RAPIDLY DEPLOYABLE STAGE SYSTEM
The present disclosure provides a rapidly deployable stage system, including a primary stage unit, a secondary stage unit including a container for transporting a pair of stage buggies and a pair of video buggies. The primary stage unit includes remotely actuated lateral supports that enable self-unloading of the primary stage unit from a standard semi-truck trailer, remotely steerable wheel units that controllably move the primary stage unit to a desired location, a remotely actuated main stage that pivots into an in-use position, and a remotely actuated roof assembly that is positioned above the main stage when in an in-use position. Each buggy is remotely controllable to move out of the container into an in-use position.
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This application is related to the subject matter of co-filed patent applications entitled RAPIDLY DEPLOYABLE PRIMARY STAGE UNIT, docket HTS-P0002, and RAPIDLY DEPLOYABLE BUGGIES FOR A STAGE SYSTEM, docket HTS-P0003, the entire disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSUREThe present disclosure relates to stage systems that can be moved from one location to another, and more particularly to a rapidly deployable, fully integrated staging system that provides a high-end, professional performance environment at substantially reduced costs compared to conventional systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUREMany events such as concerts, speaking engagements, product promotions, fashions shows and the like (collectively, “performance events”) are provided at a variety of different locations over the course of a “tour,” but occur only once at any particular location and last for just a few hours. Often, the venues for the performance events do not provide the equipment necessary for the event (i.e., the stages, lighting and audio/video equipment—collectively, “performance equipment”), particularly if the venue is outside. Accordingly, the performance equipment must be moved to each venue. Large-scale performance events such as stadium concerts typically utilize custom built performance equipment that requires days or even weeks to assemble, configure and tear down. The expense associated with the very high costs of assembling, disassembling and transporting such performance equipment is generally justified by the revenue generated by the large crowds in attendance, and often further offset by providing multiple performances on different dates at the same venue.
At the other end of the spectrum, many small-scale performance events such as rallies by local politicians require the use of inexpensive performance equipment. Such equipment may include a towable trailer with a fold-out side wall forming a stage and a roof to protect against the elements. The low-impact, unprofessional environment provided by these systems is acceptable given the nature of the performance event and high portability and low cost of the system.
A very large portion of performance events fall in the middle. Elaborate, custom-built performance equipment is impractical and the amateur environment provided by low-end systems is unacceptable to the performers and/or promoters of the event. Solutions for this market also exist. Generally, mid-market performance equipment solutions include higher-end convertible trailer systems and container systems. The convertible trailer systems typically provide a low-impact, “back of a trailer” environment that is unsuitable for many performance events. Moreover, these systems generally must be augmented with external power sources, audio equipment, and video equipment. This requires substantial set-up and tear-down time and logistics challenges in making sure the equipment is delivered and removed according to the performance schedule. Often, several hours are required before and after the performance. Typical container systems include stand-alone stages that are unloaded from a semi-trailer. While these systems may avoid the “back of a trailer” look and feel, they typically also require substantial set-up and tear-down time and auxiliary power, audio, and video equipment. Additionally, cranes, forklifts and other equipment are typically necessary to unload and configure the components of such systems, adding to the cost of the systems and complicating the scheduling for setup and tear-down.
The logistics and deployment time associated with these conventional mid-market staging solutions essentially preclude their use for a tour including back-to-back performances at different venues. In many cases it is simply not possible tear-down the performance equipment after a performance, transport it to the next venue, and setup the equipment in time for a performance the next evening. Accordingly, some promoters rent two or even three duplicate performance equipment systems to accommodate the schedule of the tour. Of course, this added cost significantly impacts the overall profitability of the tour.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREThe present disclosure describes a rapidly deployable, fully integrated staging system that provides a high-end, professional performance environment at substantially reduced costs compared to conventional systems.
