WO2012035317A2

WO2012035317A2 - Dispenser for photographic background paper

Info

Publication number: WO2012035317A2
Application number: PCT/GB2011/051676
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Bailey
Original assignee: Lastolite Limited
Priority date: 2010-09-17
Filing date: 2011-09-08
Publication date: 2012-03-22
Also published as: GB201015598D0; WO2012035317A3

Abstract

A photographic background paper dispenser (1), the dispenser comprising an elongate housing (10) that is, in use, downwardly open and is adapted to receive a roll of photographic background paper (20), the housing being provided with means (50, 52) for centrally mounting the housing upon an upright support (120).

Description

Title - Dispenser for photographic background paper

This invention relates to a dispenser for photographic background paper. In studio photography, it is commonplace for the subject to be photographed against a featureless background. Paper that is unwound from a roll is often used to provide such a background, and suitable papers are available in many different colours and finishes. Photographers often need to switch from one background paper to another, and so it would be advantageous if this could be done quickly and easily. It is also important that background papers can be deployed without creasing or folding and with no risk of the paper becoming marked through handling. Conventional methods of supporting background paper do not achieve these objectives. In the studio, the most usual supports are hooks fixed to the wall at high level. Rolls of paper are mounted on the hooks by two people, one at each end of the roll, using ladders. On location, the most usual method involves threading a support rod through the paper roll and supporting it at each end at about head height, unwinding the paper onto the floor and coiling it carefully so that it does not crease. The paper is then clamped off and the support at each end raised, either gradually by one person, one side at a time, or by two people. Clearly, these methods are time-consuming and laborious, and may risk creasing or marking of the paper. There has now been devised a dispenser for photographic background paper that overcomes or substantially mitigates the above-mentioned and/or other disadvantages associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a dispenser for photographic background paper, the dispenser comprising an elongate housing that is, in use, downwardly open and is adapted to receive a roll of photographic background paper, the housing being provided with means for mounting the housing part-way along its length upon an upright support.

In a related aspect of the invention, there is provided a photographic background paper dispensing assembly, the assembly comprising a downwardly open elongate housing that is centrally mounted upon an upright support, and a roll of photographic background paper rotatably mounted within the housing.

Mounting of the housing upon its support is preferably by means of a downwardly- depending spigot. Such a spigot may be received in a conventional tubular socket such as is used for the support of many types of photographic equipment, eg lamps, on upright stands, eg of the tripod type.

The elongate housing preferably comprises a channel, generally of C-section, within which the roll of paper is mounted. Conveniently, the housing further comprises a second channel within which a mounting block is fixed, the mounting block including the mounting spigot. The second channel conveniently provides means by which the housing can be carried by a user without the user's hands coming into contact with the photographic paper.

The roll of photographic paper is conveniently mounted within the housing by means of stub axles held in the ends of the tube upon which such paper is conventionally rolled. Both stub axles may project through, and be capable of rotation within, openings in the ends of the housing. More preferably, however, one stub axle locates in a boss at one, closed end of the housing, and the other stub axle (generally of greater length) projects through an opening at the other end. The roll of paper may then be easily mounted within the housing, by passing the longer stub axle through the opening at one end of the housing, aligning the roll with the longitudinal axis of the housing, and then drawing the roll back until the shorter stub axle locates within the boss at the closed end of the housing.

Means may be provided for maintaining engagement of the boss with the stub axle inserted into it, eg a spring-loaded latch. The roll of photographic paper may comprise or be wound around a tube.

In order to fix the stub axles within the open ends of the tube on which the paper is wound, an expandable tubular insert may first be introduced into the tube. The stub axle has a close fit within the insert, the abutting surfaces of the two components being tapered such that when they are drawn together, eg by means of a threaded connecting bolt, the insert is caused to expand into close

engagement with the internal bore of the tube.

