TRANSPORTABLE IMMERSIVE MOTION PICTURE DISPLAY STRUCTURES
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/381,549, filed September 10, 2010, entitled
"TRANSPORTABLE IMMERSIVE MOTION PICTURE DISPLAY STRUCTURES
AND METHODS," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to motion picture theatres, and in
particular to transportable theatres capable of providing immersive motion picture
display experiences to audiences.
[0003] Some considerations in the design of facilities for motion picture
exhibition include the dimensions of the theatre enclosure, the design and positioning
of seats within the enclosure, the size of the screen upon which images are projected,
the aspect ratio of the images for presentation, the format of the audio soundtrack that
accompanies the motion picture, the configuration of the audio system, and the
placement of loudspeakers within the theatre.
[0004] Early systems for motion picture exhibition used 35 mm wide film. As
motion picture theatres evolved in size from smaller theatres to larger theatres, motion
picture producers and exhibitors started experimenting with larger film formats which
could enhance the visual impact of the motion picture. Various attempts were made
to improve the visual experience of the motion picture patron by expanding the aspect
ratio of the screen. However, these attempts were unsuccessful at creating a truly
immersive, commercially successful, motion picture experience.
[0005] Beginning in 1969, and led by IMAX Corporation, motion picture
producers began using horizontally travelling 70 mm film with a film frame of 15
perforations in width, resulting in an image area about ten times that of standard 35
mm film. In addition to using a larger film format, IMAX® re-conceptualized the
theatre viewing space by providing significantly larger screens which extended the
spectators' fields of view, a steeply raked seating area to give unobstructed viewing of
the large screen, and high fidelity, discrete six channel sound to surround the
audience. The net result of these advances was a theatre experience in which audience
members were immersed in image and sound as never before.
[0006] In most cases IMAX® systems were installed in custom designed
motion picture theatres having a large interior volume to house both the large screen
and a steeply raked seating section. Occasionally, IMAX® projection systems were
placed in theatres converted from buildings originally designed for conventional
theatrical or motion picture exhibitions. However, in converted theatres, it was
sometimes necessary to remove some seats because the visual quality at some
locations was poor. Furthermore, in some converted theatres, the slope, or rake, of
the seats was relatively shallow, resulting in less than optimal viewing conditions.
SUMMARY
[0007] A transportable large capacity theatre according to some embodiments
includes a primary theatre body with laterally spaced apart first and second long sides,
opposing first and second ends attached to the long sides, and a roof over the long
sides and ends. The body defines an enclosed interior chamber. The theatre further
includes a seating section, a display screen positioned in the interior of the primary
theatre body and viewable by a viewer seated in the seating section, and a projection
system in the interior of the primary theatre body and in visual communication with
the screen.
[0008] The roof, the long sides and the ends may be defined by a plurality of
laterally extending inflated tubes. The long sides of the primary theatre body may
have a substantially vertical orientation relative to a surface on which the theatre is
supported for at least a major portion of the height of the respective long sides. The
first and second long sides may taper in height from the first end to the second end at
an angle of at least about 2 degrees.
[0009] The first and second long sides may taper in height from the first end
to the second end a distance of at least about 20 feet from the first end to the second
end.
[0010] The seating section may include seats for at least 400 patrons.
[001 1] The screen may have a width of about 60 feet to about 80 feet and may
reside proximate an end of the primary theatre body.
[0012] The projection system includes a projector that may be held on a base
that may be coupled to a lifting device configured to lift the projector to a height of at
least about 20 feet.
[0013] The transportable large capacity theatre may further include an
inflatable antechamber that may be releasably attached to the primary theatre body.
[0014] The primary theatre body may include at least one passageway
adjacent a base of the primary theatre body, and the inflatable antechamber may be
positioned adjacent the passageway to define an entrance/exit vestibule for the
primary theatre body.
[0015] The inflatable antechamber may be releasably attachable at a plurality
of locations on an exterior of the primary theatre body.
[0016] The transportable large capacity theatre may further include a sheath
or lining covering a surface of the primary theatre body.
[0017] The lining may include an interior lining that defines a volume within
the primary theatre body that includes the screen and the seating section.
[001 8] The projector may be positioned outside the volume defined by the
interior lining, and the transportable large capacity further includes a plurality of
loudspeakers positioned within the primary theatre body and outside the volume
defined by the interior lining.
[0019] The projector may be positioned within the volume defined by the
interior lining, and the transportable large capacity may further include a plurality of
loudspeakers positioned within the primary theatre body and within the volume
defined by the interior lining.
[0020] The first and second long sides may be tapered inward toward a
centerline of the primary theatre body from the first end to the second end, where the
centerline bisects the screen.
[0021] The first and second long sides may be tapered outward away from a
centerline of the primary theatre body from the first end to the second end, where the
centerline bisects the screen.
[0022] The transportable large capacity theatre may further include an audio
system coupled to the projection system and including a plurality of loudspeakers.
The plurality of loudspeakers includes at least a first loudspeaker positioned on a side
of the screen opposite the seating section and a second loudspeaker positioned
beneath the seating section.
[0023] The first and second long sides may have a shortest height of between
about 40 feet to about 60 feet and a length between about 70 feet and 150 feet.
[0024] A transportable projection system according to some embodiments
includes a container having sidewalls and a bottom, a cradle disposed within the
container, a lifting system disposed within the container and configured to move the
cradle between an extended position and a retracted position, and a motion picture
projector in the cradle.
[0025] The projection system may include a fixed raised platform structure on
the container to place the projector and cradle when in the extended position.
[0026] When the base is in the retracted position, the motion picture projector
may be disposed entirely within an interior of the container, and when the base is in
the extended position, at least a lens of the projector may be positioned in a projecting
location suitable for projecting an image onto a remote viewing surface that may be
remote from the projection system.
[0027] The projection system may further include a retractable seating section
coupled to an external side of the container.
[0028] The projection system may further include a plurality of stabilizing
arms coupled to the container and extending laterally therefrom, each stabilizing arm
including an associated stabilizing foot configured to contact a surface beneath the
container to stabilize the container.
The stabilizing arms and stabilizing feet may be configured to support an entire
weight of the projection system.
[0029] An inflatable stmcture according to some embodiments includes a
primary body with laterally spaced apart first and second long sides, opposing first
and second ends attached to the long sides, and a roof over the long sides and ends.
The body defines an enclosed interior chamber, and the roof, the long sides and the
ends may be defined by a plurality of inflatable tubes. At least some of the inflatable
tubes include at least two layers that may be opaque to light.
[0030] At least some of the inflatable tubes include an outer layer configured
to reflect external light away from the interior chamber, a first internal layer that may
be opaque to light, a second internal layer that may be opaque to light, and an inner
layer that may be configured to absorb light.
[0031] A surface of the inflatable tubes facing the enclosed interior chamber
may be configured to absorb light.
[0032] The long sides of the primary body may have a substantially vertical
orientation relative to a surface on which the structure may be supported for at least a
major portion of the height of the respective long sides.
[0033] The first and second long sides taper in height from the first end to the
second end.
[0034] The first and second long sides taper in height from the first end to the
second end by an angle of about 2 degrees.
[0035] The inflatable structure may further include an exterior and/or interior
lining covering a surface of the primary body.
[0036] The first and second long sides may be tapered inward toward a
centerline of the primary theatre section from the first end to the second end, where
the centerline bisects a viewing screen positioned at the first end of the primary body.
[0037] The first and second long sides may be tapered outward away from a
centerline of the primary body from the first end to the second end, where the
centerline bisects a viewing screen positioned at the first end of the primary body.
[0038] A transportable theatre system according to some embodiments
includes an exterior shell including a flexible material that defines a first inner volume
within the exterior shell, and an inner shell including a second material within the
exterior shell that defines a second inner volume within the inner shell, so that the
second inner volume is enclosed by the first inner volume. The second inner volume
may be configured to provide an immersive cinematic experience to a patron seated
within the second inner volume.
[0039] The inner shell may be mechanically supported independent of the
exterior shell.
[0040] A volume of space between the exterior shell and the inner shell
houses audiovisual systems that provide the immersive cinematic experience within
the second inner volume.
[0041] The transportable theatre system may further include a seating section
within the second inner volume, and a viewing screen within the second inner volume
and configured to display a visual image to a patron seated in the seating section.
[0042] The inner shell forms a volume that may have a side wall that extends
along a side of the seating section and may be proximate to a side edge of the viewing
screen and an inner shell ceiling that extends over the seating section and may be
proximate to a top edge of the viewing screen.
[0043] The side wall may be proximate to the side edge of the viewing screen
and the ceiling may be proximate to the top edge of the viewing screen.
[0044] The inner shell ceiling may slope up to the top of the top edge of the
viewing screen from a back of the theatre opposite the viewing screen to a front of the
theatre proximate to the viewing screen.
[0045] In some embodiments, the inner shell ceiling may be horizontal.
[0046] The inner shell includes side walls on opposing sides of the viewing
screen, the side walls may be spaced a same distance apart from one another at a back
of the theatre opposite the viewing screen as at a front of the theatre proximate to the
viewing screen.
[0047] The inner shell material includes a flexible material or a rigid material.
[0048] In some embodiments, the inner shell material includes scrim.
[0049] The exterior shell may be an inflatable structure.
[0050] A shape of the inner shell can be configured to form different volumes
and shapes within the exterior shell.
[0051] The inner shell material may include a thermally insulating material.
[0052] The exterior shell and the inner shell cooperatively function to shield
the second inner volume from light incident on an outer surface of the exterior shell to
substantially preclude pinhole light or other light that may penetrate through the
exterior shell from reaching the second inner volume.
[0053] The exterior shell includes first and second opaque layers of material
that may be spaced a predetermined distance apart. Light passing through a pin hole
lens in the first opaque layer of material may be blocked by the second opaque layer
of material in the external shell.
[0054] The exterior shell provides a barrier to weather precipitate and outside
light and the inner shell may be configured to reduce sound reflections within the
second inner volume.
[0055] The transportable theatre system may be configured to be
disassembled, transported and reassembled.
[0056] A transportable theatre system according to some embodiments
includes an exterior shell including a flexible material that defines an inner volume
therein, a viewing screen positioned within the inner volume, a seating section
positioned within the inner volume in a spaced relation to the screen and configured to
permit a viewer seated in the seating section to view the viewing screen, a motion
picture projector positioned within the inner volume and configured to project an
image onto the viewing screen, a wall within the inner volume adjacent the seating
section, and a ceiling within the inner volume above the seating section. A portion of
the wall proximate the viewing screen may have a similar vertical dimension as the
viewing screen and extends from the screen towards the seating section to the extent
of at least covering a side area that can be seen in the peripheral vision of a viewer
seated in any position in the seating section when viewing an image on the viewing
screen. A portion of the ceiling near the viewing screen may have a similar horizontal
dimension as the viewing screen and extends from the screen towards the seating
section to the extent of at least covering a top area that can be seen in the peripheral
vision of a viewer seated in any position in the seating section when viewing an image
on the viewing screen. The wall, the ceiling and the screen cooperatively create an
immersive cinematic experience, and the external shell, the wall, the ceiling, the
seating section and the screen may be configured to be disassembled and transported.
