. Thus, cars can pass along the decks la, lb, lc and Id at rear positions thereof until they reach their allocated parking and viewing space whereupon they can turn into and park in their allocated parking space facing the screen 2 at a front portion of the deck la, lb, lc and Id.

Thus, the entertainment building complex can provide for drive-in viewing of an event such as a film, sporting event, television programme, or any other spectacle. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the screen can comprise a conventional cinema screen upon which images are projected from a projector within the stand 1 (front projection), behind the screen 2 (back projection) or from a projector projecting upwards from a position between the stand and the screen whereupon the screen must be angled towards the stand 1. Alternatively, the screen 2 can comprise an electronic display such as a liquid crystal display.

Where the entertainment building complex is to be used for displaying events other than can be displayed on the screen, the screen 2 can be either folded or retracted or it can form the back drop to the event to be reviewed, e.g. a sporting event. If the screen 2 forms a back drop to an event such as a sporting event, the screen 2 can be used for the live display of various parts of the event, or for action replays. The particular form of the event being viewed by the spectators in the stand 1 it is not important to the principles of the present invention and it is sufficient to state that any event for which there is a potential audience can comprise the event to be viewed. Since the entertainment building complex includes many other facilities other than the drive-in stand 1 for the viewing of an event, the entertainment building complex can attract a wide range of people for a wide range of events. For instance, the entertainment building complex can include interior and exterior recreational sports facilities, health and beauty facilities, live entertainment and music, a shopping mall, corporate convention facilities, video game arcades, children's activity centres, bars and restaurants, betting lounges, night clubs, a multi-screen cinema, casinos and hotels. The entertainment building complex can thus provide for a wide variety of leisure and educational activities to suit all tastes.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, although the conventional seated auditorium 3 is illustrated as being at a position in the stand 1 above the tiered decks la, lb, lc and Id, a conventional seating auditorium can be alternatively provided below the decks la, lb, lc and Id as can be seen in the second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. In Figures 5 and 6 like features are denoted by like reference numerals. As can be seen in Figures 5 and 6 the conventional seating auditorium 3a for seating 400 patrons is positioned in the stand 1 below the decks la, lb, lc and Id for receiving cars parked facing the screen 2. As can be seen in Figure 6, a multi-screen cinema complex 5 is also provided although in a slightly different configuration of the first embodiment. Other facilities 8, 9 and 10 are provided within the complex such as restaurants, sports facilities etc. The second embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 also differs from the first embodiment in that the stand 1 is concave. Whether the stand is linear or concave is not essential and depends on the event to be viewed.

Figure 7 illustrates an entertainment building complex in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic cross section of a third embodiment wherein like features are denoted by like reference numerals. The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the stand 1 includes a terraced area 10 for receiving parked cars provided with the ability to view the screen 2. The conventional seating auditorium 3b is once again provided above the terracing 10.

Thus, it will be apparent from the drawings illustrating the three embodiments of the entertainment building complex that the cars can be viewed to enable the occupants to view the screen 2 either on decks la, lb, lc and Id or on terraces 10. In the first embodiment, each deck is stated as holding a single row of cars across its width. It is however possible to provide a combination of the first and third embodiments wherein each deck includes a terracing to increase the number of vehicles provided with a view of the screen 2.

Further, although in Figure 7 terracing 10 is illustrated, a suitable steep rake angle to the parking area could be provided as an alternative so that the cars behind are on a slightly higher level than the cars in front. Areas within the stand 1 which do not afford a view of the screen 2 can also be used aε conventional parking areas .

It will be apparent from all three of the embodiments described hereinabove that the parking area provided within the stand 1 to enable the vehicle occupants to view the screen 2 is provided under cover. The cars are thus protected from the weather. In the foregoing three embodiments, the cars are housed within a controlled environment since a transparent sloping screen 11 is provided between the cars and the screen 2. Thus, although the decks or terracing can be enclosed with respect to the stand 1, the provision of the transparent screen 11 enables the area between the screen 2 and the stand 1 to be left open to the elements. This can significantly reduce the building costs and provide the spectators with an experience of viewing the screen 2 outdoors. This may therefore provide the audience with some feeling of attending an open air event whilst still enjoying the comforts of a controlled environment.

