Patent Publication Number: US-9423072-B2

Title: Flying platform with visually transparent flexible support members

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to suspended systems for entertainment or other theatrical events having wire supports and processes involving suspended system. More specifically, the present invention relates to platforms or other structures suspended by flexible support members that are rendered visually transparent to an audience. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In certain performance or theatrical presentations, it is desirable to hang people, scenery, platforms or other structures to provide an illusion of flying or hovering in space. These visual effects are provided by suspending the people, scenery, platforms or other structures from wires attached to a support above the suspended load. However, these systems are constrained in their movement and often have visual appearances that are undesirable or otherwise unconvincing to the audience. 
     For example, when a platform is suspended from cables, the cables are often visible to the audience. Suspended systems, such as platforms, are often suspended by four wires that are painted or otherwise colored matte black to reduce the visibility. However, such wire systems can be seen at certain angles and when lighting or visual effects are utilized. 
     Alternatively, controlled motion of a system can be desirable. Although movement of a platform can compromise safety, such movement can be incorporated into a theatrical presentation, a repetitive process such as repositioning of items or loads, or other suitable controlled motions. 
     What is needed is a system and process capable of suspending and moving a load, platform or other structures wherein the flexible support members are not visible to an audience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     One embodiment includes a suspended flying system having a load suspended by a plurality of flexible support members. The plurality of flexible support members are attached to a first rotational element attached to the load and a second rotational element attached to a support. A motor is operably connected to the first rotational element to provide sufficient motion to the plurality of flexible support members to render the flexible support members visually transparent. The load is movable within a space. 
     Another embodiment includes a method for suspending a load from visually transparent flexible support members. The method further includes suspending a load from a plurality of flexible support members, the plurality of flexible members being attached to a first rotational element attached to the load and a second element attached to a support. The method further includes moving the plurality of flexible support members at a sufficient speed and over a sufficient distance to render the flexible support members visually transparent. The method further includes moving the load within a space. 
     A further embodiment includes a suspended flying system having a load suspended by a plurality of flexible support members. The plurality of flexible support members is attached to a first rotational element attached to the load and a second rotational element attached to a support. a motor is operably connected to the first rotational element to provide sufficient motion to the plurality of flexible support members to render the flexible support members visually transparent. The load is movable by the system within a space with pitch, yaw and roll. 
     Further aspects of the method and system are disclosed herein. The features as discussed above, as well as other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an perspective view of a suspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a portion of a suspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows a top view of a load of a suspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of a portion of a suspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of a portion of a suspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an second rotational element of a suspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a first rotational element of a suspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 8-10  shows a schematic view of a suspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure rotating to render suspended columns visually transparent. 
         FIGS. 11-12  shows a schematic view of a suspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure rotating to render suspended columns visually transparent and lifting the load. 
         FIG. 13  shows a schematic view of an second rotational element of a suspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  shows a schematic view of an second rotational element of a suspended flying system according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of an second rotational element of a suspended flying system according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  shows a top view of the second rotational element of the suspended flying system shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  shows a top view of an second rotational element of a suspended flying system according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  shows a schematic view of an second rotational element of a suspended flying system according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  shows a top view of an second rotational element of a suspended flying system according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  shows a top view of an second rotational element of a suspended flying system according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Provided is a system and process of suspending a load, such as a platform, scenery, performer or other structure with flexible support members wherein the flexible support members suspending the load are not visible to the audience, the load being movable in multiple directions within a space. 
       FIG. 1  shows a suspended flying system  100  according to the present disclosure. The suspended flying system  100  includes four suspension columns  101  that are capable of rendered visually transparent upon sufficient motion of the flexible support members  103 . The suspension column  101  is made up of a grouping of flexible support members  103  that are rotatable about an axis. As utilized herein, “visually transparent” is a state where the flexible support members  103 , when in motion, are not visible or not easily perceptible to an observer as viewed from a position of an audience, camera or other position from which a performance may be viewed. While it is desirable to have the flexible support members  103  be fully visually transparent, partially transparent or translucent moving flexible support members  103  that are not easily observed by the viewer are “visually transparent”. 