One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a rapidly deployable stage system, including a primary stage unit having a main frame with a volume, when in a stowed configuration, that is approximately the same as a volume of a standard cargo container, and a secondary stage unit including a container having a volume that is approximately the same as a volume of a standard cargo container, a pair of stage buggies configured for storage in the container, and a pair of video buggies configured for storage in the container. In this embodiment, the primary stage unit includes remotely actuated lateral supports that enable self-unloading of the primary stage unit from a standard semi-truck trailer, remotely steerable wheel units that controllably move the primary stage unit to a desired location, a remotely actuated main stage that pivots into an in-use position, and a remotely actuated roof assembly that raises and extends to a position above the main stage when in an in-use position. Additionally, each stage buggy is remotely controllable to move out of the container into an in-use position wherein a platform of the stage buggy supplements the main stage, and each video buggy is remotely controllable to move out of the container into an in-use position wherein a display mounted to the video buggy is positioned substantially vertical relative to the main stage.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a rapidly deployable stage system, including a primary stage unit having a frame, a plurality of lateral supports connected to the frame for supporting the primary stage unit, a pair of wheel units connected to the frame for moving the primary stage unit, a lift mechanism, a main stage floor configured to be lifted and tilted by the lift mechanism, a roof assembly mounted to support columns that extend vertically and including joists that extend substantially laterally, and a remote control configured to operate the lateral supports, the wheel units, the lift mechanism and the roof assembly. This embodiment further includes a secondary stage unit having at least one stage buggy having an engine and an adjustable platform configured to expand the area of the main stage floor, at least one video buggy having an engine and a display, and a remote control configured to operate the stage buggies.
Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for rapidly deploying a stage system, including the steps of using a first control unit to deploy lateral supports of a primary stage unit to engage the ground and lift the primary stage unit off of a trailer, using the first control unit to deploy and control wheel units mounted to the primary stage unit to move the primary stage unit to a desired location, using the first control unit to deploy a main stage of the primary stage unit into an in-use position by pivoting and raising the main stage, and using the first control unit to deploy a roof assembly of the primary stage unit into an in-use position by moving a plurality of roof panels vertically relative to the main stage and telescopically extending the roof panels substantially horizontally relative to the main stage.
The above-mentioned aspects of the present teachings and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the teachings will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSUREThe embodiments of the present teachings described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present teachings.
As shown generally in
Referring now to
Roof assembly 118 includes a plurality of roof panels 136 which are remotely deployed to provide protection against elements such as rain during the performance event. Roof assembly 118 includes a plurality of additional components that will be described in the context of the description of deployment of system 100 provided below. Similarly, the various elements of main stage floor 120 will be described in greater detail below. Each of front lateral stage supports 122, 124 generally include a horizontal support 138, 140 attached at one end 138A, 140A in a pivotal fashion to a wheel housing 114, 116 and supporting a vertical support 142, 144 at the other end 138B, 140B, which houses a telescopically moveable ground-engaging leg 146, 148.
Wheel housings 114, 116 generally form a box-like support structure 150, 152 for a pair of wheel units 154, 156, which may be manufactured by Kamag. As wheel housings 114, 116 are substantially identical, only wheel housing 114 is described in detail herein. Support structure 150 includes an upper truss 158, a lower truss 160 forming a floor 162, and a plurality of uprights 164 connecting upper truss 158 to lower truss 160. Wheel unit 154 is mounted in a rotatable fashion to lower truss 160, and includes a pair of wheel supports 166, 168, each supporting a wheel 170, 172. Each wheel support 166, 168 includes a vertical drive unit 174, 176 which may be actuated remotely to raise and lower the corresponding wheel 170, 172 relative to an opening 178, 180 formed through floor 162 below the wheel 170, 172. As is further described below, wheel unit 154 may be operated to lower wheels 170, 172 through openings 178, 180 to engage the ground and move primary stage unit 102 to a desired location. Because wheel units 154, 156 are rotatable independently of one another and provide 360 degree steering, they may cause primary stage unit 102 to perform tight direction changes with a minimum of damage to the ground over which primary stage unit 102 travels. This is a significant advantage when system 100 is deployed at venues such as fields of sporting events, on fairgrounds, and in other locations where the integrity of the surface must be maintained. Moreover, the maneuverability of primary stage unit 102 as a result of the rotatable independence of wheel units 154, 156 permits positioning of primary stage unit 102 in locations that would be otherwise inaccessible by conventional trailer systems or present difficult positioning challenges for conventional container systems.
