PORTABLE SET SYSTEM AND METHODS RELATED THERETO

Abstract

A portable set system comprising a plurality of interconnected inflatable tubular support segments defining a frame element for a set, wherein removable display panels are supportively held on the frame element for customized stage use. Preferably, a plurality of frame elements are utilized together to define a stage set, wherein inflatable tubular connector members serve to relate the inflatable tubular support segments together during use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present U.S. Non-Provisional patent application claims priority to and all benefit of United States Provisional patent application entitled “Portable Set System and Methods Related Thereto,” filed on Jul. 31, 2009, on behalf of inventor Steve Hogue, and having assigned Ser. No. 61/230,215.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to sets, and more particularly, to a portable set system and methods related thereto, wherein quick and easy transport and set up of performance stage set components is facilitated, and wherein interchangeable display elements allow for inexpensive, themed customization. The portable set system of the present disclosure is particularly suited for ministry use, however, may be utilized in essentially any venue.

BACKGROUND

Many modern day ministries regularly rely on the use of temporary space for hosting services and events. As such, each week, or even more frequently, stage components must be set up and taken down, oftentimes requiring volunteers to begin work hours before the first morning service is to begin, and to deal with arduous disassembly thereafter.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a method and device for facilitating expeditious set-up and breakdown of stage components, and for allowing convenient storage and transport of same.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present device overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a portable set system that is amenable to customized needs, that is relatively lightweight and of minimal dimensions when disassembled, and that is adapted for deployment to a performance-ready state in minutes.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, in its preferred form, the present device is a portable set system comprising a plurality of interconnected inflatable tubular support segments defining a frame element for a set, wherein removable display panels are supportively held on the frame element for customized stage use. Preferably, a plurality of frame elements are utilized together to define a stage set, wherein inflatable tubular connector members serve to relate the inflatable tubular support segments together during use.

Each frame element may be adapted to support a stage set element, as desired, according to the interconnected positioning of the inflatable tubular support segments. For example, stage set elements comprising a puppet stage, a video display frame, a door, or any other desirable stage element may be defined by a single frame element, and then intermixed, as desired, for a particular stage use. In order to further define each stage element, suitably designed and sized display panels are adapted for removable placement on each frame element, preferably via hook and loop fastener, hooks, grommets, snaps or the like. In such manner, themed displays may be quickly and easily interchanged for differing needs and stage uses.

For maximum efficiency and user set flexibility, in the preferred embodiment, one or more frame elements may be dual-purpose, or dual-sided, wherein a first stage set element is defined on one side and a second stage set element is defined on the opposing side, such as, for example, a door on one side and a puppet show on the other side. In such manner, a user may easily select, during assembly and setup, either stage set element to be facing outwardly from the stage. This preferred multi-stage set configuration for a frame element increases useable stage set options for the user without necessitating purchase and/or transport of an increased number of frame elements.

A further feature may be included in order to facilitate use of optional three-dimensional stage accessories proximate the set, wherein a quick-lock valve, or other suitable connector, may be defined in one or more inflatable tubular support segment, with a quick-lock male valve mate may be provided on a desired three-dimensional stage accessory. In such manner, the accessory may be quickly and easily added and/or removed from a deployed stage set, as desired, with automatic and quick inflation thereof. Three-dimensional stage accessories may also be connected with inflatable connector tubes, such as those linking the frames.

A plurality of features and advantages of the present device and methods related thereto will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1a is a front view of a portable set system according to the preferred embodiment, showing the display panels installed;

FIG. 1b is a rear view of a display panel for a puppet stage frame element;

FIG. 1c is a rear view of a display panel for a door frame element;

FIG. 2 is a rear, perspective view of the portable set system of FIG. 1a, showing the system without a display element;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a corner connector, according to the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4a is a front cross-sectional view of a puppet stage frame element, according to the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4b is an overhead cross-sectional view of the puppet stage frame element of FIG. 4a;

