Patent Application
20210382385
The present invention generally relates to large, inflatable display systems. In particular, the present invention is directed to an inflatable projection display system with dual screens.
Large display systems with projection screens for use in outdoor environments are known. Some of these displays are air inflatable such that they may be portable and used temporarily or seasonally. These larger displays are expensive, and the larger the size, the more expensive they are. Additionally, more time, labor and effort is involved with set up, take down, transport, and storage. There is a need for outdoor projection screens that can be viewed by more people and are more cost effective in relation to the number of viewers that can be accommodated economically.
A device for projection images includes an air supported frame with a first viewing side and a second viewing side opposite and parallel to the first viewing side, and including a top portion, a base, and side support sections, wherein the air supported frame includes at least one opening for inflating and deflating the frame. A first projection screen is attached to the first viewing side, a second projection screen attached to the second viewing side, wherein the first projection screen and the second projection screen are similarly sized. Opaque material is either integrated into the projection surfaces or positioned within the air supported frame between the first projection screen and the second projection screen such that light from projected images onto the first projection screen does not interfere with projections on the second projection screen, and light from projected images onto the second projection screen does not interfere with projections on the first projection screen.
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:
An inflatable display system with a projection screen on two opposing sides is provided that allows a single inflatable display support frame to allow viewers to watch the screens on both sides, thereby doubling the number of viewers per inflatable display support without increasing the size of the inflatable display support. Opaque material may be placed between the projection screens or integrated into the projection screens to avoid interference from light from projections from the opposite side. In this way, a screen operator or user can accommodate viewers on both sides of the display system, essentially doubling viewer capacity without having to set up two inflatable supports or increase the size of the screen/support system (which tends to significantly increase costs and the time required to set up, take down, and transport the display support system).
Turning to the figures, and in particular
Projection screens 116, 120 may be attached to inflatable display support system 100 by any suitable means such as a hook and eye mechanism, snaps, zippers, or any combination thereof. Projection screens 116, 120 are preferably of a similar size, i.e., both designed to be viewed by about the same number of people. For example, projection screens may vary from being about 10 feet in diagonal to being over 150 feet diagonal, and in this context similarly sized projections screens would be within 10% of each other in the diagonal dimension. In a preferred embodiment, a lower panel skirt 128 (e.g., 128A, 128B) is affixed by any suitable method, such as by a hook and eye mechanism, snaps, zippers, or any combination thereof, to inflatable display support system 100 partially over and above base 104 on both first viewing side 102A and second viewing side 102B. In addition, in a preferred embodiment an opaque surface 132 (which can be seen in
Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