The sequence of figures including
When semi-truck 108 is driven to the desired location and parked, primary stage unit 102 may be activated and controlled using a local control panel 182 and a remote control 184 as shown in
Returning now to the deployment process of
Next, as shown in
Referring now to
As shown in
The operator may lower main stage floor 120 about the plurality of pivot connections 264 between horizontal supports 254 and support trusses 266 by actuating stage tilt (−) button 214 of remote control 184, which activates lift mechanism 134. In this manner, main stage floor 120 pivots downwardly from the position shown in
Still referring to
Referring now to
Nested sections 310A-D of each support column 302 are attached to an extension support structure 312 which supports telescopic roof joists 304 and roof panels 136. In one embodiment, each of primary housing 308 and nested sections 310A-D include six sides forming a hexagonal cross-section and a perimeter shoulder 314. When a support column 302 is in the stowed position, shoulder 314 of nested section 310A rests on shoulder 314 of primary housing 308, shoulder 314 of nested section 310B rests on shoulder 314 of nested section 310A, and so on.
As best shown in
Joist sections 316A support roof panels 320, which are disposed below the remainder of roof panels 136. Joist sections 316B are telescopically received by joist sections 316A, and include lifter extensions 332. Lifter extensions 332 support roof panels 322, which when extended as shown in
The operator can control the tilt of roof assembly 118 using roof tilt (+) button 228 and roof tilt (−) button 230. Actuation of these buttons causes activation of a hydraulic drive (not shown) in extension support structure 312 coupled to a pivotal connection (not shown) between extension support structure 312 and upper nested section 310D of each support column 302. In this manner, the tilt of roof assembly 118 relative to horizontal may be adjusted between a tilted orientation (corresponding to an in-use position of roof assembly 118 as shown in
It should be understood that support columns 302 may be raised independently of the extension and/or refraction of roof joists 304. Alternatively, support columns 302 and roof joists 304 may be moved simultaneously to reduce the time required to deploy and/or stow roof assembly 118. Additionally, roof joists 304 may be fully deployed while support columns 302 are only partially raised. This enables workers to access lighting equipment suspended from roof joists 304 (as described below), attach banners and/or signs to roof joists 304, etc. without the need for scaffolding or ladders.
Referring now to
Primary stage unit 102 further includes a rear screen 346 supported between support columns 302, and a forward video signboard 348. Rear screen 346 may be a roll-up or foldable projector screen capable of providing relatively low-resolution video to accompany the performance. In one embodiment, rear screen 346 is approximately 23 feet by 20 feet when unrolled, with a 37 mm pitch and 192×160 resolution. The brightness specification is 2300 and horizontal and vertical view angles are greater than 120 degrees. A suitable rear screen 346 may be the F-37L manufactured by XL Video. Video signboard 348 is supported by the forward ends 350 (
It should also be noted that because of the pivotal connections between main stage floor 120 and lift mechanism 134, main stage floor 120 may be tilted (using stage tilt (+) button 121 and/or stage tilt (−) button 214) such that the rear edge 352 of main stage floor 120 is higher than the forward edge 354 of main stage floor 120. In one embodiment, the maximum tilt angle of main stage floor 120 is 30 degrees relative to horizontal. This tilting feature permits, for example, enhanced display of products such as automobiles supported by main stage floor 120. By tilting such objects, they are presented in a more natural viewing orientation when viewed from attendees of the event standing on the ground. This is particularly useful for attendees close to main stage floor 120 when main stage floor 120 is at its maximum elevation.
In another embodiment shown in
Secondary stage unit 104 further includes a pair of front, telescopically extendable lateral supports 362, 364, and a pair of rear, telescopically extendable lateral supports (not shown in
The four lateral supports 362, 364 are used to automatically unload secondary stage unit 104 in the same manner as the counterpart supports of primary stage unit 102 as described above with reference to
Referring back to
As explained below, video buggies 392 include scissor lifts which raise and lower an upper frame. Video buggies 392 can be raised in the manner described below when in container 378 such that the hooks on ceiling 400 may be coupled to the openings on the upper frames. The scissor lifts may then be actuated to lift video buggies 392 off of floor 398 of container 378 into positions 3 and 4. They may be lowered from positions 3 and 4 by reversing this process. Alternatively, conventional hoist systems powered by hydraulic power pack may be used to provide push-button lifting and lowering of the suspended buggies 392. In yet another alternate embodiment, manual or automatic pulley systems may be used. Additionally, stabilization members may be attached to suspended buggies 392 and side walls of container 378 to prevent excessive lateral motion of suspended buggies 392 during transport on trailer 106.
