US2905806A - Studio lighting system - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 22, 1959 e. H. TUNNEY STUDIO LIGHTING SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 9, 1956 R O G O r 5 5 n U m M U U 5 9 x w .J 2 AW. 6 & vx/ w. A! v 4 Q E a z/ M 11 1 fl M v IL 5 2 4 Q A 3R 3 1 6 m A2 w; a m J firm M M) \WYI ATTORNEY:

G. H. TUNNEY STUDIO LIGHTING SYSTEM Sept. 22, 1959 Filed April 9, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR GIZBEfTf/ENEY TUNA/E) Mq-M ATTORNEYS G. H. TUNNEY STUDIO LIGHTING SYSTEM Sept. 22, 1959 Filed April 9, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEYS Sept. 22, 1959 e. H. TUNNEY STUDIO LIGHTING SYSTEM Filed April 9, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEYS Sept. 22, 1959 G. H. TUNNEY STUDIO LIGHTING SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 9, 1956 ATTORNEYS United States Pate The present invention relates generally to lighting systems, and is particularly directed to lighting systems for the production of entertainment programs as in television studios and the like.

The particular embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in the drawings and which will be described hereinafter in greater detail, comprises generally at least one fixed overhead track, and a second track mounted on the first-named track for rotative movement, and movement longitudinally and transversely of the firstnamed track. The second track is adapted to carry lighting equipment so as to move the same along any desired path to a selected location.

Heretofore, as is well known to those versed in the art, television studios and other places having similar lighting requirements were conventionally constructed with fixed overhead pipes, to which were clamped pieces of lighting equipment. The ceiling or a plurality of suitable fixtures were provided with a multitude of electrical outlets to accommodate various arrangements of the lighting equipment. Each lighting device was normally provided with a screw clamp to permit securement to the pipes at the desired location. Hence, to obtain a high degree of flexibility in use, it was necessary to employ a great number of lighting devices which are themselves relatively expensive and require the use of expensive operating equipment. Further, prior studio lighting systems have served to limit the versatility of program production in any one studio. For example, the theater type studio, having a high ceiling, required a lighting system which was not adaptable to the repetitive type of program studio.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a studio lighting system having an extremely high degree of flexibility in use, and which completely fulfills the lighting requirements for a wide variety of studios. For example, the device of the present invention serves to provide base lighting as well as accent lighting, and is equally well adaptable for use in studios having relatively high or low ceilings.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a studio lighting system of the type described which serves to substantially reduce the necessary number of lighting devices, and in which the pieces of lighting equipment may be quickly and easily moved along any desired path to any selected position. By the present invention, it is possible to relocate lighting equipment without the laborious and time-consuming clamping and unclamping operations, which were heretofore necessary.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a studio lighting system having the characteristics mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs which is simple in constructions and durable in operation, 'Which is effective for its intended objects, and which can be produced and operated at a reasonable cost.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the followingspecification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view showing a television studio employing the lighting system of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a lighting system constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view showing a novel feature of construction of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the construction shown in Fig. 3 and taken at right angles with respect thereto.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a section partially in elevation on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a section partially in elevation on the line 7--7 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a section partially in elevation on the line 88 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a section partially in elevation on the line 99 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a detail perspective view of the locking frictional brake of an upper main-rail trolley.

Fig. 11 is a section partially in elevation on the line 1111 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 12 is a section on the line 12-12 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a section similar to Fig. 11, showing a modification of the motor-driven means.

Fig. 14 is a section on the line 1414 of Fig. 13.

First embodiment, Figs. 1-4

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to Fig. 1 thereof, the embodiment of the invention illustrated therein comprises a television studio, generally designated 10A having, for example, a kitchen set 11A situated in one corner of the room, a play setting 12 situated in another corner of the room, a newscasters desk 13A at one end of the room, and a panel program set 14 in still another corner of the studio.

A plurality of parallel spaced overhead I beams, or other suitable tracks, extend longitudinally of the studio 10A and are designated 15A, 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A and 20A. The longitudinally extending tracks are fixedly secured to the ceiling (not shown) by any suitable means. it Will be observed that the longitudinal tracks are spaced inwardly from the studio sides and terminate short of the studio ends. While the parallel spaced tracks 15A- 20A have been described and illustrated as extending longitudinally of the studio 10A, as preferred, it will be appreciated that such tracks may also be arranged transversely of the studio, which may be advantageous under certain circumstances.

