Abstract:
This invention relates to the use of suspended materials as a backdrop for photography or stage productions. The suspended materials may be stored on a spool device. Such spool devices may include tubes or spindles constructed of metal, of cardboard, of plastic or other lightweight and inexpensive materials. The spool device may also include means for attaching the tube or spindle to a lifting device. Such attachment means may include a pair of interconnectable coupling devices, one fixed to the spool and the second attached to the lifting device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to displaying and storage of backdrops for use with photographs and stage productions. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods of changing, displaying and storing backdrops. 
         [0003]    2. State of the Art 
         [0004]    In photography, stage productions and other instances where it is desirable to create an illusion of a particular time or place or of no particular time or place, a moveable backdrop is required to set the proper look and feel of the environment required by the situation. As needs change, the backdrop environment must be changed to match the need. 
         [0005]    Because a backdrop is typically suspended high above the floor, a user must climb a ladder to change most of currently available backdrops. Further these backdrops require the use of wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, or other tools to remove the old backdrop and install the new one. Not only is it inconvenient to change a backdrop from the top of a ladder, it can also be dangerous. 
         [0006]    In response to this difficulty, some backdrop systems have been developed that contain more than one backdrop on a rotating wheel. Thus, if one desires to change a backdrop, the first backdrop is rolled back onto its spool, the wheel is rotated, and the next back drop is lowered. Other systems employ a number of backdrops in a single loop. All of these systems suffer from the same limitations. They are expensive to purchase and if the user wants to obtain a new series of backdrops, the entire loop or wheel must be replaced. Furthermore, in the current systems, 
         [0007]    Some photographers have resorted to using a backdrop attached in a makeshift manner to a wall or thrown over a simple rope, wire or framework. When a change of backdrop is needed, the first backdrop is pulled down and the new backdrops is taped up or thrown over the wire or framework. This can result in damage to the backdrops which frequently cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Moreover, it leads to a less than professional atmosphere at a photographic studio where image is paramount. When backdrops are used without a proper storage system, they are frequently stored in piles in the corner of the studio, or on storage shelves, where they may suffer additional damage. 
         [0008]    Therefore it would be advantageous to provide a method and a device for quickly changing a backdrop without the use of ladders, scaffolding, catwalks, or other elevated devices. Where multiple backdrops are used, a method for safely storing backdrops is needed to preserve the life and appearance of the cloth or cloth-like material while making them readily available for use. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    One aspect of the present invention is a backdrop system that can be used for photography, stage productions, or other instances where a backdrop may be desired. The backdrop system has a spool on which a backdrop can be either temporarily or permanently attached and wound in a flat and unwrinkled condition. A mount is provided for attaching the spool to a lifting device. The lifting device can adjust the vertical position of the spool. A rolling device is also connected to the spool for rolling and unrolling the backdrop on the spool. The lifting device can be configured to raise or lower the spool to any position from ground level to the ceiling or other upper limit. The spool is readily removable from the mount and can be removed when the spool is in the lowered vertical position. The lowered vertical position may be when a user is standing, kneeling, or sitting at ground level. The backdrop system may also provide for the horizontal adjustment of the spool. 
         [0010]    The attachment of the spool to the mount may be configured with male mating protrusions in the mount with female mating apertures in the spool. In other embodiments, male mating protrusions may be in the spool and female mating apertures in the mount. Alternatively, a combination of male and female mating parts may be in both the spool and the mount. The attachment can be made by inserting male mating protrusions into the female mating parts and twisting the mount or spool to the locked position. When the spool is in the attached and rotated position, a lock may be engaged securing the spool to the mount of the lifting device. 
         [0011]    For many uses of the backdrop system, it may be desirable to have more than one backdrop. In such instances, the system may have a plurality of backdrops. The plurality of backdrops may each be secured on a separate spool or stored by other means and fastened, each in turn of use, to the same spool. The plurality of backdrop spools may be stored, for example, on a storage rack. Additionally, the spools may be configured to receive a storage stopper in an end and be propped against a wall for storage. The backdrop system may be configured to accommodate and adjust for spools of varying lengths. 
         [0012]    The backdrop spool has an elongated tube portion with a first end and a second end. Adjacent both the first end and the second end of the spool, a flange is presented. The flanges may comprise attachment points for receiving mating members of the lifting spool. Further the flanges may have a lock for securing the backdrop spool to the lifting spool. Such locks may be a locking pin. Further the locks may be a hook and latch, a bolt, a spring lock, or the like. 