After secondary stage unit 104 is automatically unloaded in the manner described above, a door 402 at one end 404 of container 378 is opened to permit unloading of buggies 392, 394. To unload the buggies, stage buggy 394 in position 1 is first powered on using remote control 406 depicted in
The operator moves stage buggy 394 from position 1 by first actuating buggy select 1 button 412 of remote control 406, then actuating start button 408 which activates an engine (described below) of buggy 394. The operator uses one of forward button 416 or rearward button 418 (and possibly left button 420 and/or right button 422) to drive stage buggy 394 out of container 378 and onto the ground. Stage buggy 394 in position 2 is similarly selected, powered and driven using remote control 406 out of container 378 and onto the ground. The operator may then enter container 378 and disconnect any stabilization members attached to video buggies 392. The suspension mechanism suspending video buggies 392 is then actuated to lower buggies 392 onto floor 398 of container 378. The operator then disconnects the suspension mechanism from video buggies 392.
The operator then activates and drives video buggies 392, one after the other, out of container 378 and onto the ground in a manner similar to that described above using remote control 450 depicted in
Each scissor lift 486 generally includes a first scissor support 518 movably attached to longitudinal member 494A of main frame 484 and a second scissor support 520 movably attached to longitudinal member 494B of main frame 484. Each scissor support 518, 520 includes a pair of braces 522 that are pivotally connected to one another at a mid-point 524 as shown. As will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art, the ends of braces 522 are pivotally connected to longitudinal members 494A-B and platform frame 490, and at least one end 526 of braces 522 is connected to a bracket 528 that is movable in a guide along a portion of the corresponding longitudinal member 944A-B. In this manner, and under the power of engine 498, scissor lifts 486 may be actuated simultaneously to raise and lower platform 488 of stage buggy 394.
In operation, an operator uses forward button 416, rearward button 418, left button 420, and right button 422 of remote control 406 to drive stage buggy 394 to a desired location such as adjacent main stage floor 120 as shown in
When stage buggy 394 reaches its approximate location, the operator actuates level button 424 on remote control 406 to cause receiver/controller 502 of stage buggy 394 to initiate an auto-level sequence. In this sequence, ground-engaging legs 516 are extended from leg housings 514 until each leg 516 engages the ground. Each leg 516 is equipped with a pressure sensor (not shown) which enables receiver/controller 502 to detect when the leg 516 engages the ground. Receiver/controller 502 further includes a gravity sensor (not shown) which supplies a tilt angle for buggy 394 in the X and Y directions. Receiver/controller 502 uses the tilt angles in a measure and correct cycle which controls ground-engaging legs 516 to compensate in an iterative fashion for any initial unbalance of buggy 394.
Next, the operator actuates up button 426 on remote control 406 which causes receiver/controller 502 to power scissor lifts 486, thereby raising platform 488. In the example shown in
Stage buggy 394 further includes an X/Y/theta adjustment mechanism (not shown) for moving platform 488 a relatively small distance in the X direction, the Y direction, and pivotally through an angle theta about a vertical axis C of platform 488 as indicated in
As the operator adjusts the position of platform 488 in the X/Y/theta directions, platform 488 is moved out of its “home” position which is shown in
The second stage buggy 394 is deployed in the manner described above with reference to stage buggy 394. In one configuration, the second stage buggy 394 is positioned parallel to and in alignment with stage buggy 394. In another configuration, the second stage buggy 394 is positioned perpendicular to and in alignment with stage buggy 394 to provide a runway type configuration for the performance. Of course, either stage buggy 394 may be positioned at any desired location to enhance the performance environment.
Referring now to
Each scissor lift 536 generally includes a first scissor support 568 movably attached to longitudinal member 546A of main frame 534 and a second scissor support 570 movably attached to longitudinal member 546B of main frame 534. Each scissor support 568, 570 includes a plurality of braces 572 that are pivotally connected to one another in the manner shown. As will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art, scissor supports 568, 570 are pivotally connected to longitudinal members 546A-B and upper frame 538, and at least two braces 572 of each scissor support 568, 570 is connected to a bracket 574 that is movable in a guide along a portion of the corresponding longitudinal member 546A-B and relative to upper frame 538. In this manner, and under the power of engine 550, scissor lifts 536 may be actuated simultaneously to raise and lower upper frame 538 of video buggy 392.
Upper frame 538 includes a pair of side members 576A-B and a pair of end members 578 attached to one another to define an interior volume 580 for receiving display 540 and speakers 542A-B in the manner described below. Upper frame 538 further includes a support frame 582 pivotally connected to side member 576A, and a pair of actuators 584. Each actuator 584 includes a cylinder 586 pivotally connected to side member 576B and a hydraulically actuated rod 588 that is movable into and out of cylinder 586 and is pivotally connected at one end to support frame 582.
