as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2005/0083690 Al
`
` Griffin (43) Pub. Date: Apr. 21, 2005
`
`
`US 20050083690A1
`
`(54) HORIZONTALLY AND VERTICALLY
`ADJUSTABLE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND
`METHOD
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Mary Griffin, Los Angeles, CA (US)
`
`(52) U.S. Che vaacscssssssssstststsesssetete 362/249; 362/384
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Correspondence Address:
`PILLSBURY WINTHROP LLP
`725 8S. FIGUEROA STREET
`SUITE 2800
`
`LOS ANGELES, CA 90017 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: FARSIGHT LLC, Santa Monica, CA
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/688,463
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Oct. 16, 2003
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Amoveable, adjustable lighting system for use in television/
`movie sets and locations, and other similar indoor/outdoor
`applications comprises at least one horizontal framework
`that is disposed on a plurality of vertical members in such a
`wayasto allow the horizontal and vertical dimensionsofthe
`system, as well as the individual lights and fixtures within
`the system to be adjusted and adapted to the requirements of
`a specific set. Lights, lighting fixtures, and other similar
`fixtures are connected in such a wayas to enable them and/or
`the dimensions of the system to be remotely controlled. The
`vertical members are equipped with moving means, such as
`rollers, that allow the entire rig to be moved from oneset to
`another. The system suggests and embodies an “assembly-
`line production” process in which sets are separately con-
`structed to allow the rig to move between and among them.
`
`(SL) Ute C0 eee ceeccccsssssssssneescceceennnnseeseeseee F21V 21/00
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`130
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 21,2005 Sheet 1 of 8
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`US 2005/0083690 Al
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`FIG.1
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 21,2005 Sheet 2 of 8
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`US 2005/0083690 Al
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`“O
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`o
`re
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`130
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`FIG.3
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 21,2005 Sheet 4 of 8
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`US 2005/0083690 Al
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`FIG.4
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 21,2005 Sheet 5 of 8
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`US 2005/0083690 Al
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`FIG.5
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 21,2005 Sheet 6 of 8
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`US 2005/0083690 Al
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`FIG.6
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 21,2005 Sheet 7 of 8
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`US 2005/0083690 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 21,2005 Sheet 8 of 8
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`US 2005/0083690 Al
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`FIG.8a
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`US 2005/0083690 Al
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`Apr. 21, 2005
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`RELATED APPLICATION
`
`Theinstant application is directed to subject matter
`[0001]
`that is similar to that disclosed in patent application Ser. No.
`09/835 ,322, filed Apr. 13, 2001, and published on Oct. 17,
`2002 under Publication No. US-2002-0149927-A 1.
`
`HORIZONTALLY AND VERTICALLY
`[0008] Thus, for example, for a dramatic television series,
`ADJUSTABLE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND METHOD
`where a single episode may include scenes fromaliving
`room, a bedroom,and a kitchen, each of the “living room”,
`“bedroom”, and “kitchen”sets is built separately, and each
`must have its own lights and lighting fixtures attached to
`overhead rods. The “living room”lights are coordinated for
`the living room set only. The crew cannot simply movethe
`“living room”lights for use in the “bedroom”or “kitchen”
`sets, except by painstakingly disconnecting them one by one
`from the overheadrods.In this way,the prior art creates very
`high labor and material costs because a fixed lighting
`assemblage must be custom-built for each set. Because the
`crew shoots in only one set at a time, vast amounts of
`lighting and rigging hang dormant most of the time, even
`during production. Each assemblage must be discarded(or,
`at the very best, disassembled) once the set is of no more use.
`In addition, even within the sameset, the lights and fixtures
`cannot be rearranged without the investment of a consider-
`able amountof time and labor.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] This invention is in the field of lighting systems
`and, more particularly, directed to a moveable, adjustable
`lighting system used in conjunction with television and
`movie sets and locations, as well as other similar indoor and
`outdoor applications, wherein the horizontal and vertical
`dimensionsof the system, as well as the individual lights and
`fixtures within the system can be adapted to the require-
`ments of a specific set, and the system as a whole can be
`moved so as to be used in multiple sets.