The transparent screen 11 is provided to slope inwardly so that the occupants of the cars do not see disturbing reflections in it. The transparent screen 11 is angled such that reflections from within the stand 1 are directed towards the ceiling of the parking area and this can be provided with an appropriate non-reflecting surface such as matt black paint. The provision of the transparent screen 11 at such a sloping angle not only avoids disturbing reflections, but also helps to shield the transparent screen 11 from rain.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 20, there are illustrated various features of the stand 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate the partitioning of the decks la, lb, lc and Id of the stand 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Each deck la, lb, lc and Id can be partitioned widthwise into stalls 12. Figure 8 illustrates such a stall. The stall 12 is of a size to receive a single vehicle thus providing vehicle occupants with privacy whilst viewing the screen 2. However, it can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, each deck la, lb, lc and Id can be partitioned widthwise using partitions 13 which are movable widthwise. It can be seen in Figures 9 and 10 partitions can be positioned at positions A, B, C and D. When partitions are provided at each position three stalls Sl, S2 and S3 are provided each for a singe car. The partitions 13 are movable widthwise along tracks 14 and 15 to enable the number and size of stalls to be changed. For instance, if a party requested a stall for three vehicles in order that the vehicle occupants could share the viewing experience, partitions B and C could be moved to lie adjacent partition D. The partitions can then be locked in the floor by suitable fixing arrangements to the floor and ceiling. The fixing arrangements are provided at predetermined fixing points so that stalls can be modularly prepared and allocated at short notice.

In Figure 9 whilst tracks 14 and 15 are shown only in the floor, similar tracks are required in the ceiling to guide the partitions 13 widthwise across the decks.

Thus, as can be seen in Figures 8 to 10, the decks can be partitioned widthwise to provide stalls 12. In order to completely enclose the stalls 12, a rear partition is provided. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate alternative arrangements for the rear partition. In Figure 11 the rear partition comprises a roller shutter 140 which can be drawn down and locked into position with the locking point 150. The roller door apparatus 16 is housed in the ceiling and the roller door 140 is provided with an inset service door 17 to provide non-vehicular access into and out of the stall 12.

In Figure 12, the rear partition comprises a hinged rear partition 18 which swings down from the ceiling to a closed position. The hinged partition 18 is also provided with a service door 19 to allow non-vehicular access into and out of the store 12.

Referring now to Figure 13, each stall 12 may require pillars to secure the partitions thereto. Such partitions 20 can carry an electronic swipe/key facility

21 inset therein in order to gain access through the service doors 17 and 19 illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. In order to receive sound in the stall associated with the event being viewed, each stall 12 can be provided with a floor mounted socket arrangement 22 for receiving a controlled console 23. The control console 23 can either be pedestal mounted or connected by wire. The console 23 includes loud speakers to provide the sound together with volume controls. Also, controls can be provided for other facilities such as controlling the lighting and air-conditioning within the stall 12. Further, the console 23 can be provided with controls to issue commands to a remote central location e.g. to summon waitress service, call for help, raise an alarm, or request another service. Where the event being viewed is an interactive event, the console 23 can include controls to allow the interactive involvement by the vehicle occupants.

As an alternative to providing a console 23 which plugged into the socket 22 on the floor, a similar arrangement can be provided on the ceiling in the stall 12 whereby the console 23 is connected via a wire to a socket in the ceiling.

Yet a further alternative may provide for the console residing in a recess in the ceiling such that it can either be pulled down or actively extended from the ceiling for use. In whichever form the console is provided, it must be provided in a form which does not interfere with the widthwise movement of the partitions 1 3 .

