Abstract:
The described system provides a folding and self-contained truss based entertainment technology support system designed for rapid deployment. Embodiments disclose a system incorporating folding truss technology in conjunction with lighting, dimming, power and data distribution systems encompassing a complete and integrated mobile and rapid deployment lighting and lighting support system. Further embodiments describe truss systems used for the rapid deployment, installation and removal of entertainment systems including but not restricted to lighting, sound, video and scenic equipment.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/018,714, filed Jan. 3, 2008, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to entertainment technology systems and in particular, to truss systems necessary to install and support entertainment systems including but not restricted to lighting, sound, video and scenic equipment in entertainment environments such as arenas, convention centers, hotel ballrooms, and theatres. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many of the entertainment truss support systems currently used in production applications are of a cumbersome and labor intensive nature, requiring the use of hand tools and skilled labor to assemble using conventional fasteners such as nuts and bolts or pins. Common configurations are the pinned box truss as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and the bolt together box truss as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In each case the truss is manufactured in short sectional lengths which are assembled on site to create a truss of the required length. The assembly method in  FIG. 1  is accomplished by engaging a male spigot on the end of a first section of truss with female sockets on a second section of truss. A bolt is then passed through each of the engaged spigots and sockets and secured by a nut. These bolts securely connect the sections of truss into a single structural member. The assembly method utilized in  FIG. 2  is a further commonly utilized method, incorporating 4 to 8 bolts, nuts and washers per truss joint. To assemble two sections the truss end plates are lined up, bolts are inserted in the aligned gusset plate holes and the nuts with washers are then applied and tightened. While this method has proven safe when executed properly, it inherently negates the strong point of the truss tubing itself by relegating the truss joints to relying on the strength of the bolts and gusset plates as opposed to using the tubing strength as in the method shown in  FIG. 1 . The use of multiple bolts to connect truss sections is thus inefficient, less than ideal structurally, and time consuming to assemble. Further prior arts systems may use interleaving fingers, splines or other connection means as known in the art instead of the spigot and socket connection system shown herein; however all such systems require the connection of a plurality of separate truss sections to produce the required final truss. The systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,117 to Lange and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,187 to Bornhorst are typical of the art. 
         [0004]    In prior art entertainment truss support systems, multiple sections of tube truss of varying dimensions and in lengths which commonly range from 1 ft to 10 ft as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , are hand carried to the floor below the point where they are intended to be suspended. Then, as described above, they are sited end to end and hand bolted or pinned together to form the desired continuous length. This procedure requires access to available floor space immediately underneath the suspension points equal to or greater than the final assembled truss length and width. Once assembled, the finished truss is then suspended from chain-hoists or other lifting mechanisms well known in the art and raised to a working height convenient for the operators of approximately 4 to 5 ft. When secured at this operating height, entertainment technology equipment such as lighting, sound, video or scenery may be individually hung and installed in or from the truss. After installation of the entertainment technology equipment, power and data cables necessary for the operation of the entertainment technology equipment can be run on or through the truss, connected to the entertainment technology equipment, secured to the truss and finally run off the ends of the truss to their respective destinations for control and power. As a final step the hoists are then operated to raise the truss assembly with all the entertainment technology equipment and cabling attached to its desired operating height. 
         [0005]    This assembly process is extremely labor intensive and resource consuming. The process requires skilled technicians at all stages including connecting and securing the trusses, rigging the entertainment technology equipment, and installing and securing the power and data cables. A fault in any of these areas such as an incorrectly tightened fastener or badly secured cable could create a potential safety hazard. Further, because of the need to use the entire space beneath the final truss hang position, which can mean utilizing the entire stage area, the technicians are often under severe time constraints and pressure to vacate that space in order to make it available to other crafts, such as scenic construction, sound, video and other technical components of an entertainment event. Continuous expert and knowledgeable supervision of the entire process is necessary to maintain a safe working environment. 
         [0006]    Further, if the floor space beneath the final rigging position is inaccessible for some reason, such as being over a seating area or pre-existing scenery or staging, then rigging prior art truss can be difficult if not impossible to achieve. In such cases the truss may need to be assembled elsewhere on site and is then manhandled into position in a difficult and potentially dangerous manner. 