`
`[0004]
`
`2. Art Background
`
`[0005] Traditionally, a dramatic television program or
`movie is made by shooting various shots and scenes, often
`out of sequence, and then arranging the shots and scenes
`accordingto the script for the program or movie. Depending
`on the program or movie, each scene may befilmed either
`indoors or outdoors. In either case, a scene may be filmed
`either “on location” and/or on a “set”. As the name implies,
`shooting on location involves filming that takes place away
`from a studio, or similar facility, and often may be carried
`out without significant modification to the environment,
`although a significant amountof professional lighting equip-
`mentis still required. In contrast, for each scene that is not
`filmed on location, a physically distinct set must be created
`from scratch to replicate reality or embody a chosen visual
`style as faithfully as possible. The lighting of a set contrib-
`utes significantly to the degree to which reality, or a chosen
`visual style, can be captured by eachset.
`
`[0006] On average, a dramatic television series uses
`betweenfifteen and twenty sets located in one or two studio
`buildings. Each set has three walls, the fourth wall being
`open to accommodate the cameras. The sets are generally
`built in clusters of two to four sets that share back walls.
`Because of sound considerations, the cast and crew shoot in
`only oneset at a time. Conventionally, each set is equipped
`with heavy stationary overhead rods, suspended from the
`ceiling, that support an assemblageoflights and fixtures that
`are customized for that particular set. These rods may take
`the form of a grid of horizontal trusses hanging from a
`numberofvertical trusses that are welded or otherwisefixed
`to a heavy-load-bearing roof. This grid may extend over a
`plurality of sets. These lights and fixtures typically remain
`on the grid, even though only one set is in use at any one
`time.
`
`It is noted that, in this description, the term “light”
`[0007]
`is used to refer generally to the light source, 1.e., the bulb or
`lamp, such as tungsten/incandescent bulb, quartz/halogen
`bulb, carbon arc lamp, and the like. The term “fixture”, on
`the other hand, is used to refer generally to the housing of
`the light, including lenses and shutters, as well as to some of
`the backdrops and other items described infra.
`
`[0009] Moreover, in prior-art stationary rigging systems,
`such as shown in FIG.1, the lights and fixtures are fixed to
`the overhead rods. FIG. 1 shows a depiction of prior-art
`stationary overhead rigging 101 mounted over (i.e., sus-
`pended from the ceiling above) prior-art cluster sets 102,
`103 and 104. The crew cannoteasily move the lights and
`fixtures horizontally or vertically to accommodate the
`requirements of a scene. This is significant because the size
`of sets for films, television series and other entertainment
`varies among and within productions. For instance, the size
`of sets constructed to resemble interiors for a legal drama
`may be far smaller than the size of sets constructed to
`resemble exteriors for a science fiction series. Furthermore,
`within the legal drama, the set for a junior attorney’s office
`may be far smaller than the set for the courtroom.
`
`Thus,the use ofprior art rigs, such as that depicted
`[0010]
`in FIG. 1, is expensive and inefficient because the use of
`each light and fixture is limited. The present invention,
`because of its greater versatility, requires fewer lights and
`fixtures to achieve the same range of effects, even within a
`single set, than the prior art requires.
`
`It is knownin the art to provide compact, folding
`{0011]
`truss units that may be readily transported and used, for
`example, with touring stage shows. While such compact
`units may be readily transported, assembled and disas-
`sembled, their use is very limited. Since they are primarily
`designed for ease of assembly and transportation,
`they
`cannot accommodate the range of lighting and other equip-
`mentthat is necessary for studio production, indoor/outdoor
`shows or performances,etc.