Figure 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment to Figure 13 wherein a portable console is provided for the occupants of each vehicle. The remote console 24 can include all of the features of console 23 illustrated in Figure 13. The portable console 24 includes a transmitter and a receiver such that it can receive for instance radio signals or infra red signals carrying the sound associated with the events being viewed. When the vehicle occupants wish to raise an alarm, sommon help or call waitress service, a suitable entry can be made on the remote console i.e. by pressing buttons 1,2,3,4,5 or 6, whereupon the remote console 24 transmits an appropriate signal to be received remotely by a central control system in the entertainment building complex. The portable console 24 can also provide the vehicle occupants with the ability to engage in interactive participation in the viewed event. For instance the event could be a common video game played by all of the vehicle occupants in the multi-storey stand.

The remote console 24 in Figure 14 is designed for use with low power transmitters and aerials distributed throughout the decks. In this way it is possible to avoid causing interference with other radio systems outside the entertainment building complex.

One method of providing communication from the console i.e. enabling commands to be sent, can utilize well known established paging technology.

An alternative embodiment for transmitting sound associated with the event being viewed utilises the radio provided within a vehicle. In the entertainment building complex a radio frequency can be chosen and signals transmitted at low power within the entertainment building complex to allow the reception of sound by vehicle radios within the entertainment building complex.

Thus, as can be seen in the foregoing drawings, vehicle occupants are provided with a private and comfortable environment over which they have control.

Figures 15 to 18 illustrate features of the first embodiment of the present invention which are directed toward providing for a safe escape route from the stalls 12. Referring firstly to Figure 15, as can see in this drawing, air conditioning within the stalls 12 is provided by underfloor air ducts which duct air into the stalls 12 via vents 25 and which blow air over the transparent screen 11. It is a feature of one embodiment of the present invention that air is blown over the transparent screens 11 in order to reduce condensation. Although in Figure 15 the flow of air is shown as being an up draft, the air could equally be blown down over the transparent screen 11 as a down draft. Using the up draft illustrated in Figure 15, together with a sloping angle of the transparent screen 11, not only is condensation avoided, but also the likelihood of raindrops falling on the transparent screen is reduced. In each of the stalls 12, for safety reasons there is provided a bump stop 26 to prevent the cars 27 from falling out from the decks. In this embodiment a short wall 28 is provided at the front of the stall 12 and the transparent screen 11 has a hinged fixing 29 at its upper edge thereof and is releasably attached to the wall 28. In an emergency e.g. a fire, the transparent screen 11 is released from attachment to the wall 28 and it swings to the vertical position illustrated by the dashed lines. This therefore provides a passage 30 along the decks in front of the partitions and behind the vertically handing transparent screens 11. In this way, during an emergency vehicle occupants can leave the stall 12 and pass along the decks widthwise along the emergency passages 30.

In order to prevent the transparent screens 11 from being pushed passed the vertical position by panicked people, a latch 31 may be provided to latch the base of the transparent screen 11 when in its vertical position.

Figure 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein the transparent screen 11 is designed to drop out of its frame in an emergency to fall on to the deck. Vehicle occupants can thus leave the stalls 12 through the opening left by the falling transparent screen 11.

In both of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, each transparent screen is preferably formed of toughened safety glass such that it provides a safe environment for escaping patrons .

Figure 17 illustrates a further embodiment, like the embodiments illustrated in Figure 16 wherein a barrier 32 is provided at the outer edges of the decks. The barrier 32 is normally in a prone position. During an emergency, it is forced into an upright position by, for example, a hydraulic ram before the transparent screen 11 falls out of its frame. The barrier 32 thus provides the additional safety feature of preventing patrons from falling off the edges of the decks as they escape during an emergency. When there is no emergency, the barrier 32 lies in its prone position thus avoiding obscuring the view of the event for the vehicle occupants.

Figure 18 illustrates emergency exits provided at the sides of the decks in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement of Figure 18 can be used in combination with any of the arrangements of Figures 15 to 17. During an emergency, inflatable chutes 33, 34 and 35 are deployed from the sides of the decks IB, IC and ID. This enables people passing down the escape passage 30 or along the terracing of the decks lb, lc and Id to pass to the sides of the decks lb, lc and Id and down the chutes 33, 34 and 35 to safety. There is of course no need to provide a chute for deck la since in the illustrated embodiment this is provided at ground level .