FIG. 4c is a front cross-sectional view of a door frame element, according to the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4d is a front view of a display frame element, according to the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 is rear, perspective view of the display frame element of FIG. 4d; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a dual-surface, dual purpose frame element, according to the preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present device and methods related thereto, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1a-7, the preferred embodiment is portable set system 10, comprising plurality of interconnected inflatable tubular support segments 20 defining frame element 30, wherein removable display panel 40 is supportively held by frame element 30. Preferably, a plurality of frame elements 30 are utilized together to define stage set 50. That is, for example according to FIGS. 1a and 2, side and center frame elements, respectively 32a, 32c, and 32b, are shown deployed together, wherein in the preferred form, portable set system 10 is a three piece, fully inflatable, portable set. It should be noted that although any suitable materials of manufacture may be utilized, as appropriate, as long as characteristics of inflatability and supportive display are maintained.

Plurality of inflatable tubular support segments 20 preferably comprises plurality of display support segments 22 and plurality of section support segments 24, wherein plurality of display support segments 22 serve to support removable display panel 40, and wherein plurality of section support segments 24 serve to support each frame element 30 in an upright display position. As may be appropriate, plurality of inflatable tubular support segments 20 may be deployed vertically or horizontally, or even angularly relative to one another, depending upon support needs for each inflatable tubular support segments 20 and/or the desired configuration and size for display panel 40, some of which are representatively depicted in FIGS. 2, 4a-4d, and 5-6. Also, it should be noted that plurality of tubular support segments 20 could be alternately shaped, such as prismatic or triangularly shaped, or any other shape suitable for the purposes and uses described herein.

Specifically, referring now to FIG. 2, multi-stage element 36 is shown in use on either side of video display frame 84. Video display frame 84 is preferably formed with two horizontally deployed inflatable tubular support segments 22a and two vertically deployed inflatable tubular support segments 22b as plurality of display support segments 22, and with two horizontal section support segments 24. Inflation input connection 72 preferably extends from a horizontal support segment 24, and is configured to operative connect to inflation source 70. According to this preferred configuration of stage set 50, one multi-stage element 36 is operatively connected on each side of video display frame 84, with inflatable tubular connector member 60. That is, each multi-stage element 36 is preferably formed with puppet stage side 38a and door side 38b, wherein puppet stage side 38a is formed with three horizontally deployed inflatable tubular support segments 36a and two vertically deployed inflatable tubular support segments 36b, wherein door side 38b is formed with one long and two short horizontally deployed inflatable tubular support segments 36a and four vertically deployed inflatable tubular support segments 36b, and wherein puppet stage side 38a and door side 38b are preferably connected together with two horizontally deployed inflatable tubular support segments 36a. Each side, puppet stage side 38a and door side 38b, is preferably equipped with inflatable tubular connector member 60, whereby operative connection may be preferably established with section support segments 24 of center frame element 32b. In such manner, air flow from inflation source 70 may pass into each frame element 30 of stage set 50. It is important to note that arrangement of plurality of interconnected inflatable tubular support segments 20 and plurality of inflatable tubular connector members 60 could be changed in order to define other frame structures or stage set elements, as desired, without deviating from the intended scope of the present disclosure, and the arrangement of selected frame elements relative to one another may also be varied, wherein the preferred embodiment disclosed herein and depicted in the drawings is not be limiting. Further, inflation source 70 could alternately be connected to any one, or more than one frame element 30, according to alternate configurations for portable set system 10.

Referring now to FIG. 3, plurality of inflatable tubular connector members 60 may relatedly connect plurality of inflatable tubular support segments 20 to inflation source 70, as well as to each other, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein inflation source 70 may be any suitable means of inflation, without limitation. That is, according to the preferred embodiment, side frame elements 32a and 32c are connected to center frame element 32b, each by at least one inflatable tubular connector member 60. Each inflatable tubular connector member 60 is attached between two related frame elements 32 with hook-and-loop fastener for an essentially airtight seal, wherein inflation may be accomplished directly through center frame element 32b, and passing into side frame elements 32a and 32c via inflatable tubular connector members 60.

