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.

[0007] The preferred motorized drop assembly of the present invention spans long distances as up to 60′ with virtually no sag and deflection. The inventive subject matter also uses minimal vertical storage, which makes it ideal for easy retro-fit installation in low-profile theater, arena, etc. spaces. The compact design capability of the inventive subject matter makes, for example, painted scenic drops, scrim effects and other flexible banners (e.g., textile banners) up to 60′ wide possible with roughly the same amount of overhead space as standard duct work. This space reduction can mean significant savings in construction or renovation costs. Plus, architects are freed from the design constraints imposed by traditional counterweight systems. The present invention also provides for flexible barriers as in textile banners to be compact, quiet and easily controlled. This provides for an alternative solution for the installation and management of sound control systems. Acousticians can replace multiple acoustic banners with just one under the present invention, which can be raised and lowered via a single motor that easily interfaces with most control panels. With custom widths of, for example, up to 60′, the present invention can bring significant cost savings while providing efficient, user-friendly sound control for theaters, concert halls, etc.

[0008] Flexible barriers also comprise advertising banners such as those used in arenas and other large public meeting areas. Often static advertising banners are used in such environments, but static advertising banners in arenas quickly fade into the background. Banners that appear and disappear or even change their message gain higher audience awareness. The present invention can be readily installed in arenas or other indoor or outdoor venues to provide advertisers with active, mobile name and product recognition—but without the expense or technical complexity of electronic displays. The banners of the present invention can also be quickly and easily attached and controlled with, for example, a simple switch that can be integrated into a master control panel.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention further comprises a first and a second hub with the first hub interconnecting the first shaft with the first end of the roll and the second hub interconnecting the second shaft with the second end of the roller. The first and second hubs can have radial barrier guidance flanges extending radially out from a main body of the hubs for edge position control of the flexible barrier material being rolled up on the roll (the barrier preferably connected along a first edge to the roll with fasteners and / or adhesive or other securement means and the second end having a looped over free end portion with a bar or extra folds to give it some added end, free edge weight). A flexible barrier in the form of a theater curtain with a weighted bar free edge and a length of more than 25 feet such as a 40 to 60 foot curtain is illustrative of a representative barrier well suited for use with the present invention. The shaft and hub combinations at each end feature shafts and hubs dimensioned to carry imposed loads and to fit to prevent rotational slippage and wobble in the recipient tube.

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.

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