A plurality of transversely disposed tracks 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 are each arranged below an adjacent pair of the longitudinally extending tracks 15A20A and movably supported by the latter. That is, each of the transverse tracks 2531 is suspended from the adjacent pair of longitudinally extending tracks and mounted for rotative movement, as well as movement longitudinally and transversely with respect to the longitudinal tracks 15A-20A. Suspended from each of the transverse tracks 25-31 are a plurality of pieces of lighting equipment 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39, each of which are preferably movable along the associated transverse track.

Additional transverse tracks 40 and 41are each arranged below the longitudinal tracks 17A and 19A, respectively. The transverse tracks 40 and 41 are also mounted for rotative movement, as well as movement longitudinally and transversely with respect to the tracks 17A and 19A, respectively. Pieces of lighting equipment mm 4; are snsnensisd be ow, the transrerse trade 40 and41, and are prefer'ablym A e therealong. inside o f thestndio l overhe Thanh. or track 45.. "Y h T eda by'secu er jent F f tus g-s ilin b a ls. v an; wans man (n t shown). Arranged belovv' and movable. alongihe peripheral track are a plurality of pieces'ofi lighting equ ment .6 which ar s sr hl pive a' arr ed. by ,ys 'c-i1 ;'sn .-;vn roll ng t e s nn eral t a kns t e s rnst n. s. an in. r a r detail, theflon gitudinal I V k asnsnarraemm nane"r qlv onzontallv, qv d n ei xe y secured. to the studio. ceiling (notshown) by. hangers and 51'- 'E elctrical ou e s 'SZBQ n '5. .;ma'y b pac a b ti l h n. tr ck and. 610f m y be P o ided in the. cleiling'or other suitable. location, as; desined. Each said longitudinal track 15A, 29A'has a verticalweb; A pair of depending movable elements or'trol1eys54 and 55, are movable along the lower flanges of the I beams 15A and 16A, respectively. Pivotally -conneoted to and; depending, respectively, from, th trolleys 551 and are a secondpair of movable elements or trolleys 56 and, 57'. Thus, thetrolleys 5.6 and 57' are movable. with the trolleys 54 and 55 longitudinally along the I beams 15 A. and .1;6A, and are rotatable, with respect; to the latter'trolleys. l A i H The. I beam 25. is arranged. transversely of and below the I beams 15A and 16A and extends between the trolleys 5 6 and 57', having, its .upper flange supported by the latter trolleys. It will'bebhserved that" the I'beam 25 has its opposite ends extending beyond the trolleys 56 and 57- and provided lugs-or bossfi; for reasons to become apparent presently. It will now be appreciated that thetr ansverse track 25 is movable with the trolleys 5 6 and 57' longitudinally along the. tracks 1 5A and16 A, and fur thenithat the transverse. track 25 is movable relative tofth e trolleys, 56; and 5 7- transversaly of, the. tracks" 15A and 16A, the latter movement being limited; by engagement of the lugs with the trolleys and 5.77: I ri addition, the transverse traoh 25 is rotatablef about vei tical axes. uponmovement on the trolleys 54 and; 55, along. memoir; and 16A, andsimnltaneo i s. movement of the. reels 2 5v relative to. the trolleys 5f6 andi 57. lt will be noted that this rotative movement of the track 25 is permitted' by the pivotal connection between the adjacent pairs of trolleysgwhich will be desoribed hereinafter in greaterdetail.

The fiuorescen tfbank brother lighting device 33 is carried by the lower end of a. pantog rap h 60, which has its upper end pivotally securedto an underslung trolley 61 riding. on the lower flange of the transverse track 25.

Thus, the lighting device 33 is movable along the transverse t r ack2 5 with the trolley 61, and. of; course, is movable with the transverse track, In addition, the light ing device 33 is rotatable about the swivel 62 and movable vertically with the pantograph 6Q. Such p-antographs are. normally flexible tofperrnit lateral; or sidewise displacement as required. A wire 63 may be connected betweenthe lighting device 33. and the outlet 52b to provideelectric power for the lighting device.