`
`[0012] The features and advantages of the present inven-
`tion will be explored through the following description and
`drawings. It should be understood, however,that the detailed
`description and specific examples, while indicating particu-
`lar embodiments of the invention, are given by way of
`illustration only, and various modifications may naturally be
`performed without deviating from the spirit of the present
`invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0013] FIG. 1 showsprior-art stationary overhead rigging
`suspended from the ceiling above prior-art cluster sets;
`
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`[0014] FIG. 2 showsa side view of a rig having fixtures
`connected thereto;
`
`[0015] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a rig on a set;
`
`[0016] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of one mechanism for
`vertically adjusting horizontal frameworks, members, and/or
`trusses, and for horizontally adjusting vertical frameworks,
`members, and/or trusses according to an embodimentof the
`invention;
`
`[0017] FIG. 5 shows another mechanism for vertically
`adjusting horizontal frameworks, members, and/or trusses,
`and for horizontally adjusting vertical frameworks, mem-
`bers, and/or trusses, with the rig in “low” mode for main-
`tenance oflights, fixtures, etc., all according to an embodi-
`mentof the invention;
`
`FIG.6 is an overhead view of how the rig accord-
`[0018]
`ing to an embodimentof the invention may be moved from
`set to set in an “assembly line” process of production;
`
`[0019] FIGS. 7a and 7b show an overhead view of a
`lighting system according to an embodiment of the inven-
`tion, wherein, after use in a first set, the horizontal dimen-
`sions of the system have been expanded to accommodate the
`larger size of a second set; and
`
`[0020] FIGS. 8a and 8b show analternative embodiment
`of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0021] The present invention overcomesthe shortcomings
`of prior-art systems of the type generally discussed above.
`First, the present rig is portable, i1.e., moveable. As such, the
`rig can be moved swiftly and easily between and amongsets,
`reset at the touch of a button according to digital presets or
`re-programmed, and re-used. In an example of the present
`invention disclosed herein, the rig can be moved from the
`“living room”set to the “kitchen” or “bedroom”set and be
`ready for use in minutes. In this way, the present invention
`eliminates much of the material and labor costs associated
`
`with building a cumbersomeindividually customized rig for
`each set and with making adjustments and repairs thereto.
`For example, in a studio containing twenty sets, the number
`of rigs would be reduced from twenty to one. Similarly, the
`numberof (often very expensive) lights and fixtures would
`also be reduced to about one-twentieth of that used in
`connection with a conventional rigging apparatus. Thus,
`even if it were to cost more to build one rig according to the
`present invention as opposed to one rig according to the
`current state of the art, the present invention will still result
`in significant cost savings for a television or film production
`since fewer rigs would be needed.
`
`[0022] An additional cost-saving feature of the present
`invention stems from the fact that the present invention may
`be smaller than the multi-set rigs that are knownin theart.
`Since it does not needlessly duplicate parts that will sit idle
`over other sets while others are in use, there are fewerparts.
`For example, fewer lights, and fewer dimmers for those
`lights, will be required. Less complex systems generally
`have fewer problems,since there are fewerparts to break. As
`such, it 1s anticipated that the cost of maintenance of the
`present invention will be lower than those systems known in
`the art.
`
`[0023] The present invention also reduces the material and
`labor cost that is associated with building a building having
`a roof or similar structure that is capable of supporting the
`prior-art stationary rigging suspended therefrom. Since the
`weight of the rigging of the present invention is supported by
`the floor,
`the building which houses the rigging of the
`present invention does not have to be designed to support the
`weight of a traditional rigging from the ceiling.
`
`[0024] Second, in contrast to prior-art stationary rigging,
`which is immovably suspended abovetheset, the present rig
`is on the ground. With prior-art systems, in order to move or
`replace a light or fixture, a worker must mounta ladderor,
`very often, use a forklift or other motorized vehicle or
`device, because of the height of the rigging. This, in turn,
`generally requires that the worker move furniture and props
`within a set. In addition, sometimes, the worker must add to,
`or subtract from,
`the very structure of overhead rods.
`Embodiments of the present invention, in contrast, allow
`changes to be made without the need for any of the fore-
`going, which translates into savings in time and labor.
`Moreover, because the rig is movably stationed on the
`ground during use for filming in one set, the rig can be
`wheeled to a “home”position outside of any set, and/or to
`another set, almost immediately after filming is finished in
`the first set. The crew can make necessary adjustments and
`repairs while the rig is in any of these locations.