[0057] The wall and the ceiling may be extended towards the seating section
to the extent of at least covering a side and top area that can be seen in the peripheral
vision of a viewer seated in any position in the seating section when viewing an image
on the viewing screen.
[0058] The sidewalls may be spaced apart the same distance at the front of the
screen as at the back towards the seating section and the ceiling may be horizontal.
[0059] The sidewalls may be spaced apart the same distance at the front of the
screen as at the back towards the seating section and the ceiling slopes from the
seating section up to the screen.
[0060] A transportable theatre according to some embodiments includes an
exterior shell comprising a flexible material that defines a first volume of space within
the exterior shell, and a theatre presentation system within the second volume. The
theatre presentation system includes a seating section, a screen viewable by a viewer
seated in the seating section, and a projection system configured to display an image
on the screen. The transportable theatre further includes a second layer of material
interposed between the exterior shell and a portion of the theatre presentation system.
The transportable theatre is configured to be disassembled, transported and
reassembled at a remote location.
[0061] The transportable theatre may include an exterior lining covering an
outside surface of the exterior shell. The second layer may include a flexible skin.
[0062] The flexible material of the exterior shell may include a first opaque
layer and the second layer of material may include a second opaque layer. The first
and second opaque layers cooperatively shield the theatre presentation system from
light originating outside the exterior shell.
[0063] The second layer of material is mechanically connected to a structure
that supports the flexible material of the exterior shell.
[0064] The transportable theatre further may include an exterior lining
covering an outside surface of the exterior shell.
[0065] The transportable theatre may further include a first structure
configured to support the flexible material of the exterior shell, and a second structure
configured to support the second layer of material, wherein the first structure and the
second structure are mechanically independent of one another.
[0066] The second layer may include a flexible skin.
[0067] The exterior shell may include an inflatable structure that includes a
plurality of inflatable tubes including inner and outer panels. The outer panels of the
tubes may include an opaque layer and the inner panels of the tubes may correspond
to the second layer of material.
[0068] The exterior shell may include an inflatable structure that includes a
plurality of inflatable tubes including inner and outer panels. The inner panels may
include an opaque layer, and the second layer is mechanically independent of the
exterior shell.
[0069] A surface of the inflatable tube facing the first volume of space may
include a non-reflective material.
[0070] The exterior shell may include an inflatable structure that includes a
plurality of inflatable tubes including inner and outer panels. The inner panels may
include an opaque layer, and the second layer may be mechanically independent of
the exterior shell.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0071] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
application, illustrate certain embodiment(s) of the invention. In the drawings:
[0072] Figures 1A and IB are perspective views of a transportable theatre
structure according to some embodiments.
[0073] Figures 1C to IF are a side elevation, top view, front elevation and rear
elevation, respectively, of a transportable theatre structure according to some
embodiments.
[0074] Figure 2A is a sectional elevation view of a transportable theatre
structure according to some embodiments.
[0075] Figure 2B illustrates a plan layout of a transportable theatre structure
according to some embodiments.
[0076] Figures 2C and 2D illustrate alternate exemplary plan views of
transportable theatres structure according to some embodiments.
[0077] Figure 2E illustrates a configuration of a transportable theatre structure
according to some embodiments including a central lobby structure and a plurality of
attached theatre structures.
[0078] Figure 3A is a plan layout of alternate antechamber configurations for
a transportable theatre structure according to some embodiments.
[0079] Figure 3B illustrates a double door entrance attached to a transportable
facade for a transportable theatre structure according to some embodiments.
[0080] Figure 4A is a sectional perspective illustration of an inflatable beam
used in a transportable theatre structure according to some embodiments.
[0081] Figure 4B is a partial cross sectional view of a portion of a
transportable theatre structure taken along line A-A' in Figure 4A according to some
embodiments,
[0082] Figure 4C is a partial side view of an inflatable beam of a transportable
theatre structure according to some embodiments.
[0083] Figure 5 is a partial side view of an inflatable beam of a transportable
theatre structure with inner and outer linings according to some embodiments.
[0084] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate configurations of transportable
theatre structures in accordance with some embodiments.
[0085] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a movable housing for a projection system for
a transportable theatre structure according to some embodiments.
[0086] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a movable container for the projection
system that includes an attached retractable seating section according to some
embodiments.
[0087] Figure 10 illustrates a hoist apparatus for positioning a projector in a
transportable theatre structure in accordance with some embodiments.
[0088] Figure 11 is a side view of a portion of a raked seating structure of a
transportable theatre structure according to some embodiments.
[0089] Figure 12 illustrates acoustical panels suspended from a ceiling of a
transportable theatre structure according to some embodiments.
[0090] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate screen furling systems for transportable
theatre structures according to some embodiments.
[0091] Figure 15 illustrates packing of various portions of a transportable
theatre structure according to some embodiments in separate containers for shipping
on a tractor-trailer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0092] Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more
fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments
of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those
skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0093] As described above, IMAX Corporation has pioneered the field of
immersive motion picture display technology by combining a large screen, a larger
image format, multi-channel immersive sound, and seats positioned so that the
audience member has an unobstructed view of the screen with the screen sized to
increase the field of view of the image on the screen viewed by audience member.
[0094] In many instances, it is desirable to exhibit a motion picture in a
location that does not have an existing structure that can be converted or otherwise
used for motion picture display, or where it is not desirable to build a dedicated
structure for motion picture display. At the same time, it is desirable to provide the
movie patron the same or similar type of experience they can obtain in a permanent
theatre providing an immersive movie presentation. For example, it may be desirable
to provide an immersive motion picture experience in areas that do not have sufficient
infrastructure and/or the economic ability to support a large, permanent theatre
structure. As another example, it is often desirable for exhibitors to have the ability to
provide an immersive motion picture experience to patrons on a temporary basis, such
as to attendees at a large gathering, an industry conference, a sporting event, etc.,
without building a permanent structure in which to display the motion picture.
[0095] In order to display a motion picture in a temporary location, some
exhibitors have erected temporary outdoor screens on which to project a motion
picture, or simply projected the motion picture on the side of an existing structure. It
will be appreciated that it is not feasible to provide an immersive motion picture
experience with an outdoor projection system. As will be appreciated, to provide a
truly immersive motion picture viewing experience, it is highly desirable for the
motion picture to be displayed within a building structure that can shield the audience
from external sounds and light and provide controlled acoustics for improved sound
quality. Building a temporary or semi-permanent non-transportable structure to
display the motion picture presents its own set of challenges, however, due to the time
and expense to construct the building, and potentially the expense of demolishing or
otherwise removing the building when it is no longer needed.
[0096] Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention provide a
transportable theatre that can be relatively easily, quickly, and economically
assembled, disassembled and/or transported, but that is capable of providing an
immersive motion picture experience, such as a motion picture experience that is
presented in a manner that is qualitatively superior in terms of the projected image
quality, field of view, and/or audio experience relative to conventional outdoor or
temporary theatres.
[0097] Some embodiments may further provide a transportable theatre that
can be assembled, disassembled and/or transported without significantly damaging
either the sensitive audiovisual equipment used to display a motion picture, the
structure of the transportable theatre itself, and/or the surroundings in which the
transportable theatre is erected. Moreover, some embodiments may provide a
transportable theatre that can be used to provide an immersive motion picture
experience in the daytime or night time without unduly disrupting activities outside
the theatre due to the generation of excessive sound or light outside the theatre
enclosure, and/or without sound or light generated outside the theatre enclosure
interrupting or distracting from the immersive motion picture experience within the
theatre.
[0098] Still further embodiments provide a transportable motion picture
theatre that has controlled internal acoustic characteristics so as to provide a truly
immersive motion picture viewing experience to viewers within the theatre and/or to
reduce noise that may otherwise interfere with the viewing experience. The quality of
the presentation may be improved for the audience by providing a multi-speaker
sound system with loudspeakers strategically placed within the theatre. Acoustic
panels or other materials may be provided within the theatre enclosure and may be
positioned in such a manner as to provide directional sound control within the
enclosure by absorbing and/or redirecting sound within the enclosure. For example,
the sound generated by the multi-speaker sound system may be absorbed by the
acoustic panels and/or directed by the acoustic panels away from the sidewalls and/or
roof of the theatre structure, so that unwanted reflections may be reduced and sound
quality perceived by the audience members may be improved, while the level of
sound emanating from inside the theatre enclosure to the surrounding area may be
reduced.
[0099] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with
respect to a transportable structure that includes one or more inflatable sections.
However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to inflatable
structures, but rather could be implemented using non-inflatable structures.
[00100] In some embodiments, the main theatre section may include a
pair of opposing sidewalls, a pair of opposing end walls and a roof that cooperatively
define an interior theatre space that is customized for a heightened motion picture
viewing experience.
[00101] In some embodiments, the sidewalls, end walls and roof may be
provided by a plurality of elongated inflatable beams each including a plurality of
elongated panels joined along longitudinal edges thereof and defining a sealed
leaktight compartment into which pressurized fluid may be pumped to cause the beam
to inflate. The inflatable beams may be joined side by side along adjacent edges to
form the main theatre structure including the sidewalls, end walls and roof.
[00102] To assist in supporting the substantial weight of a theatre-sized
enclosure, an inflatable beam may include a plurality of integral support ribs at
various locations along the length of the beam. The integral support ribs may be
provided on the interior and/or exterior of the beam.
[00103] In some embodiments, the main theatre section may include a
first entrance/exit passageway in one of the end walls and a second entrance/exit
passageway in one of the sidewalls. Additional entrance/exit passageways may also
be provided in various ones of the sidewalls and end walls. Attachment points may be
provided adjacent both the first and second entrance passages to facilitate connection
of an antechamber, such as an entrance/exit vestibule or lobby, that is external to the
main theatre section over the first and/or second entrance passage. In some
embodiments, the external chamber, or antechamber, may be formed of inflatable
beams as described above and/or may include solid panel construction.
[00 104] Still further embodiments of the invention provide a
transportable motion picture theatre including a main theatre section having a
substantial geographic footprint, e.g., greater than about 6000 square feet, and in some
embodiments, greater than about 7000 square feet, in some embodiments greater than
8000 square feet. Some embodiments may have a large internal volume, e.g., greater
than about 300,000 cubic feet, and at least one external chamber that is removably
attachable to a plurality of sites on the main theatre section. A structure according to
some embodiments can accommodate more than 100 patrons, and in some cases can
accommodate more than 300 patrons. In some embodiments, up to 500 or more
patrons can be accommodated in a seating structure within the main theatre structure,
the seating structure having a steeply raked configuration that provides enhanced
viewing of a motion picture screen for a more immersive motion picture experience.