Display 540 is mounted to support frame 582. In general, display 540 includes an upper half 590 and a lower half 592, and is foldable onto itself about a fold axis 594. In one embodiment, display 540 is 14′ 9″ wide and 8′ 10″ tall when unfolded. It provides a 16:9 format image, 360 Hz refresh rate, with 11 mm pitch and 360×280 resolution. Brightness is 5500 and the horizontal and vertical viewing angles are greater than 160 degrees. A suitable display 540 may be the F-11 display manufactured by XL Video.
Like display 540, speakers 542A-B each include an upper half 596 and a lower half 598, which is mounted to support frame 582. Upper half 596 is foldable onto lower half 598 about fold axis 594. In one embodiment, speakers 542A-B are equivalent to speakers of an Iconyx IC Live System by Renkus Heinz or a Mina System by Meyer Sound, which generate user-defined sound beams for high and mid range. In one embodiment, speakers 542A-B are mounted on a rotatable table such that they may be directed slightly toward or away from display to customize the distribution of sound for a particular venue.
In operation, an operator uses forward button 460, rearward button 462, left button 464 and right button 466 of remote control 450 to drive video buggy 392 to a desired location such as adjacent main stage floor 120 as shown in
Next, the operator actuates up button 470 on remote control 450 which causes receiver/controller 554 to power scissor lifts 536, thereby raising upper frame 538 to the desired elevation. In the example shown in
As shown in
As should be apparent from the foregoing, after the performance, the operators return primary stage unit 102 to its stowed position (
While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present teachings have been disclosed hereinabove, the present teachings are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosed general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this application pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A rapidly deployable stage system, including:
- a primary stage unit having a main frame with a volume, when in a stowed configuration, that is approximately the same as a volume of a standard cargo container; and
- a secondary stage unit including a container having a volume that is approximately the same as a volume of a standard cargo container, a pair of stage buggies configured for storage in the container, and a pair of video buggies configured for storage in the container;
- wherein the primary stage unit includes remotely actuated lateral supports that enable self-unloading of the primary stage unit from a standard semi-truck trailer, remotely steerable wheel units that controllably move the primary stage unit to a desired location, a remotely actuated main stage that pivots into an in-use position, and a remotely actuated roof assembly that raises and extends to a position above the main stage when in an in-use position; and
- wherein each stage buggy is remotely controllable to move out of the container into an in-use position wherein a platform of the stage buggy supplements the main stage, and each video buggy is remotely controllable to move out of the container into an in-use position wherein a display mounted to the video buggy is positioned substantially vertical relative to the main stage.
2. The stage system of claim 1, further including a primary stage unit remote control including a transmitter configured to transmit signals to the primary stage unit to remotely actuate the lateral supports, remotely steer the wheel units, remotely actuate the main stage, and remotely actuate the roof assembly.
3. The stage system of claim 1, further including a local control panel mounted to the primary stage unit including a transmitter configured to transmit signals to the primary stage unit to activate a generator mounted to the primary stage unit, and actuate the lateral supports.
4. The stage system of claim 3, wherein the local control panel further includes a level button, activation of which transmits a signal to a controller of the primary stage unit causing the controller to control the lateral supports through an auto-leveling sequence which adjusts the positions of the ground-engaging legs, as necessary, to cause the primary stage unit to assume a substantially level orientation.
5. The stage system of claim 1, wherein the lateral supports include a pair of front lateral supports and a pair of rear lateral supports, each front lateral support including a horizontal support having one end pivotally attached to the main frame of the primary stage unit and another end connected to a vertical support housing a ground-engaging leg, and each rear lateral support including a support housing mounted to the main frame, a telescopically movable lateral arm, and a vertical support connected to the lateral arm and housing a ground-engaging leg.
6. The stage system of claim 5, further including a remote control having a plurality of manual inputs which permit an operator to transmit signals to the primary stage unit causing the lateral supports to engage the ground or move to a stowed position.
7. The stage system of claim 1, wherein each wheel unit is mounted within a support structure of the main frame, and includes a pair of wheel supports each supporting a wheel, and a vertical drive unit that raises and lowers the wheels through an opening in a floor of the support structure.