As previously noted, each frame element 30 may be adapted to support any one of a plurality of stage set elements 80, such as, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, those shown in FIG. 1a, puppet stage 82, video display frame 84, and/or door 86. It should be noted by one skilled in the art that other stage set elements 80 could be utilized, as desired. Moreover, it is preferred that frame element 34 is defined as multi-stage set element 36, wherein, for example, puppet stage 82 is defined on one selectable display surface, and door 86 is defined on an opposing selectable display surface, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. Inflatable tubular support segments 20 function to connect each of the selectable display surfaces of multi-stage set element 36, and also provide stability to each stage set element 80.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4a-4d, 5-6, exemplary configurations for support of puppet stage 82, door 86, and video display frame 84 are shown. In order to further define each stage element 80, suitably designed and sized display panels 40 are adapted for removable placement on each frame element 80, as exemplarily displayed in FIG. 1a. The preferred size for each display panel 40, or banner, is eight feet wide by seven feet tall, wherein this preferred size allows for an impressive visual display yet facilitates easy handling and assembly. It should be noted, however, other sizes may be utilized, as well as other shapes, as may be desired to facilitate formation of an increased number of selectable stage elements. Preferably, as representatively depicted in FIGS. 1b and 1c, hook and loop fastener 44 is attached in appropriately supportive locations and along the back of display panels 40, wherein alignment and pressurized application of display panels 40 is facilitated thereby. Alternately, hooks, grommets, snaps, or any other suitable means for removable connection may be utilized rather than or than in addition to hook and loop fastener 44. The interchangeable nature of plurality of display panels 40 allows for inexpensive customization of set design. For video display frame 84, hook and loop fastener 44 may be utilized to securely position a video display screen within the perimeter of video display frame 84. In such manner, portable stage set device 10 may be utilized with essentially any video display screen or other audio/visual unit, as desired, again enhancing the ease of portability of portable stage set device 10, as well as economic advantageousness by enabling short-term utilization of a pre-existing video display screen rather than necessitating dedicated use of such set related electronic equipment.

In an alternate embodiment, not shown, quick-lock valve may be defined in one or more inflatable tubular support segments 20, with quick-lock male valve mate provided on a desired three-dimensional stage accessory, such as, for example, a character or vehicle. In such manner, the accessory may be quickly and easily added and/or removed from a deployed stage set, as desired, with automatic and quick inflation thereof. It should be readily recognized by one skilled in the art that any suitable valve adaptation may be utilized, wherein inflation may be facilitated therethrough, and wherein sealing of support segment 20 may occur when no accessory is attached thereto. However, it should be noted that a preferable configuration does not necessitate the installation of quick-lock valves, but instead utilizes hook-and-loop attachment elements, wherein one or more three dimensional inflatable objects, such as a car, boat, couch, chair, garbage can, or any vehicle may be optionally integrated into device 10, with operational attachment accomplished with hook and loop fastener and inflatable tubular connector members 60. In such a configuration, the optional three dimensional objects may be inflated along with the remaining elements of device 10, without requiring any additional functional elements. In either manner, the accessory may be quickly and easily added and/or removed from a deployed stage set, as desired, with automatic and quick inflation thereof.

In another alternate embodiment, portable set system 10 could be configured for other temporary display uses, such as for trade show display or exhibition booth element, or any other suitable use wherein plurality of interconnected inflatable tubular support segments 20 may be arranged to define a desirable frame element 30, and wherein removable display panel 40 may be suitably imprinted, such as with brand identification or the like.

In use, plurality of inflatable tubular support segments 20 are easily transported, in a deflated state, wherein after laying out, inflation source 70 is activated and portable stage set 10 is quickly and easily deployed. Preferably, inflation source 70 is a one horse blower. According to the preferred configuration for set up and use, inflation source 70 is operatively attached with inflatable tubular connector member 60 to a back side of video display frame 84, and each further set element 32 is operatively linked with video display frame 84 in such manner that air flows there into from inflation source 70. According to the most preferred configuration of the present portable stage set device 10, three frame elements 30 are utilized together and define an overall display length of approximately twenty-eight feet. It should be noted that although such a length is preferred, shorter or longer stage sets may be adaptively configured, as desired. Inflation completes within less than five minutes, wherein secure attachment of display panels 40 accomplished thereafter, preferably by hook-and-loop fastener adhesion.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present device, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that within the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the presently described device and methods related thereto are not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but are limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable set system, comprising:

a plurality of inflatable tubular support segments connected to form a frame structure,

means for operatively connecting said frame structure to an inflation air source, and

means for supporting a display element proximate said frame structure.