An alternative arrangement for the emergency exits to those illustrated in Figure 18 would be the provision of conventional staircases. Figures 19 and 20 illustrate alternative embodiments of the present invention. Although the first and second embodiments of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 show the tiered decks as forming terraces, the tiered decks can be provided one above the other without forming terracing as can be seen in Figure 19. In this arrangement the safety features illustrated and discussed with respect to Figure 15 can be incorporated to provide an emergency passage.

Although the three embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 all include a transparent screen across the front face of each deck, as can be seen in the embodiment of Figure 20, the decks need not be provided with such a screen. The decks can simply comprise tiered decks which are shown terraced in Figure 20. It is however preferable to provide the transparent screen in order to provide vehicle occupants with an air conditioned environment.

Referring now to Figures 21 to 24, these drawings illustrate a different aspect of the present invention. For the entertainment building complex and for other applications, it is desirable to shield an area from significant rainfall and enhance ambient light conditions thereunder. This can be provided for in accordance with thi s aspect of the present invention by the provision of a canopy of flexible sheeting which can be raised and supported above the area. Before patrons enter the entertainment building complex there can be a certain amount of 'preconditioning' . For instance, each vehicle can be provided with an identification tag to be for instance affixed to the windscreen of the vehicle. This tag can be for instance an RF tag of conventional type which uniquely identifies the vehicle. The unique identification can either be for instance the serial number wherein a central control means within the entertainment building complex is told the destination of the identified vehicle RF tag can be simply an identifer of a destination. As is illustrated in Figure 21, the vehicle enters the entertainment building complex, at various locations for instance on the ramp 70 within the tower 7a, detectors 71 can be provided to detect the presence of the RF tag 72 in the windscreen of the vehicle 73. Such detectors are known in the art. For instance the tag can be a magnetic device and the detector the magnetic sensor. Once the presence of the tag is detected, the detected signal can be passed to the central computer 75 which can determine what instructions should be sent to the vehicle occupants to direct them to their destination. The instructions are then sent to a display 74 at a position adjacent to the detector 71 to direct the vehicle occupants towards their destination. For instance, the display could instruct the vehicle occupants to "enter" or " proceed to level two" . In this way the flow of traffic through the entertainment building complex is managed efficiently. Since the central computer 75 within the entertainment building complex has information as to the position of each vehicle 73 as the tag 72 affixed thereto is detected, the poεition of vehicles within the entertainment building complex can be monitored. This can provide management information and safety information.

Also before the patrons enter the entertainment building complex, they can be issued with an electronically readable card such as a .smart card or conventional magnetic card. Such a card can be preprogrammed with services and/or products which have been paid for before entering the entertainment building complex. Within the entertainment building complex there can be card readers provided at various locations e.g. within the stalls 12 for reading the cards when a service or product which has been paid is desired. For instance, within the stall, the console provided therein can be provided with a card reader such that when the card is inserted into the card reader of the console, a waitress can be summoned with a pre-paid for meal. Also, the card can be used throughout the complex to pay for services and/or products e.g. entrance to the nightclub, bowling alley, or to pay for meals in the restaurants.

The cards issued to the patrons can include therein a tagging arrangement whereby patrons can be located in the entertainment building complex using a known tagging system e.g. an RF tagging system. This can be used for management purposes and also can be used to enable members of a group to locate other members who have their own cards.

Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein a canopy 40 is provided suspended above the area between the stand 1 and screen 2 of the entertainment building complex. The canopy 40 can be hoisted up from its storage location 41 by a lighter than air balloon 42 which supports the canopy 40 at a central position. In this embodiment, the canopy 40 forms a pyramidal structure and the balloon 42 supports the canopy 40 at the apex 43 of the pyramid. Figure 23 illustrates in plan view the structure of the canopy 40. The canopy 40 is formed of four triangular parts 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d. The triangular parts are coupled together along their edges 44 to form the pyramidal structure. This construction of the canopy 40 provides for flexibility in the canopy 40 and provides an ideal shape to enhance rain water run off. The canopy 40 is anchored by ropes 51, 52, 53 and 54 to anchor the corners of the canopy 40 thus providing for a stable structure.

The canopy 40 is made of a water resistant material which has holes therein to reduce its wind resistance. The holes are big enough to reduce its wind resistance but not big enough to allow a significant amount of rain water to pass through i.e. the holes are smaller than rain drops. Thus the canopy 40 is made of a suitable scrim material such as: 1. Roscoe Reflective Scrim/Net - Gold/Silver/White or Black which is a light weight holed fabric that can be waterproofed to varying degress;

2. ICI - Latex Scrim;

3. ICI - Polyurethane Pinhole Skin; 4. 3M - High fibre water resistant paper/tissue which is a reinforced material that is flameproof and rip proof .

The scrim material can also be provided with ribbing which extends from the apex of the pyrimidal structure downwards. The ribbing has two functions. It enhances the strength of the material and it also improves water run off from the canopy.

Thus, when not in use, the canopy 40 can be kept in a store 41 which in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21 comprises an underground store in the centre of the area which is to be covered by the canopy 40. When the canopy 40 is to be raised, the balloon 42 must lower a hook to hook onto the apex 43. Since the canopy 40 can be stored in the store 41 as the four separate parts 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d, as the canopy 40 is raised, the four parts 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d can be coupled together along their seams 44. Once the four parts 40a, 40b, 40c and 40c have been coupled together to form the canopy 40 the canopy 40 has been raised the ropes 51, 52, 53 and 54 must then be anchored to provide a secure structure.

In addition to shielding the area below the canopy 40 against rainfall, the canopy 40 can enhance ambient light conditions beneath the canopy 40. The canopy can be double sided such that one side is light reflective whilst the other is light absorbtive. Thus, when the canopy is suspended above an area with the light reflective surface lowermost, light can be projected up onto the canopy 40 such that light is reflected down on to the area therebelow. As is familiar to most photographers, this produces a more natural lighting condition that direct lighting. Where it is desirable to reduce the amount of light beneath the canopy 40, the light absorbtive surface can be presented lowermost. Thus, the canopy 40 is reversible and the side which is lowermost determined by the lighting conditions required. Figure 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the balloon 42 is replaced by a crane 45. In Figure 24 the canopy is shown still in its store 41, with the hook 46 of the crane 45 being lowered to be attached to the canopy to raise it.

Whilst the canopy has been described with reference to Figures 22 to 24 in relationship to its use with the entertainment building complex, the canopy has more general applications. Figure 25 illustrates a mobile weather screen arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A mobile trailer carries the store 41 containing the folded canopy 40. The canopy 40 within the store 41 can either be folded complete or in sections requiring the coupling of the sections either before or during the raising of the canopy 40. The mobile trailer 60 can also carry a deflated balloon 42 so that when a venue is reached requiring the weather screen, the lighter than air balloon 42 can be inflated. Once inflated the balloon 42 can be tethered by at least three ropes 61, 62 and 63 to ensure that it maintains a stable position above the area to be screened. A hook 64 can then be lowered from the balloon 42 in order to couple to and raise the canopy 40 out of the store 41 on the trailer 60. In this way, an area can be provided with a weather screen controlling both rainfall and ambient light conditions .

Whilst the scrim material forming the canopy must be strong enough to withstand moderate weather conditions, it need not be required to withstand adverse weather conditions since if the conditions are not favourable, the canopy can simply be lowered.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove with reference to the drawings, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, the entertainment building arrangement can comprise two opposed stands for viewing an event therebetween. Alternatively, the entertainment building arrangement can comprise an annular stand surrounding the event to be viewed.