         [0007]    Attempts have been made to improve these systems by transporting the truss sections with their entertainment technology equipment pre-installed such that they can drop down or otherwise fold into their operating positions as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . Such systems may be referred to as ‘pre-rig truss’ or ‘drop-truss’ and an example of such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,336 to Richardson et al. Notwithstanding the pre-rigged improvements, these trussing systems are still assembled on site from individual, separate sections of truss and therefore require access to clear floor space immediately underneath the suspension points equal to or greater than the final assembled truss length. Assembly is done through the means discussed and skilled labor. 
         [0008]      FIG. 4  illustrates a ‘drop truss’ or ‘swing wing’ prior art assembly which incorporates folding sides to the truss sections. Such a system may be partially pre-installed with entertainment technology equipment and associated cabling, however the cable systems are again specific to each individual section of truss and need to be physically joined to adjacent sections during installation. The prior art systems solve neither the problem of floor space requirement nor do they provide improvements to the means of connection of the separate truss sections and associated cabling systems. 
         [0009]    Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an improved method and system of installation of truss, entertainment technology equipment, and their power and control in entertainment technology applications that can be completed in a more timely and safe manner and within a reduced floor space. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like features and wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art entertainment spiggoted truss system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a prior art entertainment nuts and bolt truss system; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a prior art entertainment truss system which may incorporate pre-rigged lighting fixtures; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a prior art swing wing entertainment truss system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates an overview of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the invention in its storage format; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates an embodiment of the invention as deployed; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates an embodiment of the invention in its storage format prior to being deployed; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  illustrates an embodiment of the invention while being deployed; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  illustrates an embodiment of the invention as deployed; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  illustrates a further embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  illustrates yet a further embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the FIGUREs, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. 
         [0034]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to entertainment technology systems and, in particular, to truss systems necessary to install and support entertainment systems including but not restricted to lighting, sound, video and scenic equipment in entertainment environments such as arenas, convention centers, hotel ballrooms, and theatres. 
         [0035]    The disclosed invention provides a structure and method to facilitate the rapid deployment and removal of an entertainment technology truss system designed to support entertainment technology equipment such as luminaires, dimmers, power distribution systems, loudspeakers, microphones, projectors, scenery or other entertainment technology equipment as well known in the art. 
         [0036]    In one exemplary embodiment of the invention as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the entertainment technology equipment may be a plurality of luminaires  110 , dimming systems  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138  and power distribution  114  along with all cabling to interconnect these devices.  FIG. 5  illustrates an entire truss system  100  in a partially unfolded state so that the individual components are easier to distinguish. Five sections of truss  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  are herein illustrated; however the invention is not so limited and further embodiments of the invention may use any number of connected truss sections. All the entertainment technology equipment  110 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  114  may be pre-installed into truss sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  along with all necessary cabling to interconnect the equipment. Each of the truss sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  may be of a short length so as to be convenient to store and move around a venue. In one embodiment the truss sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  are each 8 ft in length, however the invention is not so limited and the truss sections can be of any length without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each truss section is permanently connected to the adjacent truss section through hinges  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  such that each truss section may rotate through an angle from lying parallel to the adjacent truss section to aligning axially with the adjacent truss section. To facilitate this action hinges  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158  need to allow approximately 180° of rotation at each joint and must be designed so that the hinge does not interfere with such rotation. Further hinges  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158  are mounted on alternate faces on each adjacent truss section such that the truss sections will fold in a ‘Z’ pattern. For example on truss section  124  first hinge  152  connecting to truss section  122  is on the bottom corner of truss  124  while second hinge  154  connecting to truss section  126  is on the top corner of truss  124 . 
         [0037]    The use of hinges to connect the truss sections provides a permanent connection between the truss sections and further allows a dedicated path for cabling to be installed to connect the items of entertainment technology equipment with both electrical power and control data. This cabling may be permanently installed within the truss system and provide links and connections between all sections of truss. As the cabling runs between truss sections it is routed adjacent to the hinges such that it does not interfere with the operation of said hinges and so that no strain or load is placed on the cabling. In the illustrated embodiment such cabling may connect together the power distribution unit  114 , dimming systems  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138  and the plurality of luminaires  110  such that external connections to system  100  may be limited to a power supply cable and a data control cable. 
