PORTABLE LIGHT EMITTING STAGE
A portable light-emitting stage component including a deck supported by a support portion comprising at least one light-producing element, a first side, a second side substantially parallel the first side, a first end connected to the first side and the second side, and a second end substantially parallel the first end, the second end connected to the first side and the second side. The at least one light-producing element directs light through the deck. The first side includes a first rotatable latch member comprising a first hook. The first side and the axis of rotation of the first rotatable latch member are substantially coplanar or parallel. The second side includes a first receiving member comprising a first post. The support portion includes a protrusion protruding from a side or end selected from the group consisting of the first side, the second side, the first end, and the second end.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/553,071, now pending, filed Oct. 26, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,716,895 issued on May 18, 2010, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to portable lighted structures. In particular, the present invention is directed to stage platforms and structures having lighting integrated therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONKnown staging systems typically include complicated and/or large individual components and require assembly of the components with threaded bolts or screws. Portable structures, such as stages or platforms, must be capable of breaking down into relatively small units that can be loaded onto trucks or airplanes for transport. Use of conventional connections, such as threaded bolts or screws increases the complexity of assembly and disassembly, further increasing the time and labor required for the assembly and disassembly. In addition, the portable structures must be capable of assembly in a short amount of time, by personnel having little or no technical skill. The above benefits must be provided while providing a platform that is capable of supporting a large amount of weight, such as the weight of theatrical performers and their associated equipment.
Stages incorporating lighting or video elements have found increasing use in theatrical performances. Portable stages that incorporate lighting or video have additional components that require intensive labor and/or time to erect and/or disassemble. In addition, the increased weight from the components and the complexity of the installation of additional lighting components into support components create additional burdens for maintaining support of the structure and makes assembly and disassembly of the stage more difficult.
What is needed is a portable platform structure incorporating lighting and/or video elements that is easily assembled and disassembled with little or no technical skill, having a stable structure, where the structure does not suffer from the drawbacks of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the present invention includes a portable light-emitting stage component of a stage assembly. The portable light-emitting stage component includes a deck supported by a support portion. The support portion includes at least one light-producing element, a first side, a second side substantially parallel the first side, a first end connected to the first side and the second side, and a second end substantially parallel the first end, the second end being connected to the first side and the second side. The at least one light-producing element is arranged and disposed to direct light through the deck. The first side includes a first rotatable latch member, and the first side and the axis of rotation of the first rotatable latch member are substantially coplanar or substantially parallel. The first rotatable latch member includes a first hook. The second side includes a first receiving member comprising a first post. Additionally, the support portion includes a protrusion protruding from a side or end selected from the group consisting of the first side, the second side, the first end, and the second end.
Another aspect of the invention includes a method for erecting a portable light emitting stage. The method includes positioning a first stage component adjacent a second stage component. Each stage component has a deck supported by a support portion. The support portion also has at least one light producing element arranged and disposed to direct light through the deck. The stage component also has at least one connector arranged and disposed to releasably connect adjacent support portions to form a substantially planar surface area made up of a plurality of deck. The method includes engaging the connector of the first stage component with the connector of the second stage component to clampingly secure the stage components together.
An advantage of the present invention is that stages incorporating lighting or video may be easily assembled and disassembled with little or no technical skill.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the stages incorporating lighting or video may be disassembled into small components which may be fitted into cargo spaces of tractor-trailers or aircraft.
Still another advantage of the present invention that the connections between stage components incorporating lighting or video do not require the use of threaded bolts or screws.
Still, another advantage of the present invention that the stage incorporating lighting or video may be assembled by hand with little or no assistance of tools.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIn addition to connectors 109, the stage component 100 of
As shown in
As shown in
The connectors 109 of the present invention may include a connector mechanism, such as draw latches, pull pin connectors, coffin locks, and any other quickly disconnected system that is capable of connecting the component units together with a quickly disconnectable clamping engagement with sufficient support to function as a decking or wall system.
In addition to the embodiments shown and described above, the decking portion 103 and the support portion 105 may also have geometries, attached devices or features that interlock separate stage components 100 to provide additional support and ease of positioning during assembly. The component units are preferably sized for easy disassembly and transport. In a preferred embodiment, the component units are configured to a size that fits within the cargo hold of a 747, or similar aircraft. In addition, the stage components 100 are arranged and/or discreetly labeled in order to provide quick assembly, while providing suitable support and providing the desired display for the decks 103.
While the invention 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 invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A light-emitting stage having a first stage component and a second stage component, the first stage component comprising:
- a first side having a rotatable latch member;
- a second side having a receiving member, the receiving member having a post; and
- a protrusion extending from a portion selected from the group consisting of the first side, the second side, a first end, and a second end;
- wherein the first stage component is configured to engage the second stage component.
2. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the rotatable latch member includes a semi-circular hook shaped member.
3. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the rotatable latch member includes a U-shaped loop member.
4. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the post in the receiving member is a cylindrical post.
5. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the post in the receiving member is a hook-shaped member.
6. The light-emitting stage of claim 5, wherein the hook-shaped member is configured to receive a U-shaped loop member in the rotatable latch member.
7. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the first side and the axis of rotation of the rotatable latch member are substantially coplanar or substantially parallel.
8. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the first stage component comprises a transparent deck.
9. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the first stage component comprises a semi-transparent deck.
10. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the rotatable latch member and the receiving member form a draw latch connector.
11. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the rotatable latch member and the receiving member form a pull pin connector.
12. The light-emitting stage of claim 1, wherein the rotatable latch member and the receiving member form a coffin lock connector.
13. A first stage component, the first stage component comprising:
- a first side having a rotatable latch member;
- a second side having a receiving member, the receiving member having a post; and
- a protrusion extending from a portion selected from the group consisting of the first side, the second side, a first end, and a second end;
- wherein the first stage component is configured to engage a second stage component.
14. The stage component of claim 13, wherein the rotatable latch member includes a semi-circular hook shaped member.
15. The stage component of claim 13, wherein the rotatable latch member includes a U-shaped loop member.
16. The stage component of claim 13, wherein the post in the receiving member is a cylindrical post.
17. The stage component of claim 13, wherein the post in the receiving member is a hook-shaped member.
18. The stage component of claim 17, wherein the hook-shaped member is configured to receive a U-shaped loop member in the rotatable latch member.
19. The stage component of claim 13, wherein the first side and the axis of rotation of the rotatable latch member are substantially coplanar or substantially parallel.
20. A method for erecting a light emitting stage, the method comprising:
- positioning a first stage component adjacent to a second stage component, the first stage component comprising: a first side having a rotatable latch member; a second side having a receiving member, the receiving member having a post; and a protrusion extending from a portion selected from the group consisting of the first side, the second side, a first end, and a second end; wherein the first stage component is configured to engage a second stage component;
- engaging the second stage component to secure the first stage component and the second stage component together.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 18, 2011
Publication Date: Jun 16, 2011
Applicant: TAIT TOWERS INC. (Lititz, PA)
Inventors: James FAIRORTH (Manheim, PA), Michael TAIT (Lititz, PA), Adam DAVIS (Leola, PA)
Application Number: 13/008,261
International Classification: E04B 5/46 (20060101); E04C 2/30 (20060101); E04B 1/38 (20060101);