         [0013]    The lifting device may be driven by motor or may be manually operated. In one embodiment, the lifting device comprises a lifting spool, such as a wheel, for attachment to the backdrop spool. The lifting spool may be weighted with ballast. A flexible strap, cable, rope, or cable may be looped around the lifting spool and windably attached to a sheave of a motorized or manual lift. The hoist may have a split sheave that is configured to receive the strap from the lifting spool at the first end of the backdrop spool and the strap from the lifting spool at the second end of the backdrop spool. 
         [0014]    The system is also configured to allow for the rolling or unrolling of the backdrop on the backdrop spool. In one embodiment, the rolling and unrolling are accomplished simultaneously with the vertical adjustment of the backdrop spool. In this embodiment, the lift motor or manual lift may power the rolling and unrolling of the backdrop. Alternatively, the rolling and unrolling of the backdrop may be powered by a motor or manual means independent of the raising and lowering of the backdrop spool. 
         [0015]    The control of the raising and lowering and the winding and unwinding of the backdrop spool can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, the raising and lowering may be controlled by directly activating the lifting device. Alternatively the lifting device may be controlled by wireless or wired remote control. Likewise the rolling of the backdrop on the backdrop spool may be directly controlled or through indirect remote control. 
         [0016]    The present invention also relates to a method of changing a backdrop. The method includes the step of lowering a backdrop spool to which the backdrop is attached from a first height to a second height. Alternatively the method may include lowering the lifting spools on a suspension system without a backdrop spool from the first height to a second height. In general the first height will be a height above the ground level such as at or near the ceiling or a room and the second height will be a height at which a user can easily reach the spool while maintaining contact with the floor. Once the backdrop spool is lowered, the backdrop spool may be removed from the suspension system. A second backdrop spool may then be obtained and attached to the suspension system and the spool is raised to the first height. 
         [0017]    The method may also contain the step of winding the first backdrop on the backdrop spool prior to lowering it. The winding may be performed prior to lowering the backdrop spool from the first height to the second height or may be performed after the backdrop spool is lowered to the second height. The winding may also be performed simultaneously with the raising or lowering of the backdrop, or may be performed independently of the raising or lowering of the backdrop. 
         [0018]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a backdrop system according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a backdrop system according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a detailed perspective view of a suspension system of one embodiment of a backdrop system according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a backdrop spool of one embodiment of a backdrop system according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a bottom perspective view of a backdrop spool flange according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4C  is a top perspective view of a spool flange according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a lifting spool mount of one embodiment of a backdrop system according to the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a lifting spool mount of one embodiment of a backdrop system according to the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a backdrop spool connected to a lifting spool mount of a lifting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a spool storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lifting mount with an integrated motor according to one embodiment of the backdrop system of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lifting mount without an integrated motor according to one embodiment of the backdrop system of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some exemplary embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised that do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions, and modifications to the invention, as disclosed herein, which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are to be embraced thereby. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3  a backdrop system  10  is presented. The backdrop system can be used in for example a photographer&#39;s studio, in stage productions, or other instances. The backdrop system  10  has a spool  12  that can be suspended from a lifting device  14 . The spool  12  is configured to receive thereon a backdrop  16 . The backdrop  16  can be a fabric backdrop or other flexible materials that can be wound on the spool  12 . The backdrop  16  can have a scene presenting the illusion of another place. Alternatively the backdrop may be dyed, colored, or painted to present a suitable background for a photograph, video conference, stage production, or other event. 
         [0034]    The spool  12  is suspended from the lifting device  14 . The lifting device  14  has a hoist  15 . The hoist comprises lifting spool mounts  30 ,  32  on either end  18 ,  20  of the spool  12 , a set of straps  22 ,  24 , a sheave  26 , a pulley  27 , and a motor  28 . The lifting spool mounts  30 ,  32  are configured to be attached to opposite ends  18 ,  20  of the spool  12 . The first end  34 ,  35  of the straps  22 ,  24  are secured to an attachment point  36 ,  37  such as an eyebolt. The straps  22 ,  24  run downward from the attachment points  36 ,  37  and around the lifting spool mount wheels  31 ,  33 . The first strap  22  runs from the mount wheel  31  to a pulley  27  and across to the sheave  26 . The second strap  24  runs from the lifting spool mount wheel  33  to the sheave  26 . In the illustrated embodiment a split sheave  26  has a partition  38  between the chambers  39 ,  40  that receive the first and second straps  22 ,  24 . In an alternative embodiment, a single chambered sheave (not shown) may be used. It will be appreciated that any flexible material may be used in place of the straps  22 ,  24  such as rope, cable, chain, or the like. In one present embodiment nylon strap is used. 