Without a seating structure, the structure could accommodate 800 patrons or more.
Other seating configurations are contemplated within the scope of the present
invention, including configurations in which at least a portion of the audience is
standing.
[00105] In some embodiments, the structure can accommodate a motion
picture viewing screen of at least about 30 to 60 feet high and about 50 to 80 feet wide
with a viewing audience of greater than 100 patrons, and in some embodiments
greater than 300 patrons, and in further embodiments significantly greater than 300
patrons. However, a theatre according to some embodiments may be sized to
accommodate a smaller number of patrons. Furthermore, as will be described in more
detail below, the interior volume of the structure can be reconfigured to accommodate
fewer patrons if desired by partitioning the interior of the structure.
[00106] In some embodiments, the main theatre section includes a
plurality of entrance passages therethrough with attachment points configured to
receive corresponding attachment members of the external chamber located adjacent
respective ones of the plurality of entrance passages. The external antechamber may
itself include one or more entrance passages, and may be configured as an
entrance/exit vestibule, a lobby, a private viewing room, a merchandise store, or other
type of facility.
[00107] A transportable theatre structure according to some particular
embodiments includes a demountable building including five structures which are
joined together to serve as a mobile venue with an external footprint that can measure
approximately 13,000 square feet. The theatre structure may be air-inflated and may
include cylindrical pressurized tubes of a stitched and welded construction. The nature
of the construction results in a virtually airtight structure with high rigidity which may
require less power to pressurize than other forms of air-supported structures.
[00108] Entry to the inside of the structure may be made via one or
more door entrances/exits designed into the external wall of the structure. Some
embodiments include additional doors feeding into the main theatre space from an
attached lobby.
[00109] Light-weight load patches may be provided in the roof and
walls of the building from which banners, lininging, acoustic treatment panels, and
other items may be suspended.
[00 1 0] Additional features and embodiments of the present invention
will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.
[001 11] Theatre Shape and Structure
[001 12] Referring to Figures 1A to F and 2A to 2D, a transportable
theatre structure 100 according to some embodiments is illustrated. Figures 1A to IF
provide various views of a theatre structure 100 according to some embodiments,
including perspective, elevation, plan and cross sectional views. Figure 2A is a
sectional elevation, and Figure 2B shows a plan layout of a theatre structure 100
according to some embodiments. For ease of explanation, the structure 100 is
referred to herein as a theatre structure. However, although the structure 100 may be
particularly suitable as a venue for motion picture exhibitions, the structure 100 can
also be used for many other events, such as live broadcasts, theatrical presentations,
trade shows, conferences, sporting events, and other events typically hosted in
stadiums, athletic facilities, leisure parks, conference centers, etc.
[001 13] Furthermore, although referred to herein as transportable, it will
be appreciated that a theatre structure according to some embodiments could be
installed or otherwise intended for use on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.
[001 14] The theatre structure 100 includes an inflatable main theatre
section 10 including a pair of opposing sidewalls 18, first and second endwalls 14, 16,
and a roof 1 that cooperatively define an interior theatre space 13. The interior
theatre space 13 is sized to hold a movie screen 30 and associated screen support
structure 32 having dimensions of at least about 30 feet high by 60 feet wide, and in
some cases about 60 feet high by 80 feet wide. However, smaller screens are
contemplated in some embodiments. The interior theatre space 13 is further
configured to hold a seating section 40, a projection system 50, and an associated
audio system. In some embodiments, the main theatre section 10 may have interior
dimensions of about 75 feet wide (from sidewall 18 to sidewall 18) and about 115 feet
long (from first end wall 4 to second end wall 16).
[001 15] The sidewalls 18 may be generally parallel to one another, as
illustrated in Figure 2B. However, in some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 2C
and 2D, the sidewalls 18 may taper towards or away from one another from the first
end wall 14 to the second end wall 16, so that the width of the main theatre section 10
at the first end wall 4 is narrower than the width of the main theatre section 10 at the
second end wall 16 (i.e., the sidewalls 18 taper out away from the first end wall 14),
or, in other embodiments the width of the main theatre section 10 at the first end wall
14 is greater than the width of the main theatre section 10 at the second end wall 16
(i.e., the sidewalls 18 taper in from the first end wall 14 to the second end wall 16).
Tapering the sidewalls 18 may affect the acoustic characteristics of the theatre
structure 100 by altering the reflection of sound within the interior volume of the
structure. In particular, because the tapered sidewalls are not parallel to one another,
acoustical reflections from one sidewall to another may be reduced. Tapering of the
sidewalls may also be used to enhance the visual presentation of a motion picture.
For example, having the sidewalls taper outward from the rear of the theatre near the
first end wall 1 to the front of the theatre near the second end wall 6 as shown in
Figure 2C may provide a more immersive motion picture viewing experience.
[001 16] A transportable structure according to some embodiments can
be configured in many different ways to provide the flexibility to provide different
venues depending upon the desired application. For example, a short run theatre (i.e.,
a transportable theatre in town for only a few days) may not include the seating
section and could be a smaller structure. Whereas, a larger theatre with full seating
section and customized for a large theatre audience can be installed for longer runs.
[001 17] A transportable theatre according to some embodiments can be
modular to provide for customized designs. For example, referring to Figure 2E, a
modular theatre 100' may allow for multiplex type theatre where different movies are
shown in different theatres. A modular theatre 130 may be provided, for example, by
providing a plurality of main theatre sections 10A, 10B, IOC and joining the main
theatre sections together with a lobby section 20' using the techniques described
herein. In some embodiments, the lobby can be of a generally circular shape with
distinct theatre portions attached around the lobby and extending out form the lobby.
In some embodiments as shown, for example, in Figure 2E, the lobby can have a
generally polygonal shape. In this manner, the multiplex theatre can be quickly
constructed to provide alternative movies for the public. Various structural inflatable
units can be joined to other structural units to create individual theatre rooms in
accordance with the embodiments described herein.
[001 18] Referring again to Figure 2A, the roof 12 of the structure 100
may be slanted from the first end wall 1 to the second end wall 16. As shown in
Figure 2A, in some embodiments, the roof 12 of the structure 100 may be slanted
upwards from the first end wall 14 to the second end wall 16. In some embodiments,
the roof 12 of the structure 100 may be slanted upwards from the first end wall 14 to
the second end wall 16 at an angle of about 5 degrees, so that the main theatre section
10 has an interior height that varies from about 40 feet near the first end wall 1 to
about 60 feet near the second end wall 16. As with the tapered sidewalls, slanting the
roof may improve the acoustic characteristics of the structure. In particular, because
the floor and ceiling are not parallel to one another, acoustical reflections from the
floor to the ceiling may be reduced.
[001 1 ] A plurality of entrance/exit passageways 15 provide access to
the main theatre section 10. Referring again to Figure 2A, in some embodiments, the
sidewalls, end walls and roof may all be provided by a plurality of inflatable beams,
or tubes, 60. Each of the beams 60 may include a plurality of panels joined along
longitudinal edges thereof and defining a leaktight interior compartment into which
pressurized fluid, such as pressurized air, may be pumped to cause the beam 60 to
inflate and become relatively rigid. The inflatable beams 60 may be joined side-byside
along adjacent edges to form the main theatre section 10 including the sidewalls
18, end walls 14, 16, and roof 12.
[00120] To give the inflatable beams 60 a desired shape and/or to
enhance their rigidity, the beams 60 may be provided with internal gussets, or inserts,
at various locations within the beams. The gussets may be provided, for example, at
points within the beam where the beam has a curvature. The gussets may be formed
of a flexible material, and in some embodiments may be vinyl inserts.
[00121] In previous inflatable structures, the sidewalls having the
longest dimension are typically curved from the base of the structure up to the center
of the structure, and form an arc shape from one side of the structure to the other. As
shown in Figures 1A to IF, portions of the sidewalls 18 of the transportable theatre
structure 100 may be vertical or substantially vertical relative to the surface on which
the theatre structure 00 is erected. In addition to improving the aesthetic appearance
of the structure, vertical sidewalls may provide functional advantages for a structure
used for motion picture exhibition. For example, the vertical sidewalls permit the
installation of a larger rectangular screen than would be possible for a given volume
of the structure with curved sidewalls.
[00122] The seating arrangement inside the theatre may have a
substantial impact on the visual presentation to the audience, particularly when an
immersive motion picture viewing experience is desired. Thus, it may be desirable
for the theatre not to have any audience seats that are outside the width of the screen,
so that the screen increases the field of view of each member of the audience. Thus, if
the sidewalls of the structure were curved (arcuate), there may be a substantial amount
of unused space in the theatre structure adjacent the walls. That is, the edge of a
rectangular screen should be placed far enough from the edge of the structure where
the sidewall meets the ground that there is sufficient overhead room to accommodate
the height of the screen. Having curved sidewalls as opposed to vertical sidewalls
would require the edge of the screen to be placed farther from the edge of the
structure, potentially resulting in unused space from the edge of the screen to the edge
of the structure.
[00123] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention are not
limited to structures having vertical or substantially vertical sidewalls 18.
Furthermore, embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 1A to F and 2A,
may have some curvature at the corners thereof due to the curvature of the inflated
beams 60 themselves and/or curvature induced in the structure by the manner in
which the beams 60 are attached to one another, particularly near the front and back
upper corners of the structure 100 (i.e., the corners formed at the intersection of the
roof 12 with the first and second end walls 14, 16, respectively). Moreover, some
amount of curvature of the beams 60 and/or the structure itself may be desirable for
structural support, as sharp corners may be structurally weak and/or may lead to
unwanted sagging of the roof.
[00124] Having substantially vertical sidewalls may also create the
perception to the human eye that the screen 30 inside the theatre appears larger.
[00125] As shown in Figures 1 and 2A, the beams 60 may connect to a
base 70 on one side as a portion of the first sidewall 18 and continue over the top to
form a portion of the roof 12, down the other side to form a portion of the second
sidewall 18, and connect to the base 70 on the other side. The beams 60 may be
connected in a side-by-side arrangement along the length of the beams. In some
embodiments, at least some of the beams 60 may be attached together along their
respective lengths.
[00126] The beams 60 can connect to one or more air ducts integrally or
releasably for inflation and deflation of the tubes by the use of valves and/or
manifolds, as described in more detail below. The valves control the sequence in
which the tubes inflate and deflate. The valves may be any known type of valve for
controlling the sequence of fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source, e.g.
air or nitrogen gas. In addition, check valves and pressure sensors may be placed in
the inflation line to reduce overinflation and/or leakage. One or more air
compressors, pumps or fans are connectable to the valves for inflating the beams, and
air compressors/pumps/fans may be connected to vacuum ends of the valves for
deflating or evacuating the beams 60.
