- Number
- 9625732
- Published
- 2017-04-18
- Filed
- 2016-01-26
- Assignee
- Disney Enterprises, Inc.
- Inventors
- Laduke; Thomas F. et al.
- CPC
- G03B21/62; G03B21/56; G03B21/606; G02B30/56; G03B21/28; G02B7/182
- Verdict
- High Hardware
- Source
- Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline
The keeper's note
Reflective surface tensioning hardware for a Pepper's Ghost illusion — classic theme-park/stage illusion mechanism.
Abstract
An apparatus, such as a Pepper's ghost system, for displaying images. The apparatus includes a projection assembly projecting an image stream and a tensioning assembly supporting a reflective element such as a polyester film. The tensioning assembly includes first and second edge retention assemblies retaining, respectively, a first edge of the reflectiveelement and a second edge of the reflective element opposite the first edge. The tensioning assembly includes a tension adjuster applying tensile forces at spaced apart locations along the first edge of the reflective element. The first edge of the reflective element is serrated such as with a plurality of spaced apart slots that may be shaped as a partial oval. The first edge retention assembly includes a pair of retention plates with the firstedge sandwiched there between. The first edge retention assembly includes fasteners passing through slots to couple the first and second plates together.
Background
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a Pepper's ghost system of one embodiment of the description showing use of a tensioning assembly to position a flexible reflective (and transmissive) element at a display angle off of vertical (e.g., 45 degrees from a projection screen or the like);(2) FIG. 2 is an isographic view of the Pepper's ghost system of FIG. 1 showing additional and/or different details;(3) FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate, respectfully, a top plan view of a tensioning assembly prior to installation of a flexible reflective element, a side view of the tensioning assembly of FIG. 3B after insertion of a flexible reflective element, and a top plan view of the tensioning assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B showing additional detailsincluding the edge retention assemblies, the reflective element, the top capture plates, and the use of serrated edges on the reflective element;(4) FIG. 4 is a plan view of the flexible reflective element of FIGS. 3B and 3C;(5) FIG. 5 is a detail view of the reflective element taken from FIG. 4 showing more details of the slots/recesses providing a serrated tension adjustment edge for the reflective element;(6) FIG. 6 is a detail view of the tensioning assembly taken from FIG. 3C showing details of retention of the reflective element (e.g., PET or BoPET film) by one edge retention assembly;(7) FIG. 7 is a detail view of the tensioning assembly taken from FIG. 3C showing details of retention of the reflective element by a
Claims
1. An apparatus for projecting or displaying images to a viewer in a viewing space, comprising: a projection assembly projecting an image stream; and a tensioning assembly supporting a reflective element comprising a sheet of flexible material with a first surface receiving and reflecting a portion of light associated with the image stream to the viewer and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the tensioning assembly includes first and second edge retention assemblies retaining, respectively, a first edge of the reflective element and a second edge of the reflective element opposite the first edge, wherein the tensioningassembly includes a tension adjuster operable to separately apply a tensile force at a plurality of space apart location along the first edge of the reflective element, whereby the sheet is taut and the first and second surfaces are planar, and wherein the first edge of the reflective element is serrated.
10. An apparatus for providing a reflective and transmissive optical element for use in providing a Pepper's ghost display, comprising: a reflective element comprising a sheet of flexible material; and first and second edge retention assemblies retaining, respectively, a first edge of the sheet and a second edge of the sheet opposite the first edge, wherein the first edge of the reflective element is serratedwith a plurality of spaced-apart slots, wherein the first edge retention assembly includes a pair of retention plates, wherein the first edge is sandwiched between the retention plates, and wherein the first edge retention assembly further includes fasteners coupling the first and second plates and extending through the slots in the first edge.
15. An apparatus for projecting or displaying images to a viewer in a viewing space, comprising: a projection assembly projecting an image stream; and a tensioning assembly supporting a reflective element comprising a sheet of flexible material with a first surface receiving and reflecting a portion of light associated with the image stream to the viewer and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first edge of the reflective element is serrated with a plurality of spaced-apart slots, wherein the tensioning assembly includes first and second edge retention assemblies retaining, respectively, a first edge of the reflective element and a second edge of the reflective element opposite the first edge, wherein the tensioning assembly includes a tension adjuster, wherein the tensioning assembly further comprises a frame with at least first and second frame arms, wherein the tension adjuster comprises a tensioning beam coupled to the first frame arm with a fastener assembly comprising a plurality of spaced apart fasteners, and wherein the fastener assembly is operable to adjust spacing between the first frame arm and the first plate at each of the fasteners, whereby a tensile force applied to the reflective element is adjustable along the first edge at locations of each of the fasteners.
20. An apparatus for projecting or displaying images to a viewer in a viewing space, comprising: a projection assembly projecting an image stream; and a tensioning assembly supporting a reflective element comprising a sheetof flexible material with a first surface receiving and reflecting a portion of light associated with the image stream to the viewer and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the tensioning assembly includes first and second edge retention assemblies retaining, respectively, a first edge of the reflective element and a second edge of the reflective element opposite the first edge, wherein the tensioning assembly includes a tensionadjuster operable to separately apply a tensile force at a plurality of space apart location along the first edge of the reflective element, whereby the sheet is taut and the first and second surfaces are planar, and wherein the first and second edge retention assemblies each comprises a pair of elongate magnetic members and the first edge is sandwiched between the magnetic members.