     While the system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  includes four suspension columns  101 , any number of columns may be used to provide a flying effect for a load  102 . In  FIG. 1 , the load  102  is a platform, but is not so limited and may include a person, scenery, equipment or any other structure for which suspended flying is desired. The suspension columns  101  include a plurality of flexible support members  103  that are movable. While  FIG. 1  shows nine flexible support members  103  per suspension column  101 , any number of flexible support members may be used. A greater number of flexible support members  103  allow greater capacity for weight and reduced required diameter for the flexible support members  103 . Reducing diameter flexible support members  103  permit reduced motion to make the flexible support members  103 . Larger diameter flexible support members  103  require greater motion to render them visually transparent. Flexible support members  103  may be fabricated from any suitable material for supporting the load  102 . Suitable materials include carbon steel wire (e.g., piano wire), Aramid fibers, Vectran fibers, carbon fibers, UHMWPE fibers (Dyneema or Spectra) or any other flexible material suitable for suspending load  102 . In addition, flexible support members  103  may be coated or painted to further reduce visibility. For example, the flexible support members  103  may be painted matte black or coated with gun blue. In one embodiment, the system  100  includes nine flexible support members  103  per suspension column  101  formed of 1/32 inch Vectran fiber dyed flat black, which have tighter bend radius while similar strength to piano wire. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , flexible support members  103  are attached to second rotational element  105  and first rotational element  109 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the suspension columns  101  are rendered visually transparent by motion of the flexible support members  103  in a rotational direction. The motion of the flexible support members  103  is provided by the second rotational element  105  and first rotational element  109 . While both an second rotational element  105  and a first rotational element  109  are shown, the motion of the flexible support members  103  may be provided by other arrangements of rotational elements, including a single rotational element. The second rotational element  105  is driven by motor  107 . The second rotational element  105  and the motors  107  are supported on a support platform  108 . Motor  107  provides rotary motion to the second rotational element  105 , which results in corresponding rotational motion of the first rotational element  109 . In other embodiments, the second rotational element provides vibratory motion or oscillatory motion. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the first rotational element  109  is free-wheeling on bearings, but in other embodiments may be driven by a motor or similar device. 
     While not so limited, in one embodiment, the suspension column  101  is rotated at a speed of 350 to 1200 rpm. At lower speeds the suspension column  101  becomes more visible and at higher speeds the suspension column  101  begins to generate noise. A particularly suitable rotation speed for rendering the flexible support member visually transparent includes a rotational speed of about 1000 rpm. 
     Further motion of the system  100  is provided by the trolley  111 , which is driven by a motor or a winch along support truss  113 . In other embodiments the trolley  111  and/or truss  113  may also be moved or driven to provide additional directional movements for the system  100 . In one embodiment a crane-like structure with a swing arm provides structural support to the truss  113  and the trolley  111  and allows greater freedom of movement of the system  100 . The trolley  111  may also includes devices for drawing up and/or deploying the flexible support members  103  to provide the desired motion and/or visual effect. While  FIG. 1  shows the system  100  with truss  113  and trolley  111 , the bracket may also attach to an alternate moving support system, such as a lift or crane to provide desired motion of visual effect. The trolley  111  and the associated structure facilitate motion of the support platform  108  and the load  102  within a space. For example, the load  102  may be moved within a space, such as a theater space with motion including forward and backward linear motion with pitch, yaw and roll of the load  102 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a portion of system  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the support platform  108  is attachable to trolley  111  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) by bracket  201 . The support platform  108  is not limited to the structure shown and may include any suitable arrangement of support structures for motor  107  and suspension column  101 . To facilitate movement of the load  102  within a space, the support platform  108  may be moved, pivoted, rotated or otherwise moved to provide corresponding motion of the load  102 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a top view of load  102  with the placement of first rotational elements  109 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first rotational elements  109  may be placed at the corners of the load  102 . However, the placement of the first rotational elements  109  is not so limited and may include placement along the edges or in locations in the center providing support. Likewise, the number of first rotational elements  109  is not limited to four and may include any number that is capable of providing suspended support to load  102 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , first rotational elements  109  are gimbal structures that are pivotable and freely rotatable. In another embodiment, the first rotational element  109  is driven by a motor or similar structure to provide rotation to flexible support members  103  and suspension column  101 . In one embodiment, the first rotational element  109  includes a sensor or encoder to measure rotation. The rotation may be measured and compared to the rotation of the second rotational element  105  for safety and performance. In these embodiments, an emergency stop or other operational mode may be activated upon a deviation from the rotation at the second rotational element  105  and the first rotational element  109 . In one embodiment, first rotational element  109  includes an absolute encoder that is battery powered and wirelessly controlled. First rotational elements  109  are pivotable such that the angle of the wires and suspension column  101  may extend at various angles from the load  102 , particularly when the load is directed upwards or downwards (e.g., for pitching, yawing, or rolling) for particular visual effects. Flexible support members  103  attach to portions of the first rotational element  109  such that the flexible support members  103  form suspension column  101  and corresponds to the second rotational element  105 . In one embodiment, the system  100  includes four second rotational elements  105 , one at each corner of load  102  that can be controlled individually for straight lift, pitch, roll, and/or, yaw as needed. 