It is particularly preferred that the tube on which the paper is wound is provided with cut-outs in which locating lugs on the inserts locate, so as to hold the inserts in the correct position within the tube. Paper may be unwound from the roll simply by rotating the stub axle that protrudes through the open end of the housing. This may be relatively difficult, however, particularly if the housing is positioned above head height. In order to facilitate unwinding of the paper, a sprocket may be formed at, or fitted to, the protruding end of the stub axle, the sprocket engaging a looped drive belt or the like. The drive belt may have various forms, such as a chain or a toothed track. By drawing on the drive belt, the roll of paper can be rotated. The sprocket conveniently forms part of a cap that fits over the end of the protruding stub axle. Formations on the end of the housing may cooperate with the sprocket to prevent the drive belt becoming dislodged.

As noted above, the dispenser may be mounted upon a conventional tripod-type support. Alternatively, the dispenser may be supported by a rail on which a carriage is slidably mounted. The rail may be free standing, for example supported by a base or tripod, or else may be wall mounted. The carriage is configured to receive the spigot, and in the currently preferred arrangement in which the spigot depends from a mounting block held within the second channel of the housing, the carriage preferably also includes formations that engage in the second channel, at each side of the mounting block.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a photographic background paper dispenser according to the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the paper dispenser of Figure 1 , viewed from beneath;

Figure 3 shows the paper dispenser supported on a wall-mounted rail; Figure 4 shows a carriage used to support the paper dispenser on the rail of Figure 3; and

Figure 5 shows the paper dispenser of Figure 3 in use, with a length of photographic background paper dispensed from it.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, a photographic background paper dispenser according to the invention is generally designated 1 . In Figures 1 and 2, the dispenser 1 is depicted on a reduced horizontal scale. In reality, the dispenser 1 has a considerably greater length (as can be seen in Figures 3 and 5).

The dispenser 1 comprises a housing 10 in the form of an extruded profile of uniform cross-section. The housing 10 defines a first, major channel 1 1 , generally of C-section, and a second, smaller channel 1 2. The first channel 1 1

accommodates, in use, a tube 20 on which photographic background paper is wound (see Figure 2, in which only the tube 20 is shown, the paper wound upon it not being shown). Both the first channel 1 1 and the second channel 12 are, in use, downwardly open. The left- and right-hand (as viewed in Figure 2) ends of the housing 10 are closed respectively by first and second end-caps 30,40. The end-caps 30, 40 are fastened to the respective ends of the housing by self-tapping screws 21 .

The first end-cap 30 is formed with an inwardly-directed boss 32 and includes a spring-loaded latch 34, the function of both of which is described below.

The second end-cap 40 has a circular opening 42, the function of which is also described below.

A mounting block 50, which has an external profile closely matching that of the second channel 12, is fixed within the second channel 12, at the mid-point of the length of the housing 20. A spigot 52 depends downwardly from the mounting block 50.

The manner in which the tube 20 (carrying a roll of paper) is fitted into the housing will now be described. Referring first to the left-hand end (as viewed in Figure 2) of the assembly, the tube 20 is mounted to the first end-cap 30 via a first connector 60 comprising two principal components: a first insert 61 and a first stub axle 62. The first insert 61 comprises a tube that is (save for a small central opening) closed at one end (the right-hand end as viewed in Figure 2). The wall of the first insert 61 is formed with longitudinal slits so that the wall can be expanded outwards. At diametrically opposite locations, the wall of the first insert 61 is formed with integral locating lugs 63.

The first stub axle 62 is also generally tubular, and fits closely inside the first insert 61 . A tightening bolt 64 extends from the external end of the first connector 60 and engages a nut (not visible) that is captivated adjacent the opening in the otherwise closed end of the first insert 61 . The first stub axle 62 is also formed with a flange 65 that, in use, abuts the end of tube 20. Finally, a circumferential groove 66 is formed close to the outward end of first stub axle 62.