         [0038]    Truss system  100  may be fitted with wheels or casters  104  such that it is easily moved around a venue or on and off vehicles for transport. Casters  104  may be fixed or removable and may be elevated or recessed. Each truss section may be fitted with a stop or bumper  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148  which provides a secure and structurally sound resting point for the adjacent truss section to rest on when the system is folded. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the truss system  100  in its folded, undeployed, state so that it may be stored and transported in the most compact configuration. The height and width of the folded system may be chosen so as to allow the system to pass through standard doorways and to be transported in standard vehicles. For example it may be constructed so as to be less than 8 ft in height so that it would easily be transported within a standard shipping container and pass through a typical loading dock door. The height and width of each truss section also may be selected so as to contain the required entertainment technology equipment within the structure of the truss section(s). 
         [0040]    The truss system may be deployed in a number of manners depending on the floor space and venue height available. Two methods will be described; however other installation techniques are possible and the techniques of installation are not a limitation of the invention. We first consider an installation technique for a venue where we have a limited floor space available, but sufficient height. To deploy the truss system in these circumstances the folded system  100  is positioned under a hoist suspension point and the first truss section  128  is connected to a hoist by suspension line  116  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The choice of suspension point and hoist is outside of the scope of this invention and such suspension points and hoists may be provided from chain hoists, counterweight systems, powered rigging hoists, manual winches or any other rigging suspension hoist as well known in the art. Suspension line  116  may then be raised such that first truss section  128  is lifted and rotates around hinge  156  which connects it to second truss section  126  so as to raise first truss section  128  to a vertical position as shown in  FIG. 7 . Suspension line  116  may then be lowered again such that first truss section  128  continues to rotate about hinge  156  and is lowered until it is axially aligned with second truss section  126  as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . First truss section  128  and second truss section  126  may now be connected together at point  166  by use of a pin through the spigot, bolt, clamp or other method well known in the art such that first truss section  126  and second truss section  128  are connected and behave as a single longer truss section and hinge  156  is constrained from rotation. 
         [0041]    Suspension line  116  may now be raised again and will lift first truss section  128  and second truss section  126  as a single combined unit to the vertical position illustrated in  FIG. 9 . As Suspension line  116  continues to lift it will start to raise third truss section  124  which will rotate around hinge  152  until it also is vertical as shown in  FIG. 10 . Second truss section  126  and third truss section  124  may now be connected together at point  164  by use of a pin through the spigot, bolt, clamp or other method well known in the art such that first truss section  126 , second truss section  128  and third truss section  124  are connected and behave as a single longer truss section and hinge  154  is constrained from rotation. 
         [0042]    Similarly suspension line  116  may now be further raised such that fourth truss section  122  is also raised vertically and is secured at point  162  so that four sections are connected as shown in  FIG. 11 . Finally, suspension line  116  may be further raised such that fifth truss section  120  is also raised vertically and secured at point  160  so that all five truss sections are connected as shown in  FIG. 12  and all hinges  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  are constrained from further rotation. At this point a second suspension line  118  may be connected to the truss system and the entire system raised and rotated as a single unit until it is horizontal in its final deployed orientation as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Although two suspension points  116 ,  118  are here shown on the first and fifth truss sections the invention is not so limited and any number, positioning and layout of suspension points may be used in further embodiments of the invention. The installation technique shown in  FIGS. 6 to 13  provides installation in a minimum of floor space in a very efficient and simple manner. At all times the truss system  100  remains a single connected structure so that at no point are any truss sections separated from each other. The technicians have only to install the connections  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  166  that prevent truss rotation. 
         [0043]    Although the methodology for five truss sections is disclosed in this embodiment the technique may be extended in further embodiments and any number of hinged truss sections may similarly be deployed and attached to one another, thus extending the overall truss length. 
         [0044]    In a further embodiment hinges  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  may be provided with a locking mechanism through a pin, bolt, clamp or other device such that further security is provided to prevent rotation and movement at the hinge points. 