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of the system  100  wherein the suspension columns  101  are shown and rotation is shown. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the second rotational element  105  are operable connected to a motor  107  mounted on the support platform  108 . While not so limited, the second rotational elements  105  include a gimbal structure similar to the structure of first rotational element  109 . The gimbal structure is driven by motor  107  and is pivotable to allow alteration of the angle of the suspension column  101  to the support platform  108 . Motion along truss  113  includes a linear motion along the truss  113 . While the motion is shown as a linear motion, other motion, including rotational or pivotable motion may be provided by a crane or pivotable support extending on trolley  111 . Trolley  111  is driven by a motor mounted on the trolley  111  or by wires driven by winches or other suitable device capable of providing motion to trolley  111 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the second rotational element  105  attached to the motor  107 . In the embodiment shown, the second rotational element  105  extends through the support platform  108  and engages the motor  107 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  show the gimbal structure of the second rotational element  105  is visible showing the arms and the attachment of the flexible support members  103  to the second rotational element  105 .  FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the second rotational element  105  of the suspension column  101  removed from the support platform  108 . The gimbal structure includes bearings and pivot structures that allow rotation and pivot of the arms attaching to the flexible support members  203 . As shown, each grouping of flexible support members  103  on second rotational element  105  are capable of pivoting. The structure of second rotational element  105  corresponds to first rotational element  109 , as show in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the first rotational element  109  of the disappearing suspension column  101  where the first rotational element  109  attaches to load  102 . The first rotational element  109  is attached to the load  102  in any suitable manner. For example, the first rotational element  109  may be bolted, fastened, adhered, welded or otherwise attached to the load  102 . Like the second rotational element  105 , the flexible support members  103  are attached to arms of the gimbal structure of the first rotational element  109  and are individually pivotable. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first rotational element  109  rotates and follows the second rotational element  105 . As described above, the rotation of the first rotational element  109  may be measured and compared to the second rotational element  105  to prevent twisting, bending or undesired rotational movement of the suspension columns  101 . For example, the rotation may be measured so that any incorporation of any foreign object or collision can be detected and the system may be brought to a safe operational mode. In this embodiment, hard foreign objects can rub on the outside of the spinning flexible support members  103  without damage and cannot penetrate the disappearing suspension column  101 . If a soft foreign object (fabric, string, or similar object) winds up in the first rotational element  109 , the encoder will instantly go out of the tolerance window and the brakes will be applied to the motor  107 . 
       FIGS. 8-10  illustrate a method of rendering the flexible support members  103  visually transparent. As shown and described herein, flexible support members  103  are rendered visually transparent by movement of the flexible support members  103 . While rotational motion is shown, other types of movement, such as oscillatory, vibratory or other movement are also suitable for rendering the flexible support members  103  visually transparent. The flexible support members  103  are rendered invisible or partially invisible to a viewer viewing the apparatus as a spectator or audience member by movement of the flexible support members  103 . In another embodiment, the flexible support members  103  are visually transparent to one standing within a few feet of the apparatus. In addition to being visually transparent, the disappearing suspension column  101  preferably makes little or no noise perceptible to one viewing the apparatus. In  FIG. 8 , the system  100  is shown in a static position prior to rotation. In  FIG. 9 , the disappearing suspension columns  101  are rotated and the visibility of the flexible support members  103  begins to reduce. In  FIG. 10 , the disappearing suspension columns  101  are at a desired rotational speed and the flexible support members  103  are visually transparent. 