Tube 20 is formed with rectangular cut-outs 22 intended to receive the lugs 63. In order to fit the first connector 60 into the tube 20, the bolt 64 is loosened so that the first stub axle 62 is separated from the first insert 61 . The first insert 61 is then pressed into the end of the tube 20, until the lugs 63 locate in the cut-outs 22. The first stub axle 62 is then pressed into the first insert 61 , until the flange 65 abuts the end of the tube 20. The bolt 64 is engaged with the nut held within the first insert 61 , and tightened. This draws the first stub axle 62 and the first insert 61 together. The abutting external surface of the first stub axle 62 and internal surface of the first insert 61 are tapered, such that drawing of the two components together causes radial expansion of the first insert 61 , thereby creating a firm engagement between the tube 20 and the first connector 60. The cut-outs 22 are of greater length than the lugs 63, so as to permit a limited degree of movement of the first insert 61 relative to the tube 20 and the first stub axle 62.

The arrangement at the right-hand (as viewed in Figure 2) end of the assembly is generally similar. A second connector 70 comprises a second insert 71 and a second stub axle 72. The second insert 71 is identical to the first insert 61 . The externally projecting part of the second stub axle 72, however, is somewhat longer than that of the first stub axle 62, and terminates in a knurled knob 77.

In use, the dispenser 1 is used as follows. First, the housing 10, including the end- caps 30,40 and mounting block 50, is fitted to a support. This will typically be a conventional telescopic tripod-type stand of the type used to hold lighting or other photographic equipment. The spigot 52 will be inserted into a tubular socket of such a support and locked in place, e.g. by means of a clamping bolt. The housing 10 will then be disposed horizontally, at a height at which a roll of paper can be loaded into it. A roll of photographic background paper, wound on a tube 20, is then taken, and the first insert 60 and second insert 70 fitted to the ends of the tube 20 as described above. The outwardly-projecting end of the second stub axle 72 is then passed through the opening 42 in the second end-cap, and the roll of paper then drawn back towards the first end-cap 30, so that the end of the first stub axle 62 can be engaged with the boss 32 of the first end-cap 30. To enable this to be done, the latch 34 is raised, against the action of its spring, and then released so that the latch 34 locates in the groove 66 of the first stub axle 62. This retains the roll of paper within the housing 10. The dispenser 1 may then be raised to a greater height, but telescopic elongation of the stand on which it is mounted.

Paper can be unwound simply be rotating the knob 77, which projects through the opening 42 in the second end-cap 40. To facilitate unwinding of the paper, however, a drive cap 80 can be fitted over the knob 77. The drive cap 80 is formed with a sprocket 81 over which a drive chain 82 is laid. The drive cap 80 is fitted over the knob 77 and secured with a bolt 84. The external surface of the second end-cap 40 has an arcuate guide 45 that overlies the upper part of the sprocket 81 and captivates the chain 82. The chain 82 (which in practice would have a considerably greater length than is shown in Figures 1 and 2) hangs down. By drawing on the chain 82, a user can cause the knob 77 (and hence the tube 20) to rotate, and hence paper to be unwound from the roll. This may be particularly advantageous if the housing 10 is at a height such that the knob 77 cannot conveniently be rotated directly. After use, the roll of paper can be removed from the housing 10 by first rewinding the paper onto the roll. The dispenser 1 may then be lowered to a height at which it can easily be reached by the user. The drive cap 80 (if used) is removed. The latch 34 is then raised to permit the first connector 60 to be withdrawn from the boss 32. The second connector 70 is then withdrawn through the opening 42 in the second end-cap 40. The first connector 60 and second connector 70 may then be removed from the tube 20 and fitted to a replacement tube, eg carrying background paper of a different colour. Alternatively, the connectors 60,70 may be left in place so that the roll is ready for use on another occasion.

An alternative method for the support of a paper dispenser according to the invention is shown in Figures 3 to 5. As can be seen in Figure 3, in this embodiment, a dispenser 1 is carried on a vertical wall-mounted rail 120.

A carriage 130 (shown in more detail in Figure 4) travels on the rail 120. The carriage has a pair of handles 131 by which the carriage 130 can be manually raised and lowered on the rail 120, and a spring-biased locking pin 1 32 that engages in one of a series of holes 121 provided at intervals along the length of the rail 120.