[00127] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, an external chamber 20 may
be attached to the main theatre section 10. The external chamber 20 may function as
a lobby, an entrance/exit vestibule, a private viewing chamber, a gift shop, a
merchandise shop, a food store, or any other function. The external chamber 20 may
be releasably attached to the outside of the main theatre section 10 and an interior
portion of the external chamber 20 may communicate with the interior portion of the
main theatre section through one or more of the passageways 15 (Figure 3A).
[00128] The external chamber 20 can have any desired shape/size and
can be formed using inflatable beam construction as described above and/or using
non-inflatable panel construction. In particular embodiments, the external chamber
20 may have a width that is less than or equal to the width of the side or end of the
main theatre chamber 10 to which is attached, and may have a height less than or
equal to the height of the side or end of the main theatre chamber 10 to which is
attached. In some embodiments, the external chamber 20 may have a height and/or
width that is greater than a corresponding dimension of the main theatre chamber 10.
[00129] The external chamber 20 can be releasably attached to the main
theatre section 10 or can be integral thereto. In embodiments in which the external
chamber 20 is releasably attachable to the main theatre chamber 10, attachment may
be made using seamless joints. Such an attachment may provide a leaktight seal
between the main theatre chamber 10 and the external chamber 20, thereby reducing
leakage of rainwater into the external chamber 20 through the joint between the
external chamber 20 and the main theatre chamber 10.
[00130] Connection points, joints, and/or fasteners may be provided on
the exterior of the main theatre chamber 10 where it may be desirable to connect the
external chamber 20. Thus, in some embodiments, it is possible to connect one or
more external chambers 20 at various locations on the main theatre chamber 10.
[00131] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the
external chamber 20 is connected to the main theatre chamber 10 on the outside of the
first end wall 1 and extends longitudinally away from the end wall 14 of the main
theatre chamber 10. The external chamber 20 can thereby serve as a convenient
entranceway and/or lobby to the main theatre section 10. However, the length of the
overall structure 100 is extended by the width of the external chamber 20. For
example, in some embodiments, the overall length of the structure 100 including the
external chamber 20 may be in excess of 150 feet, which may exceed the available
space for the structure 100.
[00132] According to some embodiments, one or more external
chambers 20 can be attached at different locations around the exterior of the main
theatre chamber 10, as illustrated, for example in Figure 3A. As shown therein, an
external chamber 20 may be attached at one end of the main theatre chamber 10.
However the external chamber 20 can also be attached to the main theatre chamber 10
at other locations, such as on side locations 20A, 20B of the main theatre chamber 10
or at an opposite end location 20C. It will also be appreciated that more than one
external chambers 20, 20A, 20B, 20C may be provided in some embodiments.
[00133] The entrance/exit passageways 15 may be sized such that a
double door entrance attached to a transportable facade 47 as illustrated in Figure 3B
may be installed therein.
[00 134] Attachment means may be provided on the exteriors of the
sidewalls 18 so that the interior of the external chamber 20 communicates with the
interior of the main theatre section 20 through a passageway 15 in one of the
sidewalls 18. It will be appreciated, however, that an external chamber 20 need not
communicate with the interior of the main theatre section. For example, one external
chamber may be attached so as to communicate with the interior of the main theatre
section 10 and may thereby function as an entrance/exit vestibule or lobby, while
another external chamber 20 may be attached to a location on the outside of the main
theatre chamber that does not include a passageway 15 so that the external chamber
does not communicate with the interior of the main theatre chamber 10. The second
external chamber 20 may be used, for example, for ticket sales, promotional sales,
advertising, or any other suitable purpose,
[00135] Referring again to the embodiments of Figures 2A and 2B, the
external chamber 20 may be a lobby into which patrons of the theatre can enter via
one or more passageways 25 (Figure 2B) into the external chamber 20. Doors may be
removably installed in one or both of the passageways 25. The patrons may then
enter the main theatre chamber 10 through passageways 15 connecting the main
theatre chamber 10 to the lobby/external chamber 20. The removable doors may
include modular door frames having, for example, painted wood sidewalls and roofs.
[00136] Theatre structures according to the present invention are not
limited to the particular shapes/structures illustrated in the figures. Other shapes may
be possible for the transportable structure, and may provide acceptable or even
improved levels of acoustic and visual experience. For example, some other shapes
that may be possible for the overall structure include a wedge shape in which the
sidewalls of the structure taper sharply inward or outward, and/or or an amphitheater
shape in which the seating arrangement is provided with a generally arcuate
circumference.
[00 137] Exit doors may be provided by the passageways 15 on opposite
sides of the theatre structure 100. Additional exits can be provided in the sidewalls or
end walls of the structure 100.
[00138] Reference is now made to Figures 4A to 4C, which illustrate
aspects of the inflatable beams 60 in more detail. As noted above, the transportable
theatre structure 100 may be made from a plurality of inflatable tubes or beams 60. In
some embodiments, each tube or beam is formed as a continuous envelope to promote
leak tightness of the volume of area which it confines within the walls of the tube.
Acoustic materials, including coatings, sheeting, cloth, etc., can be applied to one or
more inner or outer surfaces of the panels that form the beams 60 to reflect/absorb
incident sound. However, applying such materials can make it difficult to deflate and
collapse the structure.
[00139] Referring to Figure 4A, a beam 60 can include an outer panel
64 and an inner panel 66, and at least one side panel 62 connecting the outer panel 64
and the inner panel 66 along their opposed sides. In some embodiments, two side
panels 62 may be provided and may connect the outer and inner panels 64, 66 along
opposite edges thereof. The panels 62, 64, 66 may be stitched together along the
length of the beam 60.
[00140] In other embodiments, the beam 60 may include a single panel
that is sealed along its long edges.
[00141] The beams 60 can bp made of a suitable material, such a
polyester-type or polyamide type synthetic resinous yarns, vinyl, or other similar
strong and flexible material. In some embodiments, the panels may include three
layers: an outer vinyl layer, a middle opaque vinyl layer, and an inner vinyl layer.
One or both sides of the panels can be coated with a thermoplastic resin, such as
polyurethane, in order to enhance water-resistance.
[00142] The beams 6 can be sealed at opposing ends thereof to form
sealed volume between the panels Into which a fluid, such as air can be pumped. The
beams 60 can be sealed using a separate sealing panel (not shown) that is sewn or
otherwise fastened in a leaktight manner to the ends of the panels, or by sewing the
panels together at their ends, or by attaching or fastening the panels at their ends by
any other suitable means.
[00143] It may be important to tightly control light within the main
theatre section 10. Accordingly, the material of the beams may be nontranslucent or
opaque in order to both block out light and not reflect light. In one embodiment, if
the material itself is translucent, then the material can be coated with a polymer paint
to achieve the nontranslucent state for the inflatable structure. In some embodiments
as discussed below, a lining or other covering may be provided over inner and/or
outer surfaces of the walls to assist in blocking light.
[00144] The outer surface of the structure 100 can be white to reflect
the sun light away and/or reduce heat build up on and within the structure 100.
[00145] In some embodiments, the inner, outer and/or side panels of the
beams 60 can be made of or include an opaque material to block exterior light from
entering the theatre. Alternatively, the panels can be coated with a dark coating or
material that will block light, and/or a reflective material that reflects light. In some
embodiments, the outside of the outer panel 64 may be coated with a reflective
material to reduce absorption of light (and thereby reduce absorption of heat) by the
structure, while the side of the inner panel 66 that faces the interior of the theatre
structure 100 may be coated with a dark or non-reflective material to reduce reflection
of light from the motion picture screen, thereby reducing visual distractions to the
audience within the structure.
[00146] Referring to Figure 4B, small holes ("pinholes") may exist in
the outer panel 64 of a beam 60 and/or may develop through assembly/disassembly of
the structure. A pinhole may act as a miniature optical lens and direct light onto a
larger spot on the inner layer of the beam 50. For example, as shown in Figure 4B,
light 65 incident on an outer panel 64 of a beam 60 can enter through a small pinhole
67 in the outer panel 64 and be imaged as a spot 69 on an inner surface of the inner
panel 66 of the beam 60. The spot 69 may be visible from inside the structure 100.
[00147] Accordingly, referring to Figure 4C, the exterior structure may
include inflatable beams 60 having a first outer layer 64A that is configured to reflect
light and a second outer layer 64B, under the first outer layer 64A, that is opaque to
light on an outside of the beam 60 (i.e., facing away from the structure 100). The first
outer layer 64A can be white to reflect sun light away and reduce any heat build up on
and within the structure 100. A first inner layer 66A that is light absorbing (i.e. nontransparent
and non-reflective) and a second inner layer 66B that is opaque to light are
provided on an opposite side of the beam 60 facing the interior volume of the
structure 100. The outer layers 64A, 64B are spaced apart from the inner layers 66A,
66B by the cross sectional width of the inflatable beam, represented by a distance d.
Thus, light that is imaged onto the inner panel 66 may not be visible inside the
structure 100.
[00148] Linings
[00149] Referring to Figure 5, the interior and/or exterior of the
structure or portions thereof may be covered by a lining 80, which may be
rolled/unrolled from dispensers 82. The leading edge of the lining 80 can be pulled
and attached to the inner or outer surfaces of the structure 100 at light weight load
patches that provide pickup members 83 thereon. In some embodiments, the lining 80
may be pulled from the base 70 of the structure 100 on one side all the way to the
base 70 of the other side of the structure 100. The lining 80 can be attached to the
theatre structure 100 or non-inflatable structures by the pickup members 83 shown in
Figure 5 or in any conventional way known in the art. For example, the inner and
outer linings 80 may be releasably attached to the base of the beams 60 around the
interior and exterior of the theatre structure 00. Alternatively, the inner and outer
linings 80 could be permanently attached to the beams 60. Various forms of
releasable fastener means may be employed for securing the linings 80 to the beams
60. In addition, inflatable columns, poles or other features may also be incorporated
on the exterior of the theatre structure 100 giving options for dramatic aesthetic or
structural appearances.
[00 150] One type of lining 80 for use in the interior space of the
transportable theatre is scrim. Scrim is a finely woven lightweight fabric frequently
used in theatrical venues. Flat black scrim can be hung from the ceiling along the
sidewalls and ceiling to give the illusion of a more solid and/or uniform looking wall
and ceiling. The scrim may also reduce reflections of light and/or sound from the
interior surfaces of the inflatable beams.
[00 151] To achieve a more immersive motion picture viewing
experience, the dimensions of the structure 100 may be tied to the screen 30 and the
desired height, width and aspect ratio thereof. This can be done by either defining the
width of the structure 100 from sidewall to sidewall to accord with the desired aspect
ratio. In some embodiments, the lining 80 can be hung in such a manner from the
ceiling and/or side/end walls to effectively change the width of the viewing area to
match the desired aspect ratio, and/or to reconfigure the interior volume of the
structure to match the size/shape of the screen. That is, the scrim may be used to
enclose the volume of the seating area to more closely match the dimensions of the
screen.