       FIGS. 11-12  illustrate another embodiment where the length of flexible support members  103  between the second rotational element  105  and the first rotational element  109  is varied to provide an elevational motion.  FIG. 11  shows the system  100  in a static position.  FIG. 12  shows the rotational movement of the disappearing suspension columns  101  and the lifting or upward motion of the load  102 . 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  show embodiments of second rotational element  105  allowing for the drawing in of flexible support members  103 .  FIG. 13  shows a series of drums  1301  onto which flexible support members  103  are drawn. The drums  1301  are driven by winch motor  103 . The entire assembly  1305  is rotated by motor  107 .  FIG. 14  shows an arrangement of sheaves  1401  wherein the flexible support members  103  are looped through the sheaves  1401  and returned to the first rotational element  109  (not shown in  FIG. 14 ). An adjustment ring  1403  provides movement of sheaves  1401  with respect to each other drawing the flexible support members  103  into and/or toward the second rotational element  105 , allowing for lifting or upward motion of the load  102 . While not shown, balancing weights, functional equipment, such as brakes, balancing weights and clutches may also be provided. In one embodiment, both motors and slew bearing are mounted to a compact pod on each corner of an “H” shape marionette frame under a separate ring gear rotate on the end of the arm, which also tracks, rotates, and lifts. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show an embodiment to lift/pitch/yaw the load  102  to fly upstage-downstage on an arm instead of just in a cross stage slot. The flexible support members  103  reel in and out from a winch above, while still spinning at high speed. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the second rotational element  105  includes a rotating drum that rotates the sheaves  1401  and provides the motion to the flexible support members  103 . In one embodiment, the top of flexible support members pass over small 2 inch sheaves to wrap around a central, vertical, nine groove, 5 inch diameter capstan drum. In this embodiment, the drum is on the output of a 2 hp AC servo motor with integral brake and absolute encoder, no gearbox. The sheaves are mounted at varied heights to align with the drum grooves in a cylindrical frame around the drum. In another embodiment, the cylinder is mounted to a toothed slew bearing belt driven by a second 2 hp AC servo motor with integral brake and absolute encoder. 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  show alternate arrangements of the second rotational element  105 . As shown the flexible support members  103  are attached to the second rotational element  105  by fasteners or any other suitable device or method. In  FIG. 17 , the rotational and motion of the flexible support members  103  is provided by an second rotational element  105  in a geared arrangement. For example, the geared arrangement can provide planetary motion or similar motion to the flexible support members  103 . The dual rotational motion provides greater variation of the motion to further prevent visibility of the flexible support members  103 . In  FIG. 18 , the rotation and motion of the flexible support members  103  is provided by the rotation of an second rotational element  105  in a plate arrangement. In one embodiment, the system  100  is operated such as to raise the load  102  up to 20 feet at 2 feet per second (fps), the motor speeds up to 1100 rpm, while the sheave cylinder and first rotational element  109  continue at 1000 rpm. To lower the load up to 20 feet at 2 fps max speed, the drum motor slows to 900 rpm, while the sheave cylinder and lower gimbal structure (i.e., first rotational element  109 ) continue at 1000 rpm. This way, only the lightweight drum and cylinder are the only spinning items with low inertia. The motors and feedback are fixed, so there is no commutation. 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  show alternate arrangements of placement of flexible support members  103 . In  FIG. 19 , the flexible support members  103  are aligned in rotation for a small number of common rotational paths  1901 . In  FIG. 20 , the flexible support members  103  are misaligned to provide a large number of rotational paths  1901 .  FIGS. 19 and 20  show just illustrations of possible arrangements of flexible support members  103 , which can be provided in a greater or less alignment than shown. The greater misalignment of the rotational paths results in less visibility of the flexible support members  103  as they are rotated. The misaligned rotational motion provides greater variation of the motion to further prevent visibility of the flexible support members  103 . 
     While the disclosure has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.