A cradle 140 is fixedly mounted at the top of the carriage 130. The end walls of the cradle 140 are formed as upwardly-directed hooks 141 , and the base of the cradle 140 has a central opening 142. The arrangement is such that the dispenser 1 can be engaged with the carriage 130, the hooks 141 locating in the second channel 12, at each side of the mounting block 50, and the spigot 52 locating in the central opening 142. In Figure 4, the mounting block 50 and spigot 52 are shown, though these are of course part of the dispenser 1 rather than the carriage 130.

In use, the carriage 130 is first positioned such that the cradle 140 is at a height at which the user can easily mount the dispenser 1 upon it. This is done by lifting the dispenser 1 above the carriage 130 and then lowering the dispenser 1 onto the carriage 130 such that the hooks 141 locate in the second channel 12 and the spigot 52 locates in the central opening 142 of the cradle 140. The locking pin 1 32 is withdrawn and the carriage 130 raised to the desired height, where the locking pin 132 is released and allowed to locate in a hole 121 on the rail 120. Paper 200 (see Figure 5) can then be unrolled from the dispenser 1 by drawing on the chain 82. Typically, paper 200 will be unwound from the dispenser 1 until the paper extends to the floor, as shown in Figure 5.

After use, the paper is rewound into the dispenser 1 , by drawing on the chain 82 in the opposite direction. The carriage 130 is then drawn downwards, whereupon the dispenser 1 can be lifted off the carriage 1 30. The second channel 12 serves as a handle by which the user may grasp and carry the dispenser 1 . The dispenser 1 may then be laid upon the floor or other surface, and the roll of paper removed as described above. Alternatively, the roll of paper may be removed without removing the dispenser 1 from the carriage 130.

Claims

1 . A photographic background paper dispenser, the dispenser comprising an elongate housing that is, in use, downwardly open and is adapted to receive a roll of photographic background paper, the housing being provided with means for centrally mounting the housing upon an upright support.

2. A photographic background paper dispensing assembly, the assembly comprising a downwardly open elongate housing that is centrally mounted upon an upright support, and a roll of photographic background paper rotatably mounted within the housing.

3. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein mounting of the housing upon its support is by means of a downwardly- depending spigot.

4. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a channel, generally of C-section, within which the roll of paper is mounted, and a second channel within which a mounting block is fixed, the mounting block including the mounting spigot.

5. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the roll of photographic paper is mounted within the housing by means of stub axles held in the ends of the tube upon which the paper is rolled.

6. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in Claim 5, wherein one stub axle locates in a boss at one, closed end of the housing, and the other stub axle projects through an opening at the other end.

7. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in Claim 6, wherein means are provided for maintaining engagement of the boss with the stub axle inserted into it.

8. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein each stub axle fits closely within an expandable tubular insert, the abutting surfaces of the two components being tapered such that when they are drawn together the insert is caused to expand into close engagement with the internal bore of the tube.

9. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the tube on which the paper is wound is provided with cut-outs in which locating lugs on the inserts locate, so as to hold the inserts in the correct position within the tube.

10. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein a sprocket is formed at, or fitted to, the protruding end of the stub axle, the sprocket engaging a looped drive belt or the like.

1 1 . A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, which is supported by a rail on which a carriage is slidably mounted, the carriage being configured to receive the spigot.

12. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the roll of photographic background paper is releasably mounted within the housing.

13. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the roll of paper is releasably mounted to the housing using a latching mechanism.

14. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a rotatable member located at an end of the elongate housing, said rotatable member engaging with the roll of photographic background paper and being arranged for actuation by a user so as to allow selective manual dispensing and/or retraction of a variable length of said background paper.

15. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein the rotatable member comprises a drive cap or head depending from an end of the housing.

16. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a first channel and the means for mounting the housing comprises a second channel which is generally parallel with the first channel, the second channel comprising a mounting formation therein.

17. A dispenser or dispensing assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a first channel and the dispenser further comprises a second channel which is generally parallel with the first channel, the second channel providing a grip portion by which a user can hold the dispenser.