Although in the embodiments shown the decks containing the vehicles are shown separate to the conventional seating auditorium, the conventional seating auditorium can be combined with, or interspersed between areas designated for parked vehicles.

Claims

1. An entertainment building arrangement comprising means for the display of an event to be viewed, and a stand comprising tiered decks for receiving parked vehicles in rows facing the event such that the vehicle occupants can view the event.

2. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said deck is provided with a transparent screen at the front thereof facing the event.

3. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said transparent screen slopes downwards and away from the event at an angle to the vertical to avoid the vehicle occupants receiving disturbing reflections.

4. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 3, including blower means for generating a down draft or an up draft over said transparent screen to prevent condensation and to deter rainfall thereon.

5. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 2, 3 or 4 including air conditioning means for air conditioning the decks.

6. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each deck is arranged to hold a single row of vehicles across the width of the deck at the front thereof.

7. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 6 including partitioning capable of partitioning each width of the deck into a plurality of stalls, each stall being arranged to hold one or more vehicles.

8. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 7, wherein said partitioning is movable along said decks to vary the number and size of said stalls.

9. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 8, wherein said partitioning comprises a plurality of side walls movable in tracks provided on said decks across the width of said decks.

10. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 including rear partitioning for enclosing the rear of a said stall once a vehicle is in a said stall.

11. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 10, wherein said rear partitioning comprises a hinged member movable from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

12. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 10, wherein said rear partition comprises a roller shutter.

13. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said rear partition includes an access door to allow non vehicular access into and out of said stall.

14. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 13, including control means for controlling access through said access door.

15. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 14 as dependant on any one of claims 2 to 5 including an emergency exit arrangement from each said stall through said transparent screen.

16. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 15, wherein said emergency exit arrangement is provided by said transparent screen being arranged to fall out onto the deck to form an emergency passage across the width of the deck in front of the partitions.

17. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 15, wherein said emergency exit arrangement is provided by said transparent screen being arranged to be hingedly connected to an upper deck and releasable from a lower deck to swing to a vertical position forming an emergency passage across the width of the deck in front of the partitions and behind said transparent screen.

18. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 15, 16 or 17 including emergency exits at each side of each of said decks at positions in front of said partitions such that said emergency passage communicates with said emergency exits.

19. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 18, wherein said emergency exits comprise inflatable chutes.

20. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, including an emergency barrier hingedly connected to front edges of each of said decks and movable from a prone position to an upright position in an emergency to prevent spectators falling from the decks when using said emergency passage.

21. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein each said deck is raked or terraced such that each said deck can accommodate a plurality of rows of vehicles.

22. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim including cordless means to communicate sound associated with the event to the vehicle occupants.

23. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 22, wherein said cordless means comprises a short range radio transmitter arrangement in said entertainment building for transmitting radio signals for reception by a radio in each of the vehicles.

24. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 22, wherein said cordless means comprises a short range radio transmitter arrangement in said entertainment building for transmitting radio signals and a vehicle module provided to each vehicle for an event to be viewed, said vehicle module comprising receiving means for receiving the transmitted radio signals, at least one loudspeaker for generating sound and controls to control at least the generated sound.

25. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 24, wherein said vehicle module further includes command transmitter means for transmitting commands generated by said controls, the arrangement further including receiving means for receiving the commands and control means to respond to the commands .

26. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 25, wherein said commands comprise interactive responses to the event being viewed, commands to change the lighting or temperature, commands to summon service personnel, or emergency commands summonsing help or raising an alarm.

27. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim including a ramp arrangement to allow vehicular access to each said deck.

28. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 27, wherein said ramp arrangement comprises a first ramp arrangement on one side of said decks for vehicles to enter said decks and a second ramp arrangement on the other side of said decks for vehicles to leave said decks .

29. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 28 wherein said first and second ramp arrangements each comprise a tower having a spiral ramp therein.

30. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said means for display comprises a screen.

41 31. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 30 including projection means for projecting an image onto said screen.

32. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 30, wherein said screen is adapted to generate an image.

33. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim including identification tags to be provided and affixed to each vehicle upon entrance to the entertainment building arrangement, an identification tag identifying an area to which a vehicle has access, monitoring means at one or more locations to monitor each identification and display means for displaying directions to the occupants of each vehicle as the vehicle passes the or each location.

34. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 33, wherein said monitoring means is adapted to monitor the position of each vehicle within the entertainment building arrangement.

35. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 33 or claim 34 including access control means responsive to detected identification tags to only allow vehicles access to an area identifiable from said identification tag.

36. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim including an electronically readable card to be issued to the occupants of each vehicle upon entrance to the entertainment building arrangement, said electronically readable card being adapted to store information on services and/or products paid for upon entrance, the entertainment building arrangement including card reading means provided at locations for reading said card to provide the services and/or products paid for.

37. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim including a canopy suspendible above at least a part of an area in front of said decks, said canopy comprising flexible sheeting having holes therein large enough to reduce its wind resistance and small enough to prevent rain drops falling therethrough, the arrangement including canopy raising and supporting means for raising and supporting said canopy above at least a part of an area in front of the said decks.

38. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 37, wherein said canopy is made of a scrim material.

39. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein said canopy is light absorbtive on one side and light reflective on the other, said raising and supporting means being capable of raising and supporting said canopy reversibly.

40. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein said raising and supporting means comprises a lighter than air balloon.

41. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein said raising and supporting means comprises an aircraft.

42. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein said raising and supporting means comprises a support arm affixed to the ground at one end thereof.

43. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 42 including canopy storage means for storage of said canopy when not raised and suspended.

44. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 43 wherein said storage means is adapted for fitment to a mobile trailer.

45. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 44 wherein said canopy forms a pyramidal structure when suspended, said raising and suspending means being arranged to suspend said canopy from the apex of the pyramidal structure, each corner of the pyramidal structure being tethered to the ground.

46. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 45 wherein said canopy is formed of four triangular parts, adapted to be connected together before or during the raising of the said canopy.

47. A weather screen arrangement comprising a canopy suspendible above the ground and comprising flexible sheeting having holes therein large enough to reduce its wind resistance and small enough to prevent rain drops falling therethrough, and canopy raising and supporting means for raising and supporting said canopy above the ground.

48. A weather screen arrangement as claimed in claim 47 wherein said canopy is made of a scrim material .

49. A weather screen arrangement as claimed in claim 47 or 48, wherein said canopy is light absorbtive on one side and light reflective on the other, said raising and supporting means being capable of raising and supporting 45 said canopy reversibly.

50. A weather screen arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 49 wherein said raising and supporting means comprises a lighter than air balloon.

51. A weather screen arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein said raising and supporting means comprises an aircraft.

52. A weather screen arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 51, wherein said raising and supporting means comprises a support arm affixed to the ground at one end thereof.

53. A weather screen arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 52 including canopy storage means for storage of said canopy when not raised and suspended.

54. A weather screen arrangement as claimed in claim 53 wherein said storage means is adapted for fitment to a mobile trailer.

55. A weather screen arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 54 wherein said canopy forms a pyramidal structure when suspended, said raising and suspending means being arranged to suspend said canopy from the apex of the pyramidal structure each corner of the pyramidal structure being tethered to the ground.

56. A weather screen arrangement as claimed in claim 55 wherein said canopy is formed of four triangular parts, adapted to be connected together before or during the raising of the said canopy.

57. A vehicle directing system comprising a tag for affixing to a vehicle identifying the destination of the vehicle, tag detection means provided at one or more locations to detect the presence of said tag within the vicinity of the detection means, direction means to determine the directions the vehicle should take from the location to reach the destination, and display means arranged at the or each location to display instructions to occupants of the vehicle to direct the vehicle towards its destination.

58. A vehicle directing system as claimed in claim 57 including monitoring means responsive to the tag detection means for monitoring the position of the vehicle.

