Release device and method of manufacturing, installing and operating the same

Abstract

A release device for vertically adjustable barriers (theatrical curtains, advertising banners, sun control systems, environment altering systems, acoustic control systems or scenic back drops, etc.), with a support assembly (e.g., roll assembly) with first and second roll supporting frame structures and a tensioner extending between the frame structures. The tensioner can be a cable extending parallel to the roll's axis of rotation. The tensioner compensates for gravity induced sagging of the roll (e.g., a multi-sectional roll). The frame structures are suspended with suspension lines that extend down from an overhanging mount and the frames compress the ends of the roll and negate sag in intermediate area of roll. The roll is supported by bearing sets on the frame structures.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a release device such as an adjustable barrier roll release device used in supporting flexible (e.g., textile) visual, acoustic and / or environmental blocking barriers such as curtains (e.g., theater), environmental protective barrier sheets (e.g., sun blocks or shades), room dividers, backdrops, netting, advertising banners, etc., and is particularly suited for use with large span roll drop assemblies. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A variety of flexible barrier or curtain supports have been developed including those designed for handling large spans such as with theatrical curtains or gymnasium dividers and the like. To retract or remove a barrier, particularly one extending over a long span, there has been utilized the technique of transverse sliding of a flexible curtain along an above supported runner with a plurality of carriers each having suspension lines extending down into supporting contact with the curtain...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method which is highly versatile in providing a release device that can be used as a roll release device for short spans and for longer spans (e.g. 25 feet or more as in 60 feet or more spans) with minimal deflection and with a single roll. In addition to providing for minimal deflection, a preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides a roll release device that can be suspended from overhead mounts (e.g. left and right end mounts only) and that can be “tuned” for different roll lengths, curtain weights, etc.

Problems solved by technology

In some uses, as in scenic or stage curtain theatrical use, a transverse runner is undesirable with vertical lifting and dropping being more desirable.

When pulled, the movement of the ropes causes the tube to roll or spin resulting in the tube “climbing” the drop, thereby raising the bottom of the drop.

These devices are limited in span length based on the lack or need for stiffening the tube or pipe.

Physics and typical space and budget constraints have tended to limit these devices often to a width of twenty-four feet or less.

Or devices which require a fixed steel frame which may be utilized only with a fixed, predetermined load and which do not allow for changing the load.

As many areas desired for use with a barrier span larger distances (e.g. 40 to 100 feet), there is introduced the complexity of providing support for these large spans while still providing for efficient roll up and / or down of the barrier.

As the weight of the curtain material alone in the curtains used to cover such spans can be quite high (e.g., 1000 to 1500 lbs or more), as in multiple curtains arranged in series, there is also a need for providing sufficient structural integrity over the spans through the use of high strength materials (with corresponding costs) and extensive or frequent support arrangements along the span such as multiple independent barrier roll assemblies arranged in series, which also increases cost and adds to the roll up complexity.

Architects and contractors know how difficult and expensive it is to build or renovate theaters with standard rigging equipment.

Images