`
`[0025] Such repairs may include replacing light bulbs or
`fixtures. Since the bulbs and fixtures of the present invention
`are moveable, the bulb or fixture that needs to be repaired
`may be automatically or manually loweredto a position that
`is more accessible for repairs. This saves the time and
`expense of locating a lift and raising a person up to the
`rigging to perform the necessary repairs.
`
`In addition, in studio facilities housing studios for
`[0026]
`more than one program—for example, news,talk and game
`shows—the rig could be moved among studios when nec-
`essary or convenient in connection with the taping schedule.
`
`[0027] Third, the present invention allows both the size
`and cost per square foot of studios to be reduced signifi-
`cantly. The present invention eliminates the need for con-
`struction of a heavy-load bearing roof that can bear the
`weight of an elaborate system of heavy suspended trusses
`from which hundreds of lights and fixtures hang over
`multiple sets. Thus, the invention reduces the cost of con-
`structing new studios and allows productions to consider
`shooting in lower-cost spaces not originally designed as
`studios.
`
`[0028] Furthermore, the present invention eliminates the
`time now required to build the prior-art stationary rigging.
`For an average dramatictelevision series, construction of the
`rigging takes two or more weeks. The costs associated with
`the construction include massive amounts of trusses,lights,
`fixtures and construction equipment, rental of studio space
`(or downtime for owned studio space), and significant labor
`costs. Moreover, in the event that a “pilot” is not picked up
`or a series is cancelled, most of the foregoing costs associ-
`ated with the prior art are sunk costs—inother words,losses.
`In addition, further costs will be incurred in dismantling the
`rigging. The present invention, by contrast, may simply be
`leased, easily modified to the extent necessary and returned
`to the lessor in the event of the termination of a program.
`Even in the event that a producer purchasesthe present rig
`
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`remotely controlled and even pre-programmed for eachset.
`Atpresent, in television and movie production, computers
`are generally used only to control the intensity of light, not
`to move the lights, fixtures, and other devices. Thus, the
`present invention reduces costs associated with labor and
`personnel.
`[0034] Finally, as shown in FIG.6, the present invention
`allows for simplification of, and increased efficiency in, the
`process of set construction and production. More specifi-
`cally, with the present invention, each set can stand freely;
`it does not haveto be part of a cluster with shared walls. The
`present rig may be positioned over each set and moved
`between sets in “assembly line” fashion. The sets may be
`positioned in straight rows as in the manneroftraditional
`assembly lines, but may also be positioned in circles,
`squares, or any other configuration that allows the rig to be
`moved betweensets.
`
`for use in a program thatis later cancelled, the producer may
`sell the rig intact to another production.
`
`In addition, whenthepriorart is used, multiple sets
`[0029]
`must be built regardless of whether one set could be other-
`wise transformed into another set
`(e.g., a living room
`transformed into a dining room) with relative ease. Such
`transformation would not be practical because the entire
`lighting rig would also have to be rearranged, and perhaps
`even rebuilt, depending on whichset was being used. Therig
`of the present invention, on the other hand, can be swiftly
`and easily adapted to light the sameset differently as well as
`to light different sets simply by changing the settings on a
`computer console.
`
`[0030] Fourth, within any given set, the present invention
`is far more versatile than prior-art systems. The present
`invention allows the lights and fixtures, as well as the
`frameworks, trusses, structural members, etc. to be physi-
`cally moved horizontally and vertically and otherwise
`manipulated via remote control. Prior-art rigs only allow the
`lights to be brightened or dimmed, and in some cases,
`manually tilted from a stationary position. The ability to
`move the trusses and frameworks both horizontally and
`vertically allows a crew to expand and contract the rig to
`adapt to sets of varying vertical and horizontal dimensions,
`thus obviating the need for production designers to adapt the
`size of the set to the rig. Also, the versatility of the present
`rig allows a muchgreater variety of lighting effects with the
`same or fewer lights and fixtures than are required with
`prior-art rigs.