[00152] The material of the scrim may be selected such that it allows
sound to easily pass through it, allowing loudspeakers to be positioned behind the
scrim. Alternatively, the material of the scrim may be made to be sound insulating
(e.g. sound absorbing or dampening).
[001 53] An advantage of the scrim is that the interior of the theatre can
be reshaped without structural changes to the theatre structure 100. The reshaping can
be done for functional and/or aesthetic reasons. With respect to the former,
repositioning the scrim makes it possible to define a different interior space better
suited for another projected image aspect ratio, for example. For example, if the
inflatable structure 100 has curved walls, the scrim can be hung vertically to redefine
the interior shape of the theatre to provide a more immersive experience. In addition,
the scrim may hide sound panels, and/or anything else along the theatre wall structure
or ceiling.
[001 54] The scrim can be attached to interior walls using the pickup
members 83 shown in Figure 4B. The pickup members 83 can be used to hold the
scrim, The pickup members 83 may include a vinyl material containing a hole 84
therethrough to permit connection thereto. A cable clamp may be used to attach the
scrim or other elements to the structure. A cable clamp (not shown in the figures)
may provide for a quick release and strong connection between the
scrim/speaker/panel and the pickup member 83. The pickup members 83 can be
stitched into flaps on the surface of the beams 60. Other means of attaching the
pickup members 83 are also possible. The pickup members 83 can be placed on the
sidewalls and/or ceilings of the structure.
[00 155] Some embodiments provide a transportable theatre structure
having a "box within a box" structure as illustrated generally in Figures 6A, 6B and
6C. The box within a box structure generally includes an exterior structure that
provides environmental protection for the theatre, while an interior structure that is
positioned within the outer structure defines an immersive theatre environment for a
viewer seated within the theatre. Both the interior and exterior structures may be
easily assembled, disassembled and transported.
[00156] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in Figure 6A, an
exterior shell 100' may be provided as an inflatable or non-inflatable structure, and an
interior shell 200' can be provided within the exterior shell or structure, wherein the
interior shell or structure defines an immersive theatre environment.
[00157] The interior shell 200' includes a front wall 206, a rear wall
204, side walls 202R and 202L that extend from the front wall 206 to the rear wall
204, and a ceiling 207 that extends from the top of the front wall 206 to the top of the
rear wall 204. A seating structure 40 is provided within the interior structure, and a
screen 30 is provided adjacent the front wall 206 so that it is viewable by a viewer
seated in the seating structure 40, A projection system 50 is provided near the rear
wall 204 of the interior structure, and can be positioned inside or outside the interior
shell 200'. For example, the projection system 50 may be positioned within a space
between the rear wall 204 of the interior structure and the rear wall of the exterior
shell 100'.
[00 158] The side walls 202R, 220L and the ceiling 207 of the interior
shell 200' may be formed of a material and/or lined with a material that is dark and
generally non-reflective so as not to be generally visible to a viewer when light within
the interior structure is dimmed. In some embodiments, the material of the inner shell
200' may be opaque so as to block any residual light that may penetrate through the
exterior shell 100'.
[00159] A viewer may thereby not be distracted from a motion picture
on the screen 30 by the interior features of the interior shell 200', thereby increasing
the immersivity of the viewing experience. For example, the interior surface of the
interior shell 200' side walls 202R, 202L and ceiling 207 could be flat black or black
in color, or any other dark color, to reduce the amount of presentation light from the
screen 30 from being reflected off of the wall and ceiling surfaces.
[00 160] The material of the interior shell 200' may be a flexible skin
attached to a support structure (Figure 6C).
[00161] In some embodiments, the side walls 202R and 202L may have
a height that is approximately the same as the height of the screen 30. Moreover, the
ceiling 207 may have a width that is approximately the same as the width of the
screen 30. A viewer may therefore not perceive a "frame" around the screen during a
visual presentation, which may also increase the immersivity of the viewing
experience.
[00162] In some embodiments, the width between the side walls 202L,
202R may taper inward toward the screen from the rear wall 204 to the front wall 206.
In other embodiments, the width between the side walls 202L, 202R may taper
outward toward the screen from the rear wall 204 to the front wall 206. In some
embodiments, the width between the sidewalls 202L, 202R may be constant from the
rear wall 204 to the front wall 206. A direction of taper of the width between the side
walls may be chosen to suit the type of viewing experience that is desired. For
example, an outward taper may provide a viewer with a more immersive experience
by pushing the side walls farther into the peripheral vision of the viewer.
[00163] Similarly, in some embodiments, the height of the ceiling 207
may taper downwards or upwards from the rear wall 204 to the front wall 206, or may
have a constant height.
[00164] The exterior shell 100' may be designed to deal with
requirements that differ from the requirements needed of the interior shell 200'. For
example, as noted above, the exterior shell 100' may provide environmental
protection for the theatre, while the interior shell 200' may define a visually
immersive theatre environment for a viewer seated within the theatre. The exterior
shell 100' may therefore function to keep out environmental disturbances, such as
wind, rain, and/or light, while the interior shell 200' may function to define an interior
space that increases the immersive motion picture experience of a viewer by
controlling interior visual appearance and reducing external noises.
[00165] For example, the interior shell 200' can provide another layer
of visual isolation between patrons and the exterior shell 100' so that it is not possible
for a viewer in the theatre presentation area to see light leaks and star like effects
through the interior shell 200', In some embodiments, the lining 80 shown in Figure
5 may be used to line the interior of the exterior shell 100' to act as another opaque
layer to reduce or stop pin hole light or other light from getting through. In some
embodiments, the exterior shell 100' may be constructed using inflatable tubes in
which both the outer panel 64 and the inner panel 66 include an opaque layer. In this
configuration, light from two pin holes would have to line up to get through the
exterior shell which greatly reduces the amount of light that could get through.
Another option to deal with star like effects of inflatable tubes can be to make only
the inner panel 66 contain the opaque layer. Since there is not another panel within a
near distance on which light from the pin hole lens can shine onto to create a larger
light spot, the star like effect will not take place. In a configuration in which the
exterior shell is only one wall of flexible skin, more than one layer of opaque material
may be required.
[00166] The interior shell 200' can be provided with sound absorbing
panels or material to improve the audio presentation within the immersive theatre
environment. Thus, the interior shell may provides the sound isolation function for the
immersive theatre environment while the external shell 100' may provide protection
from environmental disturbances.
[00167] By separating the demanding requirements for the inner and
outer structures, it is possible to provide a more economical transportable theatre that
can provide an immersive motion picture experience to a viewer. For example, the
exterior shell 100' may be designed to increase structural and environmental
soundness, such as shielding from external light, sound and weather, while the interior
shell 200' can be designed to increase the immersivity of the viewing experience for
theatre patrons by controlling noise/sound experienced by the viewer as well as
controlling the shape and size of the visual environment provided to the viewer. As a
transportable building system, the attributes of the exterior shell 100' can work in
conjunction with attributes associated with the interior shell 200' to improve the
viewing experience within the theatre.
[00168] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 6B, the interior
shell 200' may exclude certain walls, features or other portions that are outside the
field of view of the viewers in the seating structure 40 while looking at an image on
the screen. For example, the portion of the interior shell 200' where the image on the
screen is projected from does not necessarily require a wall. Provided that undesired
light from this area does not influence the image presentation, there is less reason to
have a wall at the projection position. Acoustic panels can be provided at the back of
the theatre on more open structures, such as scaffolding structures, erected at the rear
of the exterior shell 100'.
[001 69] Still referring to Figure 6B, the side walls 202L, 202R can be
positioned near the sides of the screen 30 and have a similar vertical dimension as the
screen 30. The ceiling 207 can be positioned near the top of the screen 30 and have a
similar horizontal dimension as the screen 30. The side walls 202L, 202R and ceiling
207 can extend towards the seating structure 40 to the extent of only covering side
and top area that can be seen by a viewer's peripheral vision when viewing the
presentation on the screen for all seating positions in the seating structure. Thus, the
amount of wall and ceiling required to be transported, assembled and disassembled
for a transportable theatre may be reduced.
[00170] Employing a "box within a box" configuration as described
herein can provide a number of significant benefits for a transportable theatre
structure. For example, the exterior shell 100' provides a visual layer of isolation so
that outside light and visual distractions associated with an environment outside of the
exterior shell 100' may not influence the experience of the patron watching a visual
presentation within the theatre. Undesirable visual distractions from the outside
environment could include city or vehicle lights, external objects and structures that
can cast a shadow over the portion of the transportable building. These effects may
create a distractive influence on the visual presentation.
[00171] The interior surface of the exterior structure may also have
visible structural features, and/or a portion of the volume of the space within the
exterior shell 100' may house ancillary equipment, such as equipment for lighting,
sound, ventilation, etc., and associated support structures. Such features/equipment
may be shielded from patrons' view by the interior shell 200' so as not to distract
from the visual presentation on the screen.
[00172] The exterior shell 100' may be formed of a flexible skin
material, such as vinyl, that may flex with outside wind and be a visual distraction
during the presentation. When the exterior shell 100' is a flexible structure, such as an
inflatable structure, wind may cause relative large interior surfaces of the exterior box
to move about. When viewing such moving interior surfaces, some people can be
prone to becoming disoriented. Configuring the inside of the exterior shell 100' to
minimize visual distractions and to optimize the visual presentation may be difficult.
[00173] However, providing an interior shell 200' within the internal
volume of the exterior shell 100' can visually isolate the undesirable internal features
of the exterior shell 100' and at the same time provide additional visual isolation for
the space within the interior shell 200'. By enclosing an inner volume of the theatre to
include the presentation screen and the seating section, there can be a significant
improvement in presentation quality, so the patron's visual attention remains on the
intended visual presentation without the patron being influenced by visual distractions
of features that are not a part of the intended visual presentation.
[00174] Moreover, a screen 30 within an exterior shell 100' that is not
positioned to extend from side to side and from floor to ceiling of the enclosed
volume may not appear to be as immersive to an audience member as a screen that
does extend from side to side and floor to ceiling. Exterior shells of flexible and
transportable structures may not be conducive to optimal rectangular volumes desired
for creating immersive cinema experiences with rectilinear or curved rectilinear
screens.
[00175] Providing the interior shell 200' may allow the screen to extend
from side to side and floor to ceiling and thereby increase the immersive experience
of the viewer. In essence, a viewer feels the screen is larger when the screen is more
enclosed by the volume than when viewing a screen that is much less enclosed by the
volume it is within.