A spotlight is illustrated at 32, being mounted for rotative movement about a horizontal in the yoke 65. The yoke isfixedly secured by a rod- 66 to an underslung tifolley. 67 which; rides along the lowerv flange of the transverse track 25, Thu s, the spotlight 32 is movable with the transvrse track 25 and movablerelative thereto withthe trolley 67. A cord 68 provides electrical con neetion with the outlet 53, the cords 63 and 68 being of sufiicient length to permit substantial movement of the ii t s ha a anslsa t sht-ial Fi -I 3 and; a e s aswnmvredet i sd ew o he trolleys 55, 57' and 67. The trolley 55 includes a carriage 70 having a plate 71 below the lower flange of the longitudinal track 16A. The plate 71 is substantially rectangular in configuration and is formed adjacent to its corners with four upstanding legs 72. The upper end portion of each leg 72 is bent downwardly, as at 73, into parallel, outwardly spaced relation with respect to the adjacent leg portion. A rollerf74 is disposed inwardly of and journa led-in each. of-the. legs 72, the rollers being journaled a; theparallel leg portions to provide sufiicient bearing surface. It-will: nowm understood that the. rollers '74,.ride upon the lower flange of the I beam 16Aan d thus movabl y support the underslung carriage 70 of thetrolley 55.

The trolley 57' is substantially identical in construction with the trolley 55, but inverted in disposition, and includes a carriage comprising a substantially rectangular p at w s rranged be ow. he Plat of the trolley 55 Thefpla te $1 is provided at its corners with four depending legs 82 which haye 'thei lower end portions 83bent upwardly into parallel, outwardly spaced relation with. respect to, the adjacent leg portions. Dis posed inwardly of the legs 82 are rollers 84, each being journaled in the-parallel spaced portions of one of the legs 82. A pivot pin or bolt 85 eigtends through washer 86, carriage, plate 7.1 spager 87, carriage plate 81, and washer 8.8. the. bolt being locked in loose condition to permit relative. rotation between'the carriage platesj71 and 8 1. Thus, the carriage 8Q depends froni and, is swivelly connected to the carriage 70, It will-be understood that. the transverse I beam or track 25 may have its upper. flange movably supported on the rollers 84 of the trolley 57';

The underslung trolley 67 includes aplate disposed below the. lower flange of the transverse track 25. and having. a pair of upstanding legs 91. The legs. 91 have their. end portions 92 bent downwardlyinto parallel, out wardly spaced relation with respect to the adjacent leg portion and serve to journal the rollers 93 which ride upon the lower flange-oi the I beam 2 5. An internally threaded socket 94 has its closed end fixedly secured, as by welding or other suitable means, to the plate 90 and is adapted toreceive the upper end of the rod 66 for s pporting. the. spotlight 32. It will now be understood that the trolley 67 supports the spotlight 32 for move ment with the transverse track 25 as well as movement relative to the latter. While the trolley 67 has been illustrated and described as havingntwo rollers 93, and the trolleys 55 and 57' have been. illustrated; and described as having four rollers 74 and 84, it will be appreciated that the number of rollers employedon the particular trolleys may be varied according to the load, frequency and duration of operation, and'other factors.

Referring now again to Fig. 1, it will be understood that the transverse I beams or tracks 2 631 are all mounted in the samemanner as described above in con nection with the transversetrack 25. Hence, each of-the transverse tracks. 25-31 is mounted for rotative movement, and movement longitudinally and transversely with respect to the associated longitudinal tracks. Further, the individual lighting devices carried by the transverse tracks are movable with the latter, and may be movable relative thereto in both translation and notation.

The transversetracks 40 and 41 may be suspended from the longitudinal tracks 17A and 19A by a single pair of swivelly connected trolleys, to thereby permit of rotative movement of the transverse tracks 40. and 41 as well as longitudinal and transverse movement with respect to the associated longitudinal tracks. The lighting elements 42 and 43 may also be supported-by under slung trolleys from the transverse tracks 40 and 41' for movement withthe latter as. well as movement relative thereto.

Similarly, the lighting. devices 46 may be suspended from. the track 45; by, an. underslung trolley and thereby mounted for movement along the track 45 aswell as for rotative movement.

While the longitudinal, transverse and peripheral tracks have been illustrated and described as horizontally disposed, it will be understood that such construction may be varied to suit the requirements of a particular studio. Further, while the transverse tracks have been shown as freely movable, it is appreciated that motive power and braking force may be employed within the scope of the present invention.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a studio lighting system which fully accomplishes its intended objects, and which is well adapted to meet practical conditions of use.