`
`door or window—for instance, a streetscape, a meadow,
`mountains, etc. Also, blinds, shades and drapes are used to
`modulate the light and shadowsthat seem to come from the
`windows.The present rig includes a system ofblinds,lights,
`painted and photographed backgrounds andscreens. All of
`the foregoing can be adapted for each set and pre-pro-
`grammed along with corresponding light settings. The
`present invention represents an advance overthe priorart, in
`connection with which each backdrop and blind must be
`individually manually installed.
`
`In one embodiment ofthe present invention, two or
`[0035]
`moreof the present rigs may be placed adjacent to each other
`or physically connected in modular fashion if appropriate for
`the circumstances. This linking maybelinear, or at any other
`angle. The rigs may be secured together by any meansthat
`is knownin the art. For example, two rigs may be connected
`in a linear disposition by placing nuts and bolts through
`adjacent rig truss members. To join to rigs at an angle, hinge
`means such as linking brackets can be bolted or otherwise
`attached to the end membersof the rigs. An extendable brace
`clamped to the linking brackets can create an angle at the
`vertex of the hinges.
`[0036] An embodiment of the present inventionis related
`[0031] Fifth, the present rig includes flexible, adaptable
`to a set lighting system, also referred to as a “lighting rig”
`backdrops for all of the doors and windows inaset. In
`(or, simply, a “rig”), comprising a horizontal frameworkthat
`television and film production, painted backdropsor screens
`is disposed on a plurality of vertical members (e.g., posts) in
`are used on studio sets to simulate what would be outside a
`such a wayas to allow the framework to move up and down
`relative to the vertical members. The latter,
`in turn, are
`equipped with rollers, wheels, coasters, slides, or the like so
`as to allow the entire rig to be moved from oneset to another.
`Lights,
`lighting fixtures, and other similar
`fixtures are
`attached to the framework in such a way as to enable the
`system to be remotely controlled. Specifically, in an embodi-
`mentof the invention,the lights, fixtures, and/or framework
`are computer controlled. As such, the operation, intensity,
`angle, height, and other similar specifications of the system
`can be pre-programmed, and the rig remotely operated, as
`needed.
`
`[0032] Such programming of the light and background
`systems may be controlled by a controller 130, as shown in
`FIG.2. This controller may be designed in any form thatis
`knownin the art including, but not limited to, the form of a
`computerstation, a hand-held controller device, or a lighting
`board. The settings of these systems may be pre-pro-
`grammedorset in the controller’s memory. In this manner,
`whenthe present invention is used for a second time on the
`same set,
`it may provide lighting at the same angle and
`intensity as the previous time it was used on the set. This
`feature allows the present invention to provide the features
`of the systemsreliably, and without variations between uses,
`without requiring time-consuming set-up every time the
`present inventionis used. Of course, it should be understood
`by one skilled in the art that the lights may be manually
`adjusted should the user desire.
`
`invention may
`the system of the present
`[0033] Sixth,
`include a computer, whereby the rig, as well as the lights,
`fixtures, and other devices, such as backdrops, can be
`
`[0037] FIGS. 2 and 3 show one embodiment of the
`system of the present invention. As shownin these figures,
`a set lighting system 10 is positioned adjacent a set 60 and
`comprises a horizontal framework 20. The framework 20 is
`disposed on a plurality of vertical members 30 and includes
`horizontal members 22 which, in a preferred embodiment,
`are arranged in the shape of a rectangle. However, it will be
`apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art that other
`arrangements (e.g., elliptical, circular, etc.) may also be
`adopted in accordance with the geometric and lighting
`requirements of a particularset.
`[0038] Vertical members 30 have free upper ends 32 and
`lower ends 34. The lower ends 34 of the vertical members
`30 are equipped with rollers, or other similar means, such as
`wheels, coasters, slides, or the like, so as to allow the entire
`system 10 to be moved from oneset to another. At locations
`toward the upper ends 32,
`the vertical members 30 are
`connected to the framework 20.