         [0035]    The sheave  26  may be turned by an electric motor  28  or by manual drive means. This embodiment is such that when the sheave  26  is turned in a first direction, the straps  22 ,  24  are drawn around the mount wheels  31 ,  32  on both ends of the spool  12 . The straps  22 ,  24  turn the spool in one circular direction, winding or unwinding the backdrop  26 . When the sheave  26  is operated in the opposite direction, the straps  22 ,  24  are drawn in the opposite direction around the mount wheels  31 ,  32  and the spool  12  is rotated circularly in the opposite direction, winding or unwinding the backdrop  16 . 
         [0036]    Additionally, by rotating the sheave  26  in a first direction, the straps  22 ,  24  are drawn onto the sheave thereby raising the spool  12 . When the sheave  26  is rotated in the opposite direction, the straps  22 ,  24  are unrolled from the sheave  26  thereby lowering the spool  12 . 
         [0037]    In this embodiment, the rolling and/or unrolling of the backdrop  16  may done at the same time as the raising and lowering of the spool  12 . If a user wishes to maintain the rolled or unrolled condition of the backdrop  16  while raising or lowering the spool  12 , a hand placed on the spool to stop the rolling while operating the sheave drive motor  28  will maintain the rolled or unrolled position of the backdrop  16 . 
         [0038]    The lifting device may also have a screw drive system for raising and lowering the spool  12 . In such an embodiment a screw is turned against a threaded block, driving the assemblies on both sides upward or downward. 
         [0039]    To allow for the horizontal adjustment of the backdrop, the pulley  27 , sheave, motor, and attachment points  36 ,  37  can be secured to trolleys  40  that are set in a track  42 . The trolleys  40  and track  42  allow a user to adjust the horizontal position of the backdrop  12 . Such horizontal adjustment may be made while the spool is in the raised or lowered position. The adjustment is made by applying a force in the direction in which one desires to move the backdrop. Such horizontal adjustment can allow a photographer to use varying lighting techniques, by placing one or more lights behind the backdrop  12 . The horizontal adjustment of the backdrop  12  may be either manual or powered by a motor that moves the trolleys  40  in the desired direction. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 4A , one embodiment of a spool  12  is presented. The spool  12  has an elongated cylinder  44 . The cylinder  44  may be a hollow tube of such material as metal, plastic, fiber glass, or cardboard. Alternatively the cylinder  44  may be a solid structure such as a wood dowel. In one present embodiment, the cylinder is an aluminum tube having a diameter of about 3 inches. It will be appreciated that the length and diameter of the cylinder  44  may vary depending on the desired use of the backdrop system  10 . 
         [0041]    The backdrop spool  12  can also have fasteners  46  whereby the backdrop  16  may be secured to the spool  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners  46  are hook and latch type fasteners. Alternatively other fasteners  46  may be used such as adhesives, snaps, rivets, screws, and the like. In other embodiments it may be desirable to roll the backdrop  16  on the spool  12  without the use of fasteners. In such embodiments, the friction of the wound backdrop  16  on the backdrop spool  12  may suffice to hold the backdrop  16  during the rotation of the spool  12 . 
         [0042]    The spool  12  has a first end  18  and a second end  20 . A flange  48  can be attached to both ends  18 ,  20  of the backdrop spool  12 . The flanges  48  can be constructed independently from the cylinder  44 . The flanges  48  can be molded from plastic, or may be cut or molded from wood, cardboard, metal, fiberglass, and the like. 
         [0043]    One particular embodiment of a flange  48  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 4B and 4C . The flange  48  has an inner ring  50  and an outer ring  52 . The inner ring  50  has a protrusion  51  extending away from the generally flat flange  48 . The protrusion  51  has an outside diameter that is selected to fit snugly within the inside diameter of the tubular cylinder  44  of the spool  12 . A series of ribs  54  are run the length of the inside diameter of the protrusion  51 . The ribs  54  serve the dual purpose of strengthening the protrusion  51  and providing attachment points if the flange  48  is to be attached to the spool  12  by screws or rivets  49 . Alternatively, the flange  48  may secured to the cylinder  44  by an adhesive or by friction. 