8. The stage system of claim 7, further including a remote control having a plurality of manual inputs which permit an operator to transmit signals to the primary stage unit causing the vertical drive unit to raise and lower the wheels, causing the wheels to rotate in a forward direction and a reverse direction, and causing the wheel units to turn, thereby enabling steering of the primary stage unit to a desired location.
9. The stage system of claim 7, wherein each wheel unit is rotatably mounted within the support structure to enable steering of the primary stage unit.
10. The stage system of claim 9, wherein each wheel unit is rotatable independently of the other wheel unit to provide 360 degree steering of the primary stage unit and minimize damage to the surface over which the primary stage unit travels.
11. The stage system of claim 5, wherein the main stage is mounted to a lift mechanism housed within the main frame configured to pivot the main stage between a stowed position and the in-use position, and raise and lower the main stage to a desired elevation.
12. The stage system of claim 11, wherein the main stage includes a forward panel, a rearward panel, and an intermediate panel disposed between the forward panel and the rearward panel, the forward panel telescopically extending away from the rearward panel as the main stage pivots from the stowed position to the in-use position.
13. The stage system of claim 11, wherein the main stage further includes a plurality of horizontal supports connected at one end to a forward edge beam and pivotally connected at another end to a support truss coupled to the lift mechanism.
14. The stage system of claim 11, further including a remote control including a transmitter configured to transmit signals to the primary stage unit to pivot the main stage between a substantially vertical stowed position and a substantially horizontal in-use position, to raise and lower the elevation of the main stage, and to tilt a forward edge of the main stage below a rearward edge of the main stage when the main stage is in the in-use position.
15. The stage system of claim 14, wherein the lift mechanism is configured to permit tilting of the main stage in the in-use position by approximately 30 degrees.
16. The stage system of claim 11, wherein the lift mechanism includes a plurality of support trusses connected to the main stage, a lift truss connected to the support trusses, and a plurality of lift uprights mounted to the main frame of the primary stage unit.
17. The stage system of claim 16, wherein each lift upright includes a pair of vertical columns and a hydraulic actuator coupled to a hydraulic control system housed within the primary stage unit, movement of the hydraulic actuator causes movement of the vertical columns, which moves the lift truss, the support trusses, and the main stage.
18. The stage system of claim 11, wherein the lift mechanism is configured to support a load of approximately three tons.
19. The stage system of claim 1, wherein the roof assembly includes a pair of telescopic support columns mounted to the main frame, each support column including a plurality of telescopically movable nested sections and supporting an extension support structure.
20. The stage system of claim 19, wherein the roof assembly is configured to support a load of approximately three tons.
21. The stage system of claim 19, wherein the extension support structure includes a plurality of roof joists that support a plurality of roof panels, the roof joists being telescopically movable substantially perpendicular to the support columns between a stowed position and the in-use position.
22. The stage system of claim 21, further including a remote control having a plurality of manual inputs which permit an operator to transmit signals to the primary stage unit to retract and extend the support columns and to retract and extend the roof joists.
23. The stage system of claim 21, wherein each support column includes a hydraulic cylinder which drives the movement of the nested sections.
24. The stage system of claim 21, wherein each support column includes a measurement system for synchronizing movement of the support columns.
25. The stage system of claim 21, wherein each roof joist includes a plurality of joist sections that support a corresponding plurality of roof panels such that when roof joists are extended to the in-use position, roof panels adjacent a forward edge of the roof assembly overlap adjacent roof panels disposed nearer to the support columns to permit rain to run toward a rearward edge of the roof assembly without falling onto the main stage.
26. The stage system of claim 21, further including a plurality of lighting bars extending between the roof joists adjacent a forward edge of the roof assembly, and a plurality of lights mounted to the lighting bars for illuminating portions of the main stage.
27. The stage system of claim 26, wherein at least some of the lights employ LED lighting technology.
28. The stage system of claim 1, wherein the primary stage unit further includes a hydraulic control system and a generator for powering the hydraulic control system, lighting equipment associated with the primary stage unit, audio equipment associated with the primary stage unit, and video equipment associated with the primary stage unit.
29. The stage system of claim 1, wherein the primary stage unit further includes a foldable rear screen mounted to a pair of columns supporting the roof assembly.
30. The stage system of claim 29, wherein the primary stage unit further includes a video signboard mounted to a forward edge of the roof assembly, the video signboard being configured to provide high resolution textual displays approximately two feet tall.