`
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`Apr. 21, 2005
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`the framework 20 has
`[0039] As shown in FIG. 2,
`shape of a rectangle, either the “width” and/or the “length”
`of the rectangle may be adjusted. In this way, a crew may
`attached to it a multiplicity of lights 50 and lighting fixtures
`expand and contract both the horizontal and vertical dimen-
`52. In addition, the framework 20 may be equipped with one
`sions of the rig so as to adapt it to the dimensions of a
`or more extension arms 24. In practice, the extension arms
`particular set. Thus, as shown for illustrative purposes in
`24 provide rigging space for one or more fixtures and/or
`
`backdrop lights 54. FIGS. 7a and 7b, the system 10 may be adjusted toafirst
`horizontal (and vertical) configuration 10a for use inafirst
`[0040] The lighting system of the present invention is
`set (see FIG. 7a), and then re-adjusted to a second horizontal
`adapted to be used in conjunction with a digital processor
`(and, if need be, vertical) configuration 10b for use in a
`(not shown). The digital processor (e.g., a computer) may be
`second set (see FIG. 7b). As mentioned,
`the horizontal
`pre-programmedto electronically, and remotely, operate the
`and/or vertical adjustments may be made by using a con-
`lighting system of the present invention by means, and in a
`troller in real
`time, or according to a pre-programmed
`manner, that are known in the art. For example, the digital
`scheme using a digital processor.
`processor may, through electronic communication with a
`controlling means(e.g., digital control panel, DMX system)
`control the height of the framework 20, as well as the
`characteristics (e.g., the intensity, angle, etc.) of the lights
`50, light fixtures 52, and back drop lights 54.
`
`In one embodiment of the invention, the vertical
`[0046]
`and horizontal membersofthe rig are of a fixed length long
`enough to accommodate the largest set in connection with
`which use of the system is anticipated. In this case, the crew
`movesthe vertical and/or horizontal members along their
`counterparts to accommodate smaller sets of varying sizes.
`
`In a preferred embodiment, the framework 20 is
`[0041]
`supported only by the vertical members 30. As such,there is
`no requirement
`that
`the framework, or
`the system, be
`suspended, or otherwise fixed, above the set. On the con-
`trary, the system 10 remains in contact with the ground for
`the duration of its use in, e.g., filming a set. The actual
`structure that provides for connection of the horizontal
`framework 20 and the vertical members 30 to each other
`
`may be of a configuration knownin theart.
`
`In addition, in embodiments of the invention, the
`[0042]
`rig may have greater than four vertical members and/or
`greater than four horizontal members associated with a
`conventional framework. The additional members allow a
`
`crew to affix more lights, fixtures, extension arms and the
`like to the rig to increase the numberandvariety of lighting
`effects that may be achieved.
`
`In practice, the lighting system 10 is rolled onto a
`[0043]
`set 60 using the moving means 40, with lights 50, light
`fixtures 52, and backdrop lights 54 attached to the frame-
`work 20. The position of the rig can be preprogrammed by
`computer. The height of the framework is adjusted in
`accordance with the height of the walls in the set, as well as
`the lighting requirements of the set. Once in position, a
`controller is used to adjust and operate the lights and other
`fixtures either in real
`time, or according to a pre-pro-
`grammed schemeusing a digital processor. Whenfilming on
`the set is finished, the lighting system 10 can be moved to
`anotherset for use therewith, or it can remain stationary, and
`the set can be changed to depict a different scene, with the
`framework,the lights, and light fixtures adjusted to meet the
`lighting requirements of the secondset.
`
`In one embodiment of the present invention, the
`[0044]
`system is configured so that the framework 20 can move
`vertically with respect to the vertical members 30, so as to
`allow flexibility and versatility in lighting with respect to a
`specific set. The actual structure that connects the frame-
`work 20 to the vertical members 30 may be of a configu-
`ration that is known in theart.