Second embodiment In this practical embodiment, I provide three main overhead and straight supporting rails, which are horizontal, and parallel to each other, and 15 feet above the floor of the room. The invention is not limited to horizontal or parallel rails. Many other details are described in this disclosure, without limitation thereto. These main rails are designated as longitudinal rails, because they are parallel to the length of the room. The length of these main rails is 55 feet.

I provide three main-rail trolleys on each main rail.

In this embodiment, I provide three fixture-rails on trolleys, which are horizontal and straight, and are located 14 feet above the floor of the room. These fixture-rails are also designated as lateral rails. They may be held parallel to the end walls of the room, or inclined thereto about a vertical axis.

Each main-rail trolley is connected by a swivel, which has a vertical axis, to a lower fixture-rail trolley.

Each fixture-rail is supported in a set of fixture-rail trolleys. 7 Each fixture-rail has a junction-box fixed thereto, an associated main cable, and an associated cable-supporting rail. In this example, the cable-supporting rails are straight, horizontal, located seventeen feet above the floor of the room, and each cable-supporting rail has six or eight cable-supporting trolleys mounted thereon, for supporting the main length of a respective main cable. Each main cable has an inlet branch which extends upwardly from the fixed electrical power inlet of the junction box, and an outlet depending branch to the respective junction box. The main cables are thus effectively held at a safe level above the working space of the floor.

Branch cables lead from each junction box to lamps which are connected to fixture-trolleys which are movable on the respective fixture-rail. These branch cables are also prevented from dangling below a safe level.

Instead of manually shifting the fixture-rails longitudinally along the main rails, I may provide the mainrail trolleys which are associated with each fixture-rail, with motors 270 for actuating said main rail-trolleys. In such case, I provide the respective junction box with a motor circuit which is Wholly independent of its lighting circuit, and I provide each motor circuit with a control switch at a remote control station at one end of the room or at other convenient location. The electric motors 270 may be of the familiar reversible type, in which case, the switch is a reversing switch.

If the fixture-rails are manually shifted, I provide each main-rail trolley with a locking brake which is normally set to locking position, so that it must be manually released before shifting the main-rail trolley along its main rail.

If the fixture-rails are shifted by electric motors along the main rails, I provide each main-rail trolley with a retarding brake which slips under moderate force.

The trolleys which supoprt the fixture rails and the fixtures are provided with said retarding brakes.

' For convenience of illustration, Fig. 5 shows two horizontal main rails 10, which are parallel to each other, and which are held fixed by straps 11 to a ceiling or other overhead support, which is not shown. There may be any number of horizontal and parallel main rails 10, which are also designated as longitudinal rails. Fig. 5 shows three horizontal, lateral or fixture-supporting rails 10a, of which there may be any number. Each horizontal fixture-supporting rail 10a is associated with a horizontal cable-supporting rail 50. These horizontal cable-supporting rails 50 are held fixed and parallel to the main rails 10, by respective straps 51 which are fixed to the ceiling or other overhead support. For convenience of illustration, the three cable-supporting rails 50 are shown at one side of their two associated main rails 10 which are illustrated in Fig. 5. These cablesupporting rails 50 may be located above and centrally intermediate their two associated main rails 10.

All the rails 10, 10a and 50 are I-shaped and identical in this embodiment. Each said rail or track 10 has a horizontal top flange 14, a vertical Web 13, and a bottom horizontal flange 15. Each said rail or track 50 has a bottom horizontal flange 53. Each said rail or track 10a has a top horizontal flange 18, a vertical flange 18f, and a bottom horizontal flange 15 Each main rail 10 is associated with a suitable number of-upper or main-rail trolleys 16, at least two such trolleys 16 being provided for each fixture-supporting rail 10a.

Each main-rail trolley 16 is associated with a fixturerail trolley 17. In this embodiment, each fixture-rail -17 is below its main-rail 16.

Each fixture-rail 10a is associated with fixture-supporting trolleys 17a. Each cable-supporting rail 50 is associated with cable-supporting trolleys 52.