59. An entertainment building arrangement comprising means for the display of an event to be viewed; and a stand comprising a covered, raked or terraced area for receiving parked vehicles in rows facing the event to be viewed, and a sloping transparent screen between the covered, raked or terraced area and the event to be viewed, the transparent screen being sloped so as to avoid car occupants receiving disturbing reflections.

60. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 59, wherein said transparent screen slopeε downwards and away from the event at an angle to the vertical to avoid the vehicle occupants receiving disturbing reflection.

61. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 60 including blower means for generating a down draft or an up draft over said transparent shield to prevent condensation and to deter rainfall thereon.

62. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 61 including air-conditioning for conditioning air in the covered, raked or terraced area.

63. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 62 including wireless means to communicate sound associated with the event to the vehicle occupants.

64. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 63, wherein said wireless means comprises a short range radio transmitter arrangement in said entertainment building for transmitting radio signals for reception by a radio in each of the vehicles.

65. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 63, wherein said wireless means comprises a short range radio transmitter arrangement in said entertainment building for transmitting radio signals and a vehicle module provided to each vehicle for an event to be viewed, said vehicle module comprising receiving means for receiving the transmitted radio signals, at least one loudspeaker for generating sound and controls to control at least the generated sound.

66. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 65, wherein said vehicle module further includes command transmitter means for transmitting commands generated by said controls, the arrangement further including receiving means for receiving the commands and control means to respond to the commands.

67. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 66, wherein said commands comprise interactive responses to the event being viewed, commands to change the lighting or temperature commands to summon service personnel, or emergency commands summonsing help or raising an alarm.

68. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 67, wherein said means for display comprises a screen.

69. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 68 including projection means for projecting an image onto said screen.

70. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 68, wherein said screen is adapted to generate an image.

71. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 70 including identification tags to be provided and affixed to each vehicle upon entrance to the entertainment building arrangement, an identification tag identifying an area to which a vehicle has access, monitoring means at one or more locations to monitor each identification and display means for displaying directions to the occupants of each vehicle as the vehicle passes the or each location.

72. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 71, wherein said monitoring means is adapted to monitor the position of each vehicle within the entertainment building arrangement.

73. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 71 or claim 72 including access control means responsive to detected identification tags to only allow vehicles access to an area identifiable from said identification tag.

74. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 73 including an electronically readable card to be issued to the occupants of each vehicle upon entrance to the entertainment building arrangement, said electronically readable card being adapted to store information on services and/or products paid for upon entrance, the entertainment building arrangement including card reading means provided at locations for reading said card to provide the services and/or products paid for.

75. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 73 including a canopy suspendible above at least a part of an area in front of said decks, said canopy comprising flexible sheeting having holes therein large enough to reduce its wind resistance and small enough to prevent rain drops falling therethrough, the arrangement including canopy raising and supporting means for raising and supporting said canopy above at least a part of an area in front of the said decks.

76. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 75, wherein said canopy is made of a scrim material.

77. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 75 or 76, wherein said canopy is light absorbing on one side and light reflecting on the other, said raising and supporting means being capable of raising and supporting εaid canopy reverεibly.

78. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 77, wherein said raising and supporting means compriεes a lighter than air balloon.

79. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 78, wherein said raising and supporting means comprises an aircraft.

80. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 78, wherein said raising and supporting means comprises a support arm affixed to the ground at one end thereof.

81. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed any one of claims 75 to 80 including canopy storage means for storage of said canopy when not raised and suspended.

82. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 81 wherein said storage means is adapted for fitment to a mobile trailer.

83. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 82 wherein said canopy forms a pyramidal structure when suspended, said raising and suspending means being arranged to suspend said canopy from the apex of the pyramidal structure and to tether each corner of the pyramidal structure to the ground.

84. An entertainment building arrangement as claimed in claim 83 wherein said canopy is formed of four triangular parts, adapted to be connected together before or during the raising of the said canopy.

85. An entertainment bulding arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.

86. A weather screen arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.

87. A vehicle directing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.