31. The stage system of claim 1, wherein the secondary stage unit includes remotely actuated lateral supports that enable self-unloading of the secondary stage unit from a standard semi-truck trailer.
32. The stage system of claim 31, wherein the secondary stage unit includes a combustion engine mounted in the container for powering a hydraulic actuator that actuates the lateral supports.
33. The stage system of claim 32, further including a local control panel mounted to container including a transmitter configured to transmit signals to the activate the engine and to actuate the lateral supports.
34. The stage system of claim 31, wherein the lateral supports include a pair of front lateral supports and a pair of rear lateral supports, each of the front and rear lateral supports including a a support housing mounted to the container, a telescopically movable lateral arm, and a vertical support connected to the lateral arm and housing a ground-engaging leg.
35. The stage system of claim 1, wherein the container further includes front of house sound and lighting control equipment.
36. The stage system of claim 1, wherein the stage buggies are stored in the container in a collapsed configuration supported on a floor of the container and the video buggies are stored in the container in a collapsed configuration suspended from a ceiling of the container.
37. The stage system of claim 1, wherein each of the buggies includes a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame, an engine, and a receiver/controller for receiving signals from a remote control and controlling movement of the buggy.
38. The stage system of claim 37, further including a remote control including a transmitter configured to transmit signals to select a buggy to control, to start or stop the engine of the buggy, to cause the buggy to move forward or backward, to cause the wheels of the buggy to turn left or right, and to cause the receiver/controller to execute an auto-leveling sequence.
39. The stage system of claim 37, wherein each stage buggy includes a pair of scissor lifts mounted to the frame and supporting a platform frame carrying the platform.
40. The stage system of claim 37, wherein each stage buggy includes a pair of leveling outriggers mounted to the frame and including ground-engaging legs for supporting and leveling the stage buggy.
41. The stage system of claim 40, wherein each ground-engaging leg includes a pressure sensor that provides a signal to the receiver/controller indicating that the leg has engaged the ground.
42. The stage system of claim 40, wherein each receiver/controller includes a gravity sensor that indicates an angle of the platform in an X direction and a Y direction.
43. The stage system of claim 40, wherein the platform is configured to be positioned by remote control in an X direction, a Y direction, and an angular direction theta when the ground-engaging legs support the stage buggy.
44. The stage system of claim 37, wherein each video buggy includes a pair of scissor lifts mounted to the frame and supporting an upper frame carrying the display.
45. The stage system of claim 37, wherein each video buggy includes a pair of leveling outriggers mounted to the frame and including ground-engaging legs for supporting and leveling the stage buggy.
46. The stage system of claim 45, wherein each ground-engaging leg includes a pressure sensor that provides a signal to the receiver/controller indicating that the leg has engaged the ground.
47. The stage system of claim 37, wherein each video buggy frame includes an upper frame that defines an interior volume for receiving the display, and a pair of actuators connected between the upper frame and the display for hydraulically pivoting the display from a stowed position substantially within the interior volume and an in-use position substantially perpendicular to the upper frame.
48. The stage system of claim 47, wherein the display includes an upper half and a lower half, and is foldable onto itself about a substantially central axis into a folded configuration, the display being in the folded configuration when in the stowed position.
49. The stage system of claim 48, wherein the display moves from the folded configuration to a substantially planar configuration as it is hydraulically pivoted from the stowed position to the in-use position.
50. The stage system of claim 47, wherein each video buggy further includes a pair of speakers that are configured for hydraulic pivoting by the actuators from a stowed position in the interior volume of the upper frame to an in-use position substantially perpendicular to the upper frame.
51. A rapidly deployable stage system, including:
- a primary stage unit having a frame, a plurality of lateral supports connected to the frame for supporting the primary stage unit, a pair of wheel units connected to the frame for moving the primary stage unit, a lift mechanism, a main stage floor configured to be lifted and tilted by the lift mechanism, a roof assembly mounted to support columns that extend vertically and including joists that extend substantially laterally, and a remote control configured to operate the lateral supports, the wheel units, the lift mechanism and the roof assembly; and
- a secondary stage unit having at least one stage buggy having an engine and an adjustable platform configured to expand the area of the main stage floor, at least one video buggy having an engine and a display, and a remote control configured to operate the stage buggies.
52. The stage system of claim 51, wherein the primary stage unit, when in a stowed configuration, has a volume that is approximately the same as a volume of a standard cargo container, and the secondary stage unit includes a container having a volume that is approximately the same as a volume of a standard cargo container.