[00176] The interior shell 200' can also be configured to help with
improving the immersive visual presentation experience to ensure the field of view of
the patron in the seating section viewing the presentation screen is not able to see
unintended distractive features of the exterior shell 100' or features beyond the
exterior shell 100'. The shape of the interior shell 200' can be configured so the
interior shell 200' side walls 202L, 202R are near the entire length of the edge of the
screen 30 and the interior shell 200' ceiling 207 is near the entire length of the top
edge of the screen 30. The interior shell 200' side walls 202L, 202R may be spaced
apart the same distance at the screen 30 as the portion of the walls next to the seating
section. The ceiling 207 may also taper from a lower vertical dimension at the back of
the seating section up towards the top edge of the screen 30.
[00177] The interior shell 200' can be flexible in shape/configuration to
maximize the visual immersive experience for the patron's visual experience. The
material to form the interior shell 200' space could be of a flexible material, or a semi
flexible material or a rigid material. An example of a flexible and light material that
could be used to create the inner box is the use of scrim. A separate structure could be
used to hold up the surfaces that define the space of the interior shell 200'.
[00178] The exterior shell 100' may also be designed to support the
material that defines the space of the interior shell 200'. If the exterior shell 100' is
used to support the surface material of the interior shell 200', it may not be possible to
prevent the surface material of the interior shell 200' from moving should the exterior
shell 100' flex during a windy day. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure
6C, it may be desirable to provide a separate support structure that supports the
interior shell 200' such that there is no mechanical connection between the interior
shell 200' and the exterior shell 100'. For example, as shown in Figure 6C, a scaffold
support structure 250 is provided within the exterior shell 100' but is not
mechanically attached to the walls of the exterior shell 100'. Thus, movement of the
walls of the outer structure 100 may not cause corresponding movement of the
interior shell 200'.
[00179] The interior shell 200' can also be constructed so that in
addition to increasing visual isolation from external influences the interior shell 200'
could also be constructed to provide a thermal layer of isolation. By increasing the
thermal isolation of the interior shell 200' less energy is required to heat and/or cool
the volume where the viewers sit compared to heating/cooling the much larger
internal volume of the exterior shell 100'. Setting up the transportable theatre with a
thermally insulated interior shell 200' in hot or cold locations it becomes possible to
more economically heat or cool the screen presentation viewing area. The amount of
insulating material for lining the inner box would be substantially less than doing so
for inside the exterior shell 100'. The interior shell or structure can also be configured
to interface the ventilation duct work with the presentation viewing area.
[00180] The inner structure 200 can also be constructed to provide some
capability to hang or attach acoustic panels to reduce or suppress noise and or
unwanted reflections of sound within the inner structure 200. The acoustic panels can
be light weight flexible type materials or made of rigid light weight material. Any
acoustical treatment of the inner box may further improve the immersive presentation
experience.
[00181] Proj ection System
[00182] Referring again to Figure 2A, a projection system 50 may be
provided within the enclosure of the main theatre section 10, along with a raked
seating structure 40, the projection screen 30, loudspeakers 46A-46D, and acoustical
control features, such as acoustical panels. The projection system 50 and one set of
loudspeakers 46C can reside in or on a base structure 52 of the projection system 50,
which may include a scaffolding or other support structure. An IMAX® projection
system may weigh in excess of 2300 pounds. Thus, the base structure 52 for the
projection system 50 may desirably be capable of supporting substantially more than
2300 pounds to support the weight of the projection system 50, one or more
projectionists, the rear loudspeakers 46C and other associated equipment.
[00183] In current systems, the projection system projects digital 2D or
3D images onto the screen 30 from behind the seating structure 40. The screen 30
may have a curved surface as shown in Figure 2B as more fully described in U.S.
Patent No. 7,106,41 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, to
increase the immersive visual experience of an image projected by the projection
system 50, although a flat screen can be used in some embodiments. The screen 30
may be attached to and supported by a support structure 32, which may be
scaffolding, an inflatable screen frame, or other support. To increase the quality of
the presentation, the theatre 100 may include a pit section 34 between the seating
structure 40 and the screen 30. Acoustical panels and loudspeakers, as described
more fully below, may hang from the ceiling and/or interior sidewalls 18 of the main
theatre chamber 10.
[001 84] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the projection system 50 and the
base structure 52 may be provided in a movable housing or container 55 that can be
electromechanical, and can be operated to cause the extendable arms 54 to rajse the
movable base 51 from a retracted (storage) position shown in Figure 7 to an extended
operational position shown in Figure 8.
[001 85] The movable housing 55 may include an undercarriage 56 on
which a set of wheels 59 are mounted. The movable housing 55 including t e
projection system 50 can be rolled into place using the undercarriage 56. A plurality
of stabilizing arms 57 and stabilizing feet 58 extend from the movable housing 55 and
can be used to lift the movable housing and the wheels 59 into a stable, supported,
position for displaying the motion picture. Moreover, the stabilizing feet 8 can be
adjusted to ensure that the projection system is level and properly positioned. For
example, the stabilizing feet 58 may be threaded and may screw into corresponding
threaded apertures in the stabilizing arms 57. In some embodiments, the stabilizing
feet 58 and/or the actuator 53 may controlled by an electronic control mechanism that
automatically levels the movable housing 53.
[001 86] Accordingly, the base structure 52 can include a movable
housing 55 that may be used for transport and easy setup of the equipment within the
theatre. In some embodiments, the projection system 50 and loudspeakers 46C are
positioned on the base 51 in such a manner that they need not be moved substantially
in a lateral direction for the final theatre setup.
[001 87] In some embodiments, a retractable portion 40A of the seating
structure 40 can be attached to the side of the movable housing 55, as shown in
Figures 9A (retracted position) and 9B (extended position). During setup, the
retractable seating portion 40A may be extended in a direction away from movable
housing 52, allowing the retractable seating portion 40A to be set up in its final
position relative to the screen 30. Chairs, benches or other seats may be integrally
formed in the retractable seating portion 40A, and/or may be installed on the seating
portion 40A once it is extended.
[00188] Figure 10 illustrates systems/methods for storing, transporting,
and positioning a projection system within a transportable theatre structure 100. As
shown therein, a projection system 50 may be stored within a container 79 that
provides protection for the projection system 50 during transportation. The projection
system 50 can be stored within a cradle 72 and/or a cradle 72 can be attached to the
projection system 50 or formed as an integral part of the projection system 50. The
cradle 72 may include a reinforced attachment point 7 1 by which the cradle 72 can be
lifted. Alternatively, the reinforced attachment point 1 can be formed integral with
the projection system 50. The projection system 50 can by lifted out of the container
79 through an opening 70A therein by means of a cable 73 or other mechanism
attached to the reinforced attachment point 71.
[001 89] In particular, the projection system 50 can be lifted out of the
container 79 using a hoist mechanism 74 that includes a support structure 77 and a
support beam 76 suspended on the support structure. The support beam 76 extends
above the container 79, and spans both the opening 70A and a platform 78 that may
constructed or otherwise provided on the container 79.
[00 190] The platform 78 may be raised above an upper level of the
container 70, for example, by a scaffolding or other support structure.
[00191] A movable winch 75 is attached to the support beam 76 and is
configured to move laterally along the support beam 76 so that it can be controllably
positioned above the opening 70A and/or above the platform 78. The winch 75 raises
and lowers the projection system 50 using the cable 73 attached to the attachment
point 7 1 on the cradle 72 and/or the projection system 50.
[001 92] Accordingly, the hoist mechanism 74 can lift the projection
system out of the container 70, move the projection system laterally until it is
positioned above the platform 78, and lower the projection system 50 onto the
platform 78.
[00193] In some embodiments, the container 79 may be sized to hold all
of the components of the hoist, including the support structure 77, the support beam
76, the movable winch 75 and the platform 78, in addition to the projection system 50.
[00194] Audio System
[00195] Two significant challenges associated with designing a
transportable inflatable theatre structure are managing noise and optimizing sound
reproduction so as to create an immersive motion picture experience (where desired)
for the audience members. Accordingly, the acoustic characteristics of the theatre
structure 100 may be designed to both reduce the effects of noise generated inside and
outside the main theatre chamber 10 and to improve the fidelity of sound reproduction
from the loudspeakers as experienced by the audience members within the main
theatre structure 10.
[00196] Several embodiments are described which address these
challenges. For example, referring to Figure 11, directional loudspeakers 46B can be
placed underneath the seating structure 40. In particular, one or more sub-bass
loudspeakers 46B, or an array of sub-bass loudspeakers 46B, may be placed under the
seating structure 40. Such placement may reduce the amount of power that needs to
be provided to the sub-bass loudspeakers, which may reduce audio leakage from the
structure 100 by localizing the sub-bass and adding directionality to the sub-bass
signal.
[00197] As in conventional IMAX® theatres, three or more
loudspeakers 46A may be placed directly behind the screen in the theatre.
[00198] Other loudspeakers 46D can be suspended from the pickup
members 83 on the ceiling and/or walls of the structure 100, as shown in Figures 2A
and 3A. The loudspeakers 46A-46D deliver an audio signal associated with the
motion picture presentation, or a portion of the audio signal, either in its entirety or as
a supplement to the audio produced by the other loudspeakers. In addition, the
loudspeakers 46A-46D can be driven as a two dimensional array (front to back, side
to side) by delayed and scaled signals so that a sound originating from one of the key
loudspeakers (center for example) can be distributed across the array in two
dimensions.
[00199] An appropriate delay and level reduction may be applied to the
signal as it is fed to adjacent loudspeakers - mimicking in two dimensions the
spreading wavefront like a ripple on a pond. This is especially applicable to a regular
array of loudspeakers on the ceiling. The intended effect is to enhance audio
coverage to the seating section and reduce the size and visibility of the loudspeakers
(with the disadvantage of increasing the number of loudspeakers). This delay and
level reduction would support the spreading wavefront and limit intelligibility loss
from mixing of direct and delayed sounds.
[00200] The side loudspeakers 46D may be smaller and/or lighter than
the other loudspeakers 46A-46C, easier to erect and can reduce the need for
scaffolding. Employing multiple loudspeakers opens up the potential of creating
artificial acoustics by using them to simulate reflections while at the same time using
them to deliver the program. This may be useful in spaces that effectively have no
natural acoustics or poor acoustics, such as an inflatable structure.
[00201] Further, the multiple loudspeakers can be designed as active
acoustical absorbers to control low frequency energy. As is known in the art, a low
frequency signal, such as a sub-bass signal having energy in about the 20 to 80 hertz
range, is generally non-directional and can penetrate through solid walls. Sub-bass
signals can also be very annoying if the rest of the audio signal accompanying the
sub-bass signal cannot also be heard. While it is desirable for the audience to hear the
sub-bass portion of the audio signal along with the rest of the audio signal, it may not
be desirable for persons outside the theatre structure 100 to be able to hear the subbass
signal, as it may be annoying or distracting. In some embodiments, loudspeakers
can be used to control the acoustics of the sub-bass portion of the audio presentation.
