GB2154762A - Projection screen - Google Patents

Abstract

The projection screen according to the invention has a support frame formed by tubular inflatable elements 2 disposed along the periphery of the sheet 3 which form the screen. The screen can thus be folded for easy transportation when the elements 2 are deflated and the simple inflation of the elements 2 stiffens and stretches the screen 3. In an alternative embodiment a plurality of tubular elements are provided side by side, which project to one side. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Projection screen The present invention relates to a projection screen.

According to the present invention there is provided a projection screen comprising a sheet connected to inflatable members which when inflated act as a supporting framework and as stretching element for the sheet forming the screen.

The screen according to the present invention may be utilised both for front and for rear projections. The screen can be folded to have minimum overall dimensions during transportation, and has a quick and easy erection and mounting, even in the case of screens of considerable size. The custom is becoming more and more established of resorting to the projections of images, for instance in case of debates, conferences, work meetings and in all those cases wherein it is necessary to display images, diagrams or other displays to many people contemporaneously.

It often happens that the projection should be displayed in places not expressly suitable to that purpose, wherefore it is necessary to have suitable equipments available, that are easily transportable and quickly assembled on the spot.

Known screens used usually have a demountable frame, generally metallic, to which the sheet forming the screen is fastened.

Sometimes the supporting frame consists of sections provided with quick connection means, that solution however prejudices the economy of the product. In any case the assembly is always difficult, particularly if effected by a single person and in the case of a screen of large dimensions.

In order to avoid said inconveniences the present inveniton provides for a screen with the sheet support formed by inflatable elements welded along the outline of the screen itself, so that the whole unit is light, easy to fold and transport and quick to assemble.

Two embodiments of the present invention will nqw be described,by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a screen according to the present invention, which can be used both for front projections and for rear projections; Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-section through the screen shown in Fig. 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a screen according to the present invention; and Figure 4 is a horizontal cross-section through the screen shown in Fig. 3.

The screen shown in Figs. 1 and 2 consists of a frame 1 formed by a plurality of inflatable elements 2, preferably tubular, welded to a sheet 3 along the whole periphery thereof.

The frame 1, preferably formed of a plastics material, is provided with one or more valves 4 for inflation of the frame.

There may be advantageously provided connection means for supporting brackets or the like, not shown.

The tubular elements 2 can have a circular cross-section as illustrated in Fig. 2 or a rectangular section, in order to give the structure a certain stability when the base of the tubular frame rests on a plane surface.

The sheet 3 may be formed of opaque material, covered if necessary by a suitable reflective material when the screen is used only for front projections. It is preferably formed of a translucent material in the event that the screen is used also for rear projections.

In both cases,the fact of providing an inflatable frame 1 around the sheet 3 represents a further advantage, since the frame 1, overhanging with regard to the sheet surface, represents an extremely useful form of screening against light, considering that the projections often take place in rooms that are not completely dark.

The tubular elements 2 are intercommunicating, so as to avoid, during assembly, differences in pressure between one side and the other side of the frame. Nevertheless, it is convenient that the valves 4 are more than one and located at different points on the frame 1 to allow the air in the frame to be thoroughly ejected when the screen is folded.

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a different embodiment of the invention, wherein the supporting frame of the screen is formed by a plurality of tubular elements disposed side by side, so as to project to one side of the sheet.

The support in this case consists of a plurality of tubular elements 5 disposed side by side as illustrated in Fig. 4 and welded to one another and which, once they have been inflated, constitute a frame for the sheet 6 which is the projection plane.

Also in this case the tubular elements 5 may be formed of a suitable plastics material and are provided with one or more valves 7 for the inflation of the frame. There are also provided eyelets 8 in order to fasten the screen, for instance, to a wall.

A screen according to the invention is extremely light in weight and can be folded, so as to be so compact and easy to handle during transportation and it may be contained in a suitable container, such as a suitcase.

When it is desired to use the screen, it is sufficient to inflate it by admitting compressed air by means of an aerosol container or cartridge, a pump or other known inflation means, through the valve or valves 4, 7.

According to the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4, the screen may be hung loose by the eyelets 8 and then inflated by admission of air through the valves 7.

When the projection is over it is sufficient to open the valves in order to eject the air and to return the screen to its original dimensions.

In this case the presence of the relief valves in various points of the tubular elements forming the supporting frame will make the folding of the screen easier.

It is possible to make many modifications and variations without departing from the present invention as defined in the appended

Claims (6)

claims. CLAIMS

1. A projection screen comprising a sheet connected to inflatable members which when inflated act as a supporting framework and as stretching element for the sheet forming the screen.

2. A projection screen as claimed in claim 1, in which the framework is formed by inflatable tubular elements and the sheet is welded to said framework along its periphery.

3. A projection screen as claimed in claim 2, in which the framework consists of a plurality of tubular elements disposed side by side and welded together, in order to form a frame projecting to one side of the sheet, said sheet being welded, along its periphery, to the inner tubular elements.

4. A projection screen as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the supporting framework of the screen has also the function of laterally shielding said sheet from light.

5. A projection screen as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the framework is provided with one or more valves.

6. A projection screen substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 or Figs. 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.