         [0044]    The outer ring  52  has a plurality of slots  56  with an enlarged notch  58 . As will be discussed below, the slots  56  and notches  58 , serve as female mating members for the attachment of the flange  48  and the backdrop spool  12  to the lifting spool mount  30  of the hoist system  15 . 
         [0045]    One embodiment of a lifting spool mount  30 ,  32  is shown in  FIG. 5 and 6 . The mount  30 ,  32  has two flanges  60 ,  62  joined by a central cylinder  64 . The flanges  60 ,  62  and the cylinder  64  create a channel  65  for receiving the straps  22 ,  24  of the hoist. The cylinder  64  can be coated with a non-slip surface or may be lined on the exterior with a rubbery material to provide a tactile surface for gripping the straps  22 ,  24 . 
         [0046]    The cylinder  64  can be an integrated part of one of the flanges  60 ,  62 . Alternatively, a short pipe  61  can be secured to a rim  67  that extends outwardly from the inner ring  63 . 
         [0047]    Ballast  78  in the interior of the cylinder  64  stabilizes the lifting spool mounts  30 ,  32 . The weight of the ballast provides a downward force providing for smooth and correct operation of the hoist when a spool  12  is not attached to the lifting spool mounts  30 ,  32 . The ballast  78  may be a metal disk  78  or alternatively may be a fluid contained within a bladder (not shown) in the center of the cylinder  64 . Other examples of ballast may include metal, glass, lead shot, wood or plastic balls, metal filings, rocks, concrete or other similar materials. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the flanges  60 ,  62  of the lifting spools  31 ,  33  have an inner ring  63  and an outer ring  61 . The outer ring  61  of the flange  60  that will be positioned next to the flange  48  of the spool  12  has slots  66  in which T-shaped protrusions  68  can be inserted and secured by adhesives, screws, or friction. Alternatively, the T-shaped protrusions  68  may be molded as an integral part of the flange  60 . The T-shaped protrusions  68  serve as male mating members for the attachment of the lifting spool mount  30 ,  32  to the backdrop spool  12 . 
         [0049]    A lock  70  is also located in the outer ring  61  of the flange  60 . The lock of the illustrated embodiment is a pin lock  71 . The pin lock includes a bushing  72  molded into the outer ring  61 . The bushing  72  may be made of metal such as brass. The bushing has one or more external grooves used to retain the bushing  72  in the flange  61  and two internal grooves  73 . A detent pin  76  is inserted into the bushing  72 . When the ball  77  of the detent pin  76  is in a groove  73 , the pin  76  is locked in place in that position and cannot move without the imposition of some force. Thus, the pin  76  has two locked positions corresponding to when the pin is in either groove  73 . A first locked position is with the pin  76  protruding from the band  72  and extending into the channel between the two flanges  60 ,  62  of the mount  30 . The second locked position is with the pin  76  protruding from the band  72  and extending toward the side of the flange  60  with the T-shaped protrusions  68 , which provides a locking function against the rotational motion of backdrop spool mating flange  48 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 7  the attachment of the spool  12  to a lifting spool mount  30  is illustrated. The attachment is made by inserting the T-shaped protrusions  68  of the lifting spool mount flange  60  into the notches  58  of the spool flange  48 . When all of the T-shaped protrusions of one flange  60  are inserted into the notches  58 , either flange  48 ,  60  is rotated thereby positioning the bases of the T-shaped protrusions  68  in the elongated slots  56  of the spool flange  48 . The connected flanges can be locked in place by pushing lock pin  76  from the first position to the second position and into the notch  58  of the flange  48 . 
         [0051]    Other locks can be used to lock the connected flanges  48 ,  60  together. For example, a locking segment (not shown) can attached to a spring steel strip fastened to the opposite side of lifting spool flange  60  from the T-shaped protrusions  68 , taking the place of lock pin assembly  70 . When flanges  48 ,  60  are at their extreme rotated position, the spring strip moves a lock block into a space in both mating flanges  48 ,  60  and prevents further flange rotation with relation to the other flange. 