In particular, selected ones of the loudspeakers 46A to 46D, or other loudspeakers,
can be driven with a sub-bass signal (e.g. 20 to 80 Hz) that is 180 degrees out of phase
with a sub-bass signal of the audio portion of the presentation to provide an active
noise cancelling signal that can cancel and/or focus portions of the sub-bass signal so
that the sub-bass signal is limited to the audience area and reduce the amount of the
sub-bass signal that can escape from the sides of the theatre structure 100.
[00202] In a conventional permanent theatre surround system, multiple
small loudspeakers used for the rear channels are mounted to the walls and are driven
as groups (no delay or level shift between loudspeakers in a group). See Figure 4,
page 33 of the Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Digital Cinema System Specification,
Version 1.2, March 7, 2008, available at www.dcimovies .com, for an example.
[00203] Alternatively, a two dimensional array of loudspeakers can be
driven by delayed and scaled signals. Optimal placement of the loudspeakers may
depend on the geometry of the theatre and may be determined during the design of the
structure. In yet another embodiment, the arrayed loudspeakers are used for active
control of the room acoustics.
[00204] The audio system may be further enhanced through the use of
acoustic panels 87 as shown in Figure 12. The acoustic panels 87 may be hung from
one or more attachment points on the ceiling/walls of the theatre structure 100 to
reduce or suppress noise and/or unwanted reflections of sound. The acoustic panels
can be rectangular, cylindrical, triangular, or have any other desired shape. In order to
reduce the load on the pickup members 83 and/or the ceiling/walls of the structure
100, the acoustic panels may be mounted in lightweight vinyl frames.
[00205] In addition to placement of loudspeakers under the seating
section 40, other loudspeakers can be placed on the sidewalls and/or back wall of the
transportable inflatable theatre structure 100.
[00206] Loudspeakers and/or acoustic panels can be hung on or
mounted in the interior shell or structure 200'.
[00207] Setup
[00208] To set up the transportable inflatable theatre structure 100, the
sections of the structure may be laid out on a field or other support surface and
secured. Each section may be attached to stone or concrete blocks or other anchors
prior to inflation. The sections may then be secured together according to one or
more of the seamless linking structures described above. Next, the sections may be
inflated to a predetermined air pressure. For a structure of the size generally
described herein, it is expected that inflation may take about 48 hours.
[00209] The movable housing 55 and/or container 79 including the
projection system 50 may then be moved into place through one of the passageways
15, 25 into the enclosure of the structure 100. The projection system 50 can be
positioned about 20 feet over the base of the structure 100 as shown in Figure 1.
Alternatively, for even quicker setup, the projection system 50 can be placed on the
ground, such as in the "pit", and angled towards the screen. In this embodiment, the
screen is preferably tilted around 5 to 10 degrees depending on the dimensions of the
structure towards the direction of the projection system 50, so that light from the
projection system 50 can be preferentially reflected by the screen back down toward
the audience seating location. The screen may also be placed around midway up in the
middle of the seating structure,
[00210] The sub-bass loudspeakers 46B placed underneath the seating
structure 40 can be placed on rollers and rolled under and out from the seats for easy
setup.
[0021 1] Loudspeakers, whether placed behind the seating, under the
seating, and/or behind the seating, can be pre-aligned, mounted and placed on skids
prior to transportation. Once unloaded within the theatre structure 100, the
some embodiments, however, the screen may be no less than about 50 feet wide.
[00214] The screen 30 generally has a curved shape as shown in Figure
2B. The screen 30 is made of a composition of materials that can provide a similar
gain and/or signal to noise ratio performance of screens in current IMAX theatres, but
it is much mpre resilient. In addition, the materials allow the screen 30 to e loosely
folded without wrinkling. For example, the screen 30 may be formed from perforated
vinyl.
[00215] It may be desirable to customize the dimensions of the theatre
structure 100 to the actual screen 30 to better provide an immersive experience for
audience members. One way to do this is to design the dimensions of the structure
100 to optimize the desired aspect ratios. For example it may be desirable to have the
height and width of the interior viewing chamber match the height and width of the
screen so that the screen and image appear to extend from wall to wall and from floor
to ceiling. In addition, the sidewalls 18 can be vertical to enhance the perception of
the screen. Tapering the vertical sidewalls 18 may allow for even better acoustics in
the transportable structure 100. Alternatively, scrim can be used to close in the
sidewalls 18 decreasing the width of the theatre structure 100 as desired to achieve a
specific aspect ratio.
[00216] In some embodiments, a screen support structure 32 may be
used. The screen support structure 32 can be made of a plurality of inflatable tubes in
some embodiments, and in other embodiments can be a scaffolding or other structure.
In these embodiments, the inflatable tubes may be interconnected and positioned lying
horizontally or alternatively in a vertical position. It is desirable that the screen 30 not
move during a presentation. Thus, the tubes may be held in place with cables or other
reinforcement. In some embodiments, the back portion of the tubes has three
compartments for placement of the side and center screen loudspeakers 46A.
[00217] For quick assembling and disassembling of a transportable
theatre, a special screen furling system may be desirable. Described hereafter are two
methods and systems that allow quick setup of the screen 30 and quick removal of the
screen 30 so that the screen 30 can be used again.
[00218] The screen 30 can be set up from a horizontal configuration as
illustrated in Figure 13. The screen 30 can be unwound from a roll lying horizontally
along the theatre floor into a screen perimeter frame 320 that is also lying on the floor.
The 30 screen is retained in a grooved track in the frame 320 (similar to a sail in a
boom on a sailboat) or it could be held in a carriage track system (as in theatre stage
screens) or a combination of both. In order for the screen 30 to slide smoothly into
the frame, there may be provided TEFLON® coated straps stretched out under the
frame in line with the screen movement.
[00219] The perimeter frame (with the screen installed in it) then can be
lifted up onto the screen support structure 32. The screen support structure 32 can
have a track 305 to guide the perimeter frame 320 into position. The perimeter frame
320 can have rollers 321 along bottom to make the frame roll smoothly on the floor.
The perimeter frame 320 including the screen 30 may be lifted into place using a hoist
310 or other lifting mechanism. Thus, the screen 30 can be put in place without
requiring anyone to climb the screen support structure 32. Once the screen 30 is lifted
into place, the frame 320 may be held in place via retaining members 330.
[00220] To uninstall the screen 30, the steps described above may be
performed in reverse. The screen roll is stored in a suitable crate or case.
[00221] In some embodiments, the screen 30 can be installed and
removed vertically, as illustrated in Figure 14. In this embodiment, the screen 30 is
stored as a roll 30'. The screen roll is stood on end using a hinged base plate 355 with
a spinning support disc 357. The screen 30 may be pulled using a pullcord 365,
causing the roll 30' to unwind into the screen frame 322 where it can be held in upper
and lower grooved tracks 324H, 324L. An alternative screen retention can be a
carriage track system used in theatre stage screens. The screen 30 can be tensioned
through the use of lacing along the sides and/or bottom of screen frame. To keep the
screen edges perpendicular to the screen roll, a laser 360 can be mounted at the roll
30' and a beam sent to a target 362 along the screen edge. Target feedback is used to
move the screen roll axle and adjust screen roll perpendicularly with screen edge(s).
During screen winding or unwinding, protective material 328, such as thin foam strips
or a protective foam sheet, can be wound in with the screen and sandwiched between
the screen layers to protect the screen surface from abrasion.
[00222] Screen removal may involve winding the screen 30 into a roll
30' again. Tension is maintained via tight-wind rollers 350 (like in film magazines).
To keep the screen 30 aligned along top and bottom edges a laser is mounted at the
base and a beam sent to a target along the screen bottom. Target feedback is used to
move the screen base and adjust the screen roll perpendicularity with the screen
bottom edge. During screen winding thin, foam strips 328 are wound in and
sandwiched between the screen layers to protect the screen surface from abrasion.
The screen roll 30' can then be stored in a suitable crate or case.
[00223] Transportation
[00224] A transportable inflatable theatre structure 100 according to
some embodiments can be disassembled and packed into crates for ease of
transportation. In particular, the various sections and/or systems of the structure 100
can each be packed into its own crate for transportation, for example, on the bed of a
tractor-trailer, a railway boxcar or other mode of transportation. Referring to Figure
15, a tractor-trailer rig 2400 including packing crates 2402, 2404, and 2405A to
2405E is illustrated. Each of the building sections can be packed into its own crate
2405A to 2405E. The movable housing 55 containing the projection system 50 may
be loaded onto the tractor-trailer 2400. A crate 2402 may hold the screen support
structure, while a crate 2404 may hold the audio system for the theatre 100. The
seating structure 40 may be disassembled and stored in separate containers.
[00225] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.
may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited
by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.
For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a
second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of
the present invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[00226] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As
used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural
forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including"
when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements,
and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[00227] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further
understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is
consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art
and are not intended to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless
expressly so defined herein.
[00228] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with
reference to schematic illustrations of embodiments of the invention. The thickness
of layers, walls, features and regions in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.
Additionally, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of
manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments
of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of layers,
walls, features and regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes
that result, for example, from manufacturing.
[00229] It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect
to one embodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not
specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any
embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the
right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including
the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or
incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that
manner.
[00230] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in
connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it
would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every
combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all
embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present
specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete
written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments
described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall
support claims to any such combination or subcombination.
[0023 1] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed
typical embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they
are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for puiposes of limitation, the
scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.
THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:
. A transportable large capacity theatre, comprising:
a primary theatre body with laterally spaced apart first and second long sides,
opposing first and second ends attached to the long sides, and a roof over the long
sides and ends, the body defining an enclosed interior chamber, and wherein the long
sides of the primary theatre body have a substantially vertical orientation relative to a
surface on which the theatre is supported for at least a major portion of the height of
the respective long sides, wherein the primary theatre body is configured to be
disassembled, transported and reassembled at a remote location;
a seating section in the interior of the primary theatre body;
a display screen in the interior of the primary theatre body and viewable by a
viewer seated in the seating section; and
a projection system in the interior of the primary theatre body and in
communication with the screen.
2. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, wherein the first
and second long sides taper in height from the first end to the second end at an angle
of at least about 2 degrees, >
. ... 
3. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim , wherein the first
and second long sides taper in height from the first end the second end a distance of
at least about 20 feet from the first end to the second end.
4. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, wherein the
seating section comprises seats for at least 400 patrons.
5. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, wherein the screen
has a width of about 60 feet to about 80 feet and resides proximate the second end of
the primary theatre body.
6 . The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, wherein the
projection system comprises a projector that is held on a base that is coupled to a
lifting device configured to lift the projector to a height of at least about 20 feet.
7. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, further comprising
an inflatable antechamber that is releasably attached to the primary theatre body.
8. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 7, wherein the
primary theatre body comprises at least one passageway adjacent a base of the
primary theatre body, and wherein the inflatable antechamber is positioned adjacent
the passageway to define an entrance/exit vestibule for the primary theatre body.
9. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 8, wherein the
inflatable antechamber is releasably attachable at a plurality of locations on an
exterior of the inflatable primary theatre body.
10. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1 wherein the
primary theatre body is an inflatable structure.
11. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, further comprising
a lining covering a surface of the inflatable primary theatre body.
12. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 11, wherein the
lining comprises an interior lining that defines a volume within the primary theatre
body that includes the screen and the seating section.
13. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 12, wherein the
projector is positioned outside the volume defined by the interior lining, and wherein
the transportable large capacity theatre further comprises a plurality of loudspeakers
positioned within the primary theatre body and outside the volume defined by the
interior lining.
14. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 12, wherein the
projector is positioned within the volume defined by the interior lining, and wherein
the transportable large capacity theatre further comprises a plurality of loudspeakers
positioned within the primary theatre body and within the volume defined by the
interior lining.
15. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, wherein the first
and second long sides are tapered inward toward a centerline of the primary theatre
body from the first end to the second end, wherein the centerline bisects the screen.
16. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, wherein the first
and second long sides are tapered outward away from a centerline of the primary
theatre body from the first end to the second end, wherein the centerline bisects the
screen.
17. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, further comprising
an audio system coupled to the projection system and comprising a plurality of
loudspeakers, wherein the plurality of loudspeakers comprises at least a first
loudspeaker positioned on a side of the screen opposite the seating section and a
second loudspeaker positioned beneath the seating section.
18. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, wherein the first
and second long sides have a shortest height of between about 40 feet to about 60 feet
and a length between about 70 feet and 150 feet.
19. The transportable large capacity theatre of Claim 1, wherein the roof,
the long sides and the ends are defined by a plurality of laterally extending inflated
tubes.
20. A transportable projection system comprising:
a container having sidewalls and a bottom;
a motion picture projector in the container; and
a lifting system attached to the container and configured to move the motion
picture projector between a stored position and a deployed position.
2 1. The transportable projection system of Claim 20, further comprising a
fixed raised platform structure on the container configured to receive the motion
picture projector when the motion picture projector is in the deployed position.
22. The transportable projection system of Claim 20, wherein when the
motion picture projector is in the stored position, the motion picture projector is
disposed entirely within an interior of the container, and when the motion picture
projector is in the deployed position, at least a lens of the motion picture projector is
positioned in a projecting location suitable for projecting an image onto a remote
viewing surface that is remote from the projection system.
23. The transportable projection system of Claim 20, further comprising a
retractable seating section coupled to an external side of the container.
24. The transportable projection system of Claim 20, further comprising a
plurality of stabilizing arms coupled to the container and extending laterally
therefrom, each stabilizing arm comprising an associated stabilizing foot configured
to contact a surface beneath the container to stabilize the container.
25. An inflatable structure, comprising:
a primary body with laterally spaced apart first and second long sides,
opposing first and second ends attached to the long sides, and a roof over the long
sides and ends, the body defining an enclosed interior chamber, wherein the roof, the
long sides and the ends are defined by a plurality of inflatable tubes;
wherein at least some of the inflatable tubes comprise at least two layers that
are opaque to light.
26. The inflatable structure of Claim 25, wherein at least some of the
inflatable tubes comprise an outer layer configured to reflect external light away from
the interior chamber, a first internal layer that is opaque to light, a second internal
layer that is opaque to light, and an inner layer that is configured to absorb light.
27. The inflatable structure of Claim 25, wherein a surface of the inflatable
tubes facing the enclosed interior chamber is configured to absorb light.
28. The inflatable structure of Claim 25, wherein the long sides of the primary
body have a substantially vertical orientation relative to a surface on which the
structure is supported for at least a major portion of the height of the respective long
sides.
29. The inflatable structure of Claim 25, wherein the first and second long
sides taper in height from the first end to the second end.
30. The inflatable structure of Claim 25, wherein the first and second long
sides taper in height from the first end to the second end by an angle of about 2
degrees.
31. The inflatable structure of Claim 25, further comprising an exterior
and/or interior lining covering a surface of the primary body.
32. The inflatable structure of Claim 25, wherein the first and second long
sides are tapered inward toward a centerline of the primary theatre section from the
first end to the second end, wherein the centerline bisects a viewing screen positioned
at the first end of the primary body.
33. The inflatable structure of Claim 25, wherein the first and second long
sides are tapered outward away from a centerline of the primary body from the first
end to the second end, wherein the centerline bisects a viewing screen positioned at
the first end of the primary body.
34. A transportable theatre system comprising;
an exterior shell comprising a flexible material that defines a first inner
volume within the exterior shell; and
an inner shell comprising a second material within the exterior shell that
defines a second inner volume within the inner shell, wherein the second inner
volume is enclosed by the first inner volume;
wherein the second inner volume is configured to provide an immersive
cinematic experience to a patron seated within the second inner volume.
35. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, wherein the inner shell is
mechanically supported independent of the exterior shell.
36. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, wherein a volume of
space between the exterior shell and the inner shell houses audiovisual systems that
provide the immersive cinematic experience within the second inner volume.
37. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, further comprising:
a seating section within the second inner volume; and
a viewing screen within the second inner volume and configured to display a
visual image to a patron seated in the seating section.
38. The transportable theatre system of claim 37, wherein the inner shell
forms a volume that has a side wall that extends along a side of the seating section
and is proximate to a side edge of the viewing screen and an inner shell ceiling that
extends over the seating section and is proximate to a top edge of the viewing screen.
39. The transportable theatre system of claim 38, wherein the side wall is
proximate to the side edge of the viewing screen and the ceiling is proximate to the
top edge of the viewing screen.
40. The transportable theatre system of claim 38, wherein the inner shell
ceiling slopes up to the top of the top edge of the viewing screen from a back of the
theatre opposite the viewing screen to a front of the theatre proximate to the viewing
screen.
4 1. The transportable theatre system of claim 38, wherein the inner shell
ceiling is horizontal.
42. The transportable theatre system of claim 37, wherein the inner shell
comprises side walls on opposing sides of the viewing screen, wherein the side walls
are spaced a same distance apart from one another at a back of the theatre opposite the
viewing screen as at a front of the theatre proximate to the viewing screen.
43. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, wherein the inner shell
comprises a flexible material or a rigid material.
44. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, wherein the inner shell
comprises scrim.
45. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, wherein the exterior shell
comprises an inflatable structure.
46. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, wherein a shape of the
inner shell can be configured to form different volumes and shapes.
47. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, wherein the inner shell
material comprises a thermally insulating material.
48. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, wherein the exterior shell
and the inner shell cooperatively function to shield the second inner volume from
light incident on an outer surface of the exterior shell to substantially preclude pin
hole light that may penetrate through the exterior shell from reaching the second inner
volume.
49. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, where the exterior shell
comprises first and second opaque layers of material that are spaced a predetermined
distance apart, wherein light passing through a pin hole lens in the first opaque layer
of material is blocked by the second opaque layer of material in the external shell.
50. The transportable theatre system of claim 34 where the exterior shell
provides a barrier to weather precipitate and outside light and the inner shell is
configured to reduce sound reflections within the second inner volume.
51. The transportable theatre system of claim 34, wherein the transportable
theatre system is configured to be disassembled, transported and reassembled.
52. A transportable theatre system comprising:
an exterior shell comprising a flexible material that defines an inner volume
therein;
a viewing screen positioned within the inner volume;
a seating section positioned within the inner volume in a spaced relation to the
screen and configured to permit a viewer seated in the seating section to view the
viewing screen;
a motion picture projector positioned within the inner volume and configured
to project an image onto the viewing screen;
a wall within the inner volume adjacent the seating section; and
a ceiling within the inner volume above the seating section;
wherein a portion of the wall proximate the viewing screen has a similar
vertical dimension as the viewing screen and extends from the screen towards the
seating section to the extent of at least covering a side area that can be seen in the
peripheral vision of a viewer seated in any position in the seating section when
viewing an image on the viewing screen;
wherein a portion of the ceiling near the viewing screen has a similar
horizontal dimension as the viewing screen and extends from the screen towards the
seating section to the extent of at least covering a top area that can be seen in the
peripheral vision of a viewer seated in any position in the seating section when
viewing an image on the viewing screen;
wherein the wall, the ceiling and the screen cooperatively create an immersive
cinematic experience; and
wherein the external shell, the wall, the ceiling, the seating section and the
screen are configured to be disassembled and transported.
53 . The transportable theatre system of Claim 52, wherein the wall and
the ceiling are extended towards the seating section to the extent of at least covering a
side and top area that can be seen in the peripheral vision of a viewer seated in any
position in the seating section when viewing an image on the viewing screen.
54. The transportable theatre system of Claim 52, wherein the sidewalls -
are spaced apart the same distance at the front of the screen as at the back towards the
seating section and the ceiling is horizontal.
55. The transportable theatre system of Claim 52, wherein the sidewalls
are spaced apart the same distance at the front of the screen as at the back towards the
seating section and the ceiling slopes from the seating section up to the screen.
56. A transportable theatre, comprising:
an exterior shell comprising a flexible material that defines a first volume of
space within the exterior shell; and
a theatre presentation system within the first volume, the theatre presentation
system including:
a seating section;
a screen viewable by a viewer seated in the seating section; and
a projection system configured to display an image on the screen; and
a second layer of material interposed between the exterior shell and a portion
of the theatre presentation system;
wherein the transportable theatre is configured to be disassembled, transported
and reassembled at a remote location.
57. The transportable theatre of claim 56 further comprises an exterior
lining covering an outside surface of the exterior shell.
58. The transportable theatre of claim 56 wherein the second layer
comprises a flexible skin.
59. The transportable theater of claim 56 wherein the flexible material of
the exterior shell comprises a first opaque layer and the second layer of material
comprises a second opaque layer, wherein the first and second opaque layers
cooperatively shield the theatre presentation system from light originating outside the
exterior shell.
60. The transportable theatre of claim 59 in which the second layer of
material is mechanically connected to a structure that supports the flexible material of
the exterior shell.
6 1. The transportable theatre of claim 59, further comprising a first
structure configured to support the flexible material of the exterior shell, and a second
structure configured to support the second layer of material, wherein the first structure
and the second structure are mechanically independent.
62. The transportable theatre of claim 59 wherein the exterior shell
comprises an inflatable structure that includes a plurality of inflatable tubes including
inner and outer panels, wherein the outer panels of the tubes comprise an opaque layer
and the inner panels of the tubes comprise the second layer of material.
63. The transportable theatre of claim 62, wherein a surface of the
inflatable tube facing the first volume of space comprises a non-reflective material.
64. The transportable theatre of claim 57 wherein the exterior shell
comprises an inflatable structure that includes a plurality of inflatable tubes including
inner and outer panels, wherein the inner panels comprise an opaque layer, and
wherein the second layer is mechanically independent of the exterior shell.