`
`In a preferred embodiment, the vertical members
`[0045]
`30, in turn, are disposed in such a wayas to allow them to
`moveleft and right, as well as forwards and backwards, with
`respect to the horizontal members 22, thereby adjusting the
`horizontal dimensions of the system 10. Thus, in the illus-
`trated example, where the horizontal framework 20is in the
`
`[0047] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of one mechanism for
`vertically adjusting horizontal frameworks, members, and/or
`trusses, and for horizontally adjusting vertical frameworks,
`members, and/or trusses according to an embodimentof the
`invention. The mechanism shown in FIG.4 takes the form
`
`of a cogwheel. The teeth 107 of the cogwheel 106 mesh with
`corresponding teeth 108 on the apparatus. Thus, in FIG.4,
`turning of the cogwheel in one direction will serve to raise
`the horizontal members 22, while turning the cogwheel in
`the opposite direction will lower the horizontal members 22.
`A similar structure may also serve to effect horizontal
`movementof the vertical members 39 relative to the hori-
`
`zontal framework 20. The turning of the cogwheel may be
`powered manually, electrically, hydraulically, electro-hy-
`draulically, or by any other means as is known in theart.
`
`[0048] FIG. 5 showsan alternative mechanism for verti-
`cally adjusting the horizontal framework/trusses 20 accord-
`ing to an embodiment of the invention. The mechanism
`shownin FIG.5 takes the form of a cable 110 and pulley 111
`mechanism. This mechanism may be powered manually,
`electrically, hydraulically, electro-hydraulically, or by any
`other means as is knownin the art. In FIG.5, the horizontal
`framework 20 is depicted in “low” mode for maintenance of
`lights 50 and fixtures 52. Again, the same mechanism may
`also be employed to horizontally move the vertical members
`30 relative to the horizontal framework 20.
`
`In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the
`[0049]
`length of the vertical and horizontal members themselves
`may be adjusted, e.g., via the use of telescoping material,
`wherein a memberis composed of multiple parts that slide
`into and out of each other to effect contraction and expan-
`sion, respectively, and then fixed by any means knownin the
`art, such as nuts and bolts, brackets, braces, button-hole
`combinations, and the like. In another alternate embodiment
`of the invention, any or all of the vertical and horizontal
`members may be extended by attaching additional lengths of
`trussing material by any means knownin theart, including
`nuts and bolts, brackets, braces and the like.
`
`[0050] Once the horizontal trusses have beenraised to the
`desired height, and the vertical members/trusses have been
`adjusted to the desired horizontal dimensions, the former
`should be fixed at
`that height, and the latter, with that
`specific horizontal configuration, so that they do not change
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1046 - Page 13 of 16
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1046 - Page 13 of 16
`
`

`

`US 2005/0083690 Al
`
`Apr. 21, 2005
`
`position and the lighting provided remains constant. Such
`fixation may be effectuated by a spring-loaded pin or similar
`mechanism that will lock the various structural members/
`trusses in place. In a preferred embodiment, locking mecha-
`nisms are located at the corners of the rig. However, the
`type, number, and placement of locking mechanisms may
`vary.
`
`FIG.6 is an illustration of an embodimentof the
`[0051]
`present invention, depicting an overhead view of howthe nig
`according to an embodimentof the invention moves from set
`to set in an “assembly line” process of production. As shown
`in FIG.6 the rig 10 may be moved, e.g., manually or by
`remote control, to a position over an individual set when the
`set is in use. As shownin FIG.6, the rig 10 is over set 1. The
`sets in the “assembly line” should be designed so as to allow
`room for the rig 10 to move between and among sets. The
`sets may be positioned in straight rows as in the manner of
`traditional assembly lines, but may also be positioned in
`circles, squares, or any other configuration that allows the
`rig 10 to be moved betweensets. In addition, two or more
`of the present rigs 10 may be placed adjacent to each other
`or physically connected in modular fashion if appropriate for
`the circumstances.
`
`In embodimentsofthe invention,the rigidity of the
`[0052]
`rig 10 may be maintained by constructing the various
`(structural) members from material knownin the art to be
`sufficiently strong to meet the anticipated requirements of
`the system. In addition, horizontal diagonal stabilizing mem-
`bers, and/or an adjustable horizontal planar deck, e.g., two
`sliding planes that can be locked into place by any means
`knownin the art, may be used.
`
`In embodiments of the present invention,th