         [0052]    In certain embodiments the lifting spool mount flange  60  or the backdrop spool flange  48  has a short tube section (not shown) that is fastened permanently into, and extents outwardly from lifting spool flange  60  and fits snuggly within the center of the corresponding spool flange  48 . This tube section provides shear strength to the combined backdrop spool  12  and lifting spool mount  32  assembly. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , one alternative for storing the spools  12  and backdrops  16  is illustrated. A stopper  90  made of rubber or other compressible material is configured with a rounded bottom  92  and a stem  94 . The stem  94  has a diameter selected to fit within the opening  47  at either end of the spool  12 . The stem  94  of the stopper  90  can be inserted into this opening  47  creating a base for the spool  12 . The spool  12  may then be propped up against a wall or in a closet with the stopper  90  preventing the spool from slipping on the floor or from being damaged in contacting the floor. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B  an alternative embodiment of the backdrop system  110  is shown. In this embodiment, much of the backdrop system  110  remains the same as the first described embodiment  10 . However, the straps  122 ,  124  do not serve the dual purpose of height adjustment and rotation of the spool. Rather, the ends  123 ,  125  that are distant from the sheave  26  are detached from the attachment points  36 ,  37  and secured to attachment points  180 ,  181  adjacent the first and second flanges  160 ,  161  of the spool mounts  132 ,  133 . Thus by engaging the motor  28  or manual hoist, the spool mounts  132 ,  133  are raised and the spool  12  is not rotated. This embodiment may be used as a standalone product or may easily be retrofitted to the backdrop system  10 . 
         [0055]    The rotation of the spool  12  is achieved by a motor  182  operably attached through a reduction gearing system to the first mount flange  160 . The motor  182  may have a cord  184  that is plugged into a power source. In such instances it may be desirable to have a cord  184  that is spring coiled or wound on a retracting spool such that the cord  184  does not become tangled in the spool, straps, or other parts of the backdrop system  110 . Alternatively, the motor  182  may be battery powered eliminating the cord  184 . The motor  182  can be activated by a wireless or wired remote control or may be activated by directly turning on the motor  182 . 
         [0056]    The second flange  161  is attached to a freewheeling bearing assembly  186  allowing free circular rotation in either direction. The first and second flanges  132 ,  133  have T-shaped protrusions  168  or other attachment devices for securing the mount  130  to the spool  12 , being locked in place by locking assemblies  70 . When the motor  182  is activated an attached spool  12  may rotate in either direction. Stopping the motor  182  halts the rotation of the spool  12  in by force of gear ratio resistance. Alternatively, a locking or braking mechanism may be applied to halt the rotation of the spool  12 . 
         [0057]    The present invention also relates to a method of changing a spool  12  containing a backdrop  16 . The spool  12  may be lowered from a first height to a second height. Generally, the first height is at a position substantially above the floor such as near the ceiling. The second height is generally a position where a user may reach the spool while maintain direct contact with the ground. 
         [0058]    Once the spool  12  is lowered, a user may detach the spool  12  from lifting spool mounts  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, the removal of the spool is accomplished by unlocking the lock  70 . If the lock is a locking pin  76  the unlocking is done by sliding the locking pin  76  from a locked position to an unlocked position. Once the lock  70  is unlocked, the spool flanges  48  or lifting spool mount flanges  60 ,  160 ,  161  are rotated such that the T-shaped protrusions  68 ,  168  of the mount flanges  60 ,  160 ,  161  are positioned in the notches  58  of the spool flanges  48 . The T-shaped protrusions may then be removed from the notches  58  and the spool  12  is detached from the mount  60 . 
         [0059]    A second spool  12  may then be obtained and attached to the mount  60  of the suspension system. The attachment is done by reversing the detachment steps, namely, putting the T-shaped protrusions  68 ,  168  in the notches  58  and rotating the flanges  48 ,  60 ,  160 , or  161  until the T-shaped protrusions are at the end of the notches  58 . The lock  70  is then activated securing the spool  12  in place. The spool  12  and backdrop  16  may then be raised back up to a position at or near the first position. 
         [0060]    In certain embodiments the changing of the backdrop  16  may include winding the backdrop  16  on the spool  12  prior to lowering the spool  12 . In other embodiments, the backdrop  16  may be wound on the spool  12  as it is lowered or after it is lowered. It will be appreciated that at certain times it may be advantageous not to have any spool  12  or backdrop  16  on the suspension system.