These trolleys 16, 17, 17a, 52 have respective U- shaped frames. Each said trolley-frame has a horizontal flange 20 and two vertical and parallel flanges 19. Each said trolley 16, 17, 17a, 52 has four wheels 21, which are turnably connected to respective flanges 19 by pins 22. There are two wheels 21 at each side of the respective flange 12. The wheels 21 of main-rail trolleys 16 roll upon the bottom flanges of main rails 10. The top flanges 18 of fixture-supporting rails 10a are supported on the wheels 21 of the fixture-trolleys 17. The Wheels 21 of the cable-supporting trolleys 52 roll on the horizontal flanges 53 of the cable-supporting rails 50. Each wheel 21 has an enlarged annular rim 21a, which tumably abuts the respective side edge of the respective railflange.

There may be a limited vertical movement or limited tilting movement between each rail 10, 10a, 50 and its associated trolleys 16, 17, 52, and between each rail 10 and its associated trolleys 17a.

Thus, as shown in Figs. 6 and 8, each main-rail trolley 16 may be provided with parallel shafts 23a and 23, which are perpendicular to the respective pair of flanges 19, and which are turnably mounted in said flanges 19. Said shafts 23a and 23 have respective rolls 24a and 24 fixed thereto. Each said roll 24a and 24 is located midway between the respective flanges 19. As shown in Fig. 8, when the four wheels 21 of main-rail trolley 16 are in normal position, in which they abut the top face of flange 15, said rolls 24a and 24 are located below and equally vertically spaced from said flange 15. The main-rail trolley 16 can be tilted at either end thereof relative to the associated flange 15, until the roll 24a orroll 24 abuts the bottom face of said flange 15. The annular rims 21a always abut or are very close to the side edges of flange 15. Hence, if the top face of flange 15 is not perfectly planar and horizontal, the limited relative tilting movement of main-rail trolley 16 permits its wheels 21 to ride over any irregular part of the top face of flange 15. This illustration applies to the other trolleys 17, 17a, 52. The rims 21a prevent relative side 7 mcvement between the mneyse-anatheir rails; and-a1 ways keepahetrolleys: alihed 'with their rails:

Thlefishafts 23a and Ziirnay be-studshafts"=whieh' are non-turnably' fiked'toth'eir respective flanges 19? in whieh case the rolls- 24hand 24are turnable relative-to the nonturnable" stud shafts 23a and 23.

Also; the pins 220i wheels- 21 may-betumable or nonturnable: l'fmonatumable, the wheels- 21 are turnable on'theirpins 22. 4

Bach lower" fixture-rail trolley 17" in this embodiment; is turriahlearound a vertical axis, relative" to its upper associated marin r'ail trolley 16? A vertical shaft" T40 has"a"liead"143- whi'clr'ahutsa spacing, ant'i fri'ction" washer 142,? which abuts the nextadjacent flange 20. Saidshaff1 '40'has a-sh'ank whose bottom end"hasanexternal thread. Saidshank of-shaft 140" extends'through'bores' of anti-friction washer 142 upper "flange 20; a spacing and anti fricti-on Washer 142; thelo'werflang'e- 20; an anti-friction spacing washer 142; and an assembly nut 144' which -engages'dhefihread at' th'e'bot'tom" end of said shank: Each lowertrolley" 17 can"turn' freelyaround the ofshaft 140 in this embodiment;

If the main-rail trolleys 16, are manually shiftedalon'g themain rails 10;- in-orderto shift'al-fi'itture railfl'flrz bodily along'itsmaimrails 10; or t'ojtilt 'a fixture'rail 10h in a horizontal plane relative toits-associated-'-mainrails- 10', theneach"main-railtrollcy 16 is p'rovideld with a friction locking brake" 25 which is" normallyheld ill-locking position, and which must be rel eas'edbefore the-main rail trolley-'16, can'bethus moved alongitsma'irrrail 10E" I'f th e main' rail' trolleys l 6 are'shiftedalong-their mainrails" 10 by a motor drive, these"friction=locking* brakes-2'5"canbe replaced, if desired; by retarding-brakes 25a, which are non-locking,- so"that" themain-rail trolley 16 can be shifted 'by normal 'rn'anu al or' mechanical force; but {is held 'frictionally against accidentalmovenrent and isstopped substantiall y' immediately after the actuating force-is released; 7 v