53. The stage system of claim 51, further including a local control panel mounted to the primary stage unit including a transmitter configured to transmit signals to the primary stage unit to activate a generator mounted to the primary stage unit, and actuate the lateral supports to perform self-unloading of the primary stage unit.
54. The stage system of claim 53, wherein the local control panel further includes a level button, activation of which transmits a signal to a controller of the primary stage unit causing the controller to control the lateral supports through an auto-leveling sequence which adjusts the positions of ground-engaging legs of the lateral supports, as necessary, to cause the primary stage unit to assume a substantially level orientation.
55. The stage system of claim 51, wherein each wheel unit is mounted within a support structure of the frame, and includes a pair of wheel supports each supporting a wheel, and a vertical drive unit that raises and lowers the wheels through an opening in a floor of the support structure.
56. The stage system of claim 55, wherein the remote control of the primary stage unit includes a plurality of manual inputs which permit an operator to transmit signals to the primary stage unit causing the vertical drive unit to raise and lower the wheels, causing the wheels to rotate in a forward direction and a reverse direction, and causing the wheel units to turn, thereby enabling steering of the primary stage unit to a desired location.
57. The stage system of claim 51, wherein the remote control includes a transmitter configured to transmit signals to the primary stage unit to cause the lift mechanism to pivot the main stage floor between a substantially vertical stowed position and a substantially horizontal in-use position, to raise and lower the elevation of the main stage floor, and to tilt a forward edge of the main stage floor below a rearward edge of the main stage floor when the main stage floor is in the in-use position.
58. The stage system of claim 51, wherein each support column of the roof assembly includes a plurality of telescopically movable nested sections supporting an extension support structure including the joists.
59. The stage system of claim 51, wherein the roof joists support a plurality of roof panels, and are telescopically movable substantially perpendicular to the support columns between a stowed position and the in-use position.
60. The stage system of claim 58, wherein each support column includes a hydraulic cylinder which drives the movement of the nested sections.
61. The stage system of claim 51, wherein the primary stage unit further includes a hydraulic control system and a generator for powering the hydraulic control system, which in turn powers the lateral supports, the lift mechanism, the roof assembly, and lighting, audio, and video equipment associated with the primary stage unit.
62. The stage system of claim 51, wherein the secondary stage unit includes remotely actuated lateral supports that enable self-unloading of the secondary stage unit from a standard semi-truck trailer.
63. The stage system of claim 62, wherein the secondary stage unit includes a combustion engine for powering a hydraulic actuator that actuates the lateral supports.
64. The stage system of claim 51, wherein the at least one stage buggy is stored in a container in a collapsed configuration supported on a floor of the container and the at least one video buggy is stored in the container in a collapsed configuration suspended from a ceiling of the container.
65. A method for rapidly deploying a stage system, including the steps of:
- using a first control unit to deploy lateral supports of a primary stage unit to engage the ground and lift the primary stage unit off of a trailer;
- using the first control unit to deploy and control wheel units mounted to the primary stage unit to move the primary stage unit to a desired location;
- using the first control unit to deploy a main stage of the primary stage unit into an in-use position by pivoting and raising the main stage; and
- using the first control unit to deploy a roof assembly of the primary stage unit into an in-use position by moving a plurality of roof panels vertically relative to the main stage and telescopically extending the roof panels substantially horizontally relative to the main stage.
66. The method of claim 65, further including the steps of:
- using a second control unit to deploy lateral supports of a secondary stage unit to engage the ground and lift the secondary stage unit off of a trailer;
- using a third control unit to activate an engine of a stage buggy stored in a container of the secondary stage unit and steer the stage buggy out of the container and into a desired position relative to the primary stage unit such that a platform of the stage buggy expands an area of the main stage; and
- using the third control unit to activate an engine of a video buggy stored in the container and steer the video buggy out of the container and into a desired position relative to the primary stage unit such that a display of the video buggy is adjacent the main stage.
67. The method of claim 66, wherein all of the steps are performed in less than one hour.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 29, 2011
Publication Date: Nov 1, 2012
Applicant: HITECH STAGES, LTD. (West Vancouver)
Inventors: Tom Bilsen (Rotselaar), Johan Troukens (Aarschot)
Application Number: 13/097,807
International Classification: E04H 3/24 (20060101); E04H 3/26 (20060101); E04H 3/28 (20060101);