         [0045]    We now consider a second installation technique for a venue where we have sufficient floor space available to accommodate the entire length of the truss system but a low height. To deploy the truss system in these circumstances the folded system  100  is positioned under a hoist suspension point and the first truss section  128  is connected to a hoist by suspension line  116  as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The choice of suspension point and hoist is outside of the scope of this invention and such suspension points and hoists may be provided from chain hoists, counterweight systems, powered rigging hoists, manual winches or any other rigging suspension hoist as well known in the art. Suspension line  116  may then be raised such that first truss section  128  is lifted and rotates around hinge  156  which connects it to second truss section  126  so as to raise first truss section  128  to a vertical position as shown in  FIG. 15 . Suspension line  116  may then be lowered again such that first truss section  128  continues to rotate about hinge  156  and is lowered until it is axially aligned with second truss section  126  as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . The unfolding truss stack, being on casters, rolls and stays directly under the lift point while it unfolds. First truss section  128  and second truss section  126  may now be connected together at point  166  by use of a pin, bolt, clamp or other method well known in the art such that first truss section  126  and second truss section  128  are connected and behave as a single longer truss section and hinge  156  is constrained from rotation. 
         [0046]    A second suspension line  117  may now be connected to second truss section  126  and first suspension line  116  and second suspension line  117  raised together such that first truss section  128  and second truss section  126  are raised and third truss section  124  will be rotated to a vertical position around hinge  152  as shown in  FIG. 17 . Suspension lines  116  and  117  may now be lowered together while simultaneously moving the remaining truss sections  120  and  122  on casters  104  such that third truss section  124  continues to rotate and lower until it is axially aligned with both second truss section  126  and fourth truss section  122  as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . Second truss section  126  and third truss section  124  may now be connected together at point  164  and third truss section  124  and fourth truss section  122  may be connected together at point  162 . At this point the first, second, third and fourth truss sections are connected together and may be further raised as a single unit by suspension lines  116  and  117  as illustrated in  FIG. 19  until the fifth truss section  120  is raised into a vertical position by rotating around hinge  150 . 
         [0047]    A third suspension line  118  may now be connected to fifth truss section  120  which may subsequently be raised until fifth truss section  120  is axially aligned with fourth truss section  122  and can be connected together at point  160  to form the final deployed system as illustrated in  FIG. 20 . All five truss sections are securely connected and all hinges  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  are constrained from further rotation. 
         [0048]    Although three suspension points  116 ,  117 ,  118  are here shown on the first, second and fifth truss sections the invention is not so limited and any number, positioning and layout of suspension points may be used in further embodiments of the invention. The installation technique shown in  FIGS. 14 to 20  provides installation in a minimum of ceiling height space in a very efficient and simple manner. At all times the truss system  100  remains a single connected structure so that at no point are any truss sections separated from each other. The technicians have only to install the connections  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  166  that prevent truss rotation. 
         [0049]    Although the methodology for five truss sections is disclosed in this embodiment the technique may be extended in further embodiments and any number of hinged truss sections may similarly be deployed and attached to one another, thus extending the overall truss length. 
         [0050]    In a yet further embodiment hinges  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  may be provided with a locking mechanism through a pin, bolt, clamp or other device such that further security is provided to prevent rotation and movement at the hinge points when the truss system is deployed. Such locking mechanism may take the applied load and relieve the hinge of the loaded stress. 
         [0051]    In all embodiments described herein the entertainment technology items installed in the truss system such as a lighting system comprising luminaires, dimming system and power distribution may subsequently be connected to existing or temporary distribution systems in the venue so as to connect to main data and power distribution. This may, in some embodiments, be accomplished through a single connection for power and a single connection for data providing an extremely simple and rapid installation of the entire system. 
         [0052]      FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention  200  showing the truss sections unfolding.  FIG. 22  illustrates views of a yet further embodiment of the system  300  with entertainment technology devices installed within the truss sections. 
         [0053]    The embodiments disclosed provide a means for entertainment technology rigging that is both rapid to deploy and remove, and provide a safe integrated system at all times. The truss may also be installed with a minimum of labor and installation time while causing a minimum of inconvenience to other users of the space. 
         [0054]    While the disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as disclosed herein. While the disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.