Device for lifting and re-positioning a track used in television and motion picture industries

A device for use in television and motion picture industries lifts and re-positions a track on which camera dolly or crane is located. The device includes a first bar member of a substantially elongated shape comprising a hinge, a first caster wheel assembly, and a first track hook which is positioned at one end of the first bar member. A second bar member of a substantially elongated shape shorter than the first bar member is pivotably attached to the first bar member via the hinge such that when in a closed position the first and second bar members form a substantially straight line. The second bar member further comprises a second caster wheel assembly and a second track hook which is positioned at one end of the second bar member, this one end of the second bar member being at an opposite location than the other end of the first bar member along the substantially straight line. When each track hook is positioned under each rail of the track and downward force is applied to the first bar member, the first and second bar members form the substantially straight line thereby lifting the track off the ground. The track and a camera dolly can then be rolled on wheels to a new location quickly and effortlessly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a lifting device. More specifically, the present invention is related to a device, used in television and motion picture industries, for lifting and re-positioning a track on which camera dolly or crane is located.

Camera dollies and cranes are widely used in television and motion picture industries during a production sequence. It is well known that a camera dolly has a moveable arm for supporting a camera. The camera dolly also contains wheels to enable its operators or grips to quickly transport the camera to a new location in a filming sequence.

Typically it is desirable to eliminate or minimize any camera vibration during a shooting sequence in order to avoid lowering an image quality. To this end, the camera dolly is generally equipped with wide pneumatic tires designed to absorb slight surface imperfections. When the surface, however, is quite bumpy and irregular, a track typically comprising pair of rails is assembled on the ground to allow the camera dolly to roll thereon. The track, as used on a film set, smoothes out many surface imperfections, thereby providing substantially vibration-free shooting conditions for camera operators.

Although the track creates fairly smooth surface for shooting scenes thereby eliminating the vibration and shaking of the camera, it is disadvantageous in another aspect. In particular, the track requires typically laborious re-positioning if the camera has to be in a spot that is not along the track path. Even though tracks can be made curvilinear, it is clear that the movement of the camera dolly is nevertheless limited to the track path.

Moving the track is a very labor-intensive process that requires removing the camera dolly with its camera, re-positioning the track, and then placing the camera dolly back onto the track. Alternatively, the track can be moved without removing the camera dolly, but this requires significant physical effort. In either case, valuable time is expended in this labor and time-consuming process.

A need therefore exists for a device that addresses the above concerns and solves this long-felt need of easily and quickly re-positioning a track used in television and motion picture industries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for lifting and re-positioning a track on which camera dolly or crane is located.

The above and other objects are achieved by a device for lifting and re-positioning a track comprising two rails used in television and motion picture industries. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first bar member of a substantially elongated shape comprises a hinge, a first caster wheel assembly, and a first track hook which is positioned at one end of the first bar member. A second bar member of a substantially elongated shape shorter than the first bar member is pivotably attached to the first bar member via the hinge such that when in a closed position the first and second bar members form a substantially straight line. The second bar member further comprises a second caster wheel assembly and a second track hook which is positioned at one end of the second bar member, this one end of the second bar member being at an opposite location than the other end of the first bar member along the substantially straight line. When each track hook is positioned under each rail of the track and downward force is applied to the first bar member, the first and second bar members form the substantially straight line thereby lifting the track off the ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1shows one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a bar member10, which provides leverage for the inventive lifting device as explained in detail hereinbelow, comprises2substantially flat side members12. Each side member12may be tapered at one end. As further shown inFIG. 1, the bar member10comprises a substantially top member14positioned at a substantially 90° angle with respect to each of the flat side members12. The side and top members thereby form a cavity. Inside the cavity and attached to the side members12, as illustrated inFIG. 1, is a hinge16.

Turning on the hinge16is a shorter bar member18, a so-called drop-down bar, which folds into the cavity of the bar member10. The bar member18comprises substantially side members20and a bottom member22.

Each of the bar members10,18includes a caster wheel assembly24for re-positioning and moving about a track on which camera dolly or crane is located. The caster wheel assembly24comprises a plate for attaching the assembly, a bracket, an axle, a wheel, and other elements as known to those skilled in the art of caster wheel assemblies. The caster wheel assembly24is positioned at respective opposite ends of each bar member10,18. As further shown inFIG. 1, attached at opposite ends of each bar member10,18and positioned near the respective caster wheel assembly24are track hook supporting member26and track hooks28. The track hook supporting members are positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to each bar member10,18in order to provide a proper positioning for the track hooks28. The track hooks28are used for resting each rail of the track after securing the lifting device in position.

FIG. 1also shows lock30, which is slideably moveable along the bar member10. Once the lifting device is in position, the lock30is moved towards the caster wheel assembly24of the bar member18in order to prevent jack-knifing of the device during the lifting motion.FIG. 2shows the inventive lifting device according to the present invention in such closed or locked position.

FIG. 3shows the inventive lifting device in operation according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, camera dolly32—a lower portion of which is illustrated only in order not to detract from the present invention—is positioned on the track comprising two rails34. The camera dolly includes bogie wheels36on each side of the track in order to enable a person to move it along the track, as well known in the art of film and television industries. According to the present invention, the inventive lifting device is positioned with respect to the track in such a way that a lip of each rail34rests on the track hook28. In this case as shown in the figure, the inventive lifting device is in open position. After positioning the inventive lifting device under the rails34, the person applies downward force to the bar member10so that the two bar members10,18form substantially a straight line. The inventive lifting device is now in closed position, and the lock is now moved toward the caster wheel assembly24of the bar member18to secure the two bar members10,18in place, as shown inFIG. 4. Due to the length of the bar member10, sufficient leverage exists to enable the person to lift the rails of the track slightly off the ground without much effort. Ground clearance is thereby obtained. After this procedure is repeated with a second inventive device positioned at another end of the track, the entire track with a dolly camera on it is easily maneuverable, as shown inFIG. 5. By simply rolling the track on the wheels of the inventive device, the track and all the equipment located thereon can be re-positioned to a different location quickly and effortlessly.

After moving the track to a desired location, the person slides the lock30back toward the caster wheel assembly24of the bar member10to unlock the device. The bar member10is then raised to an open position, and the track is lowered onto the ground, as shown inFIG. 6. Thereafter, the inventive lifting device is removed from the track.

FIG. 7shows adapters38that may be used for track hooks28if the rails comprising the track are different in shape than the ones typically in use. In particular, the adapters38are fitted onto the track hooks as shown in detail inFIG. 8. It is understood, of course, that adapters of other shapes and forms may be employed in those cases where tracks of other designs are in use.

It is further understood that the bar member10may be a unitary piece such that side members are bent at an angle to the top member. In this case, there is no welding seam or any other attachment between each of the side members and the top member. Alternatively, the bar member10may comprise side members welded or securely attached to the top member, thereby effectively forming a 3-piece member.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in connection with preferred embodiments, many variations and modifications as will be evident to those skilled in this art may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and the invention is thus not to be limited to the precise details of methodology or construction set forth above as such variations and modification are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.