2. The portable set system of claim 1,

wherein said means for operatively connecting said frame structure to an inflation air source is a connecting tube, and

wherein said frame structure and said connecting tube have complementary hook and loop fastener enabling secure connection therebetween.

3. The portable set system of claim 1,

wherein said display element is a video screen panel, and

said means for supporting a display element proximate said frame structure is hook and loop fastener.

4. The portable set system of claim 1,

wherein said frame structure is a first frame structure, and further comprising: a plurality of inflatable tubular support segments connected to form a second frame structure, means for operatively connecting said second frame structure to said first frame structure, and means for supporting a display element proximate said second frame structure.

5. The portable set system of claim 4, further comprising:

a plurality of inflatable tubular support segments connected to form a third frame structure,

means for operatively connecting said third frame structure to said first frame structure, and

means for supporting a display element proximate said third frame structure.

6. The portable set system of claim 4,

wherein said means for operatively connecting said second frame structure to said first frame structure is an inflatable tubular connector, and

wherein said means for supporting a display element proximate said second frame structure is hook and loop fastener.

7. The portable set system of claim 5, wherein said means for operatively connecting said third frame structure to said first frame structure is an inflatable tubular connector, and

wherein said means for supporting a display element proximate said third frame structure is hook and loop fastener.

8. The portable set system of claim 1,

wherein said display element is a banner, and

said means for supporting said display element is hook and loop fastener.

9. The portable set system of claim 5, wherein said second frame structure and said third frame structure define a set element selected from the group consisting of a puppet stage, and a door.

10. The portable set system of claim 4, wherein said second frame structure defines a set element further comprising a puppet stage and a door.

11. The portable set system of claim 1, wherein said means for supporting a display element proximate said frame structure is selected from the group consisting of hooks, grommets, and snaps.

12. The portable set system of claim 1, further comprising at least one quick-lock valve carried proximate at least one of said plurality of inflatable tubular support segments.

13. The portable set system of claim 1, further comprising an operatively connected, inflatable three-dimensional stage accessory.

14. A method of assembling a set, comprising the steps of:

obtaining an inflatable display frame with an air source connector, and a plurality of frame connection ports;

obtaining a first inflatable frame structure with at least one frame connection port;

obtaining a second inflatable frame structure with at least one frame connection port;

obtaining a plurality of frame connection tubes;

attaching one of said plurality of frame connection tubes to one of said plurality of frame connection ports of said inflatable display frame and to said at least one frame connection port of said first inflatable frame structure;

attaching another one of said plurality of frame connection tubes to another one of said plurality of frame connection ports of said inflatable display frame and to said at least one frame connection port of said second inflatable frame structure;

connecting said inflatable display frame to an air source;

allowing air to flow from said air source into said inflatable display frame, said first inflatable frame structure, and said second inflatable frame structure to assemble said set.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said first inflatable frame structure and said second inflatable frame structure further comprise hook and loop fastener, and further comprising the steps of:

obtaining a plurality of display panels with hook and loop fastener;

attaching one of said plurality of display panels to said first inflatable frame structure with said hook and loop fastener; and

attaching another one of said plurality of display panels to said second inflatable frame structure with said hook and loop fastener.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one of said first and second inflatable frame structures is dual-surface and dual-purpose, and wherein a first surface is puppet stage and wherein a second surface is a door; and further comprising the step of:

selecting either said first surface or said second surface for display, and

positioning and attaching said dual-surface and dual-purpose inflatable frame structure to said inflatable display frame to display said selected surface.

17. A temporary display structure, comprising:

a plurality of inflatable elements operatively connected to define a frame structure, and

a display element removably carried by said frame structure, wherein said temporary display structure is freestanding and a user remains in contact with the surface of the ground during use.