I Each main-rail trollyl6' has acan'r-shaft' 26which is adjacentandi parallel to its shaft23i- I Cam-shaft 26 has:cylindricalportions which are'turn ably supported-in therespectiye' vertical flanges 19': Each brake 25 "comprises ahorizontal" plate 29*Whidh hashooles 30 which are turnably supported, with no substantial 'iri'e tion; upon the-j shaffl23i Ifi'iesired'} as above noted; shaft 23 may be fi'xed to its hanges l9i so that shaft' '23 is non turnable, and roll 24 of shaft 23*may begturnably'rnounted on the non-turnable{shaft23f- The plate 29"is integral with a vertical plate 1 31; which is integral w-itlf a horiiontal plate 152; to which a biakepad 133 of suitable frictional material? isifiiiedi The entire assembly" E SE--32 easily turnable around the axisofshaff 23, by means-of saidhboksS'llj:

Qne end of 3 a" compressionspring 34 abuts the upper face'iof bottom flange 20% The other end 0f spr-ing'i3'4 abuts-the ib'ottomiface" of-iplate 32.' The spring fi t nor mally exerts sutficientl pressure to'force brake-pad 33 against -the bottom face -of flange 15,to:-normally:ifric-= tionally lock= trolley-- 16 to?its-longitudinalTail This normal locking-positional? brake 25 is shown-inwFig; 4:

In addition to its cylindrical bearings portions-in. the flanges '19, and-t-cam-shaft '26 has a recess 27, =which :has-a planar walli'2'7iz which is parallel to the axis.of camshaft 26; and-planar end-walls- -27b which areperpendicw. lar to saidfaxis; One.end' of'cam-shaftfih'alsohas anexten'sionizs"; of sq'ua'r'e'cross section, which extends lat erally beyond"the"respective"flarlge 1'9. 7

When cam-shaft 26" is' in-the ncrmalnlockina position of "Fig. 8 its planar' w'ail 272i'ishorizontal, and plate 29 is located atl'east partially inrecess 27,- so that commas:

8 sionsprihg 34' their-holds the'brake-padds in frictional lockingposition against the bottom-faceofhottomfiange 15% 'One" end of a longitudinal release" lever 35"is fixed toithe extension-28 of camshaft-'26: The otheren'dofrod-35 'h'as a-notch 3'6. The-hook 38"0f a long, rod 37 can be manually inserted inronot'ch 36,- inorder manually towrn 'iever 3'5 and cam-shaft 26" to "a' release posit-ionin-which the cylindrical partof can't-shaft" 26' which is adjacent its recess 27, downwardly"presses'plate 29; thus -downwardl y'moving brake pad 33 and thus releasing the frictiohallocki When thebrake- 25isth'us released; the--rod-- 37* can be used to actuateit'rolley 1'6 manually along its main 'rail 10} iiieither direction.

Each fixture-rail trolley 'has a brake 25a.

The shaft" 216 is always maintained in" its position ofFig. 9, imwhich spring; 34a keeps brake-pad 33"un'derl selected braking" pressure againsrflange 18*.

' This" braking" pressure of spring" 341% is light; so? that the fixture-rails 10a can*be'"easily"manually"movedrelei tive" to their trolleys 171't0 selected adjusted" positions of said rails'l0ai. Therelatively light'springs 34a then h'oldthe' lateral rails against slipping (or slight accidental Pushing. 1 v

These. brakes 25a, which may be designated as non locking retarding brakes; may housed in trolleys 17, 17aand 52.

E'a'clr' fiitture supporting" trolley" 1721 supports one" or. more lighting fixtures or devices 47, whichmay be'of the 'type"shownin*m'y application, SeriafNo; 377,885, filed September 1, 1953, .and now abandoned.

Thus; alazy-tongs device'45 may support a 'lamp'housihg' 46a which haslamps 47': The upper" end" of each lazy-tongs device 45ist' connected to the bottom" plate of trolley-1-7d by a swivel support; 7

Air important feature of my invention is to support the long anterior"currenbconducring'or' main power cables 57; safely abovetheworkinglevel; in all positions of the fikture=supporting rails 10b: The inner end'of each anterior" cable' 57 has an inner end-branch 5711,". which is fix'ed" to-a junctibrr-b0x56; which is fiiredto a"fiXture= supportingraihl-Oia If" these long anterior cabls=57 extend'intowheworkin'glevelof-the room; or become entangled with each other or with other objects;' there is serious inconvenience and danger; Asabovenoted, theln'gth of a mairi power cable 57"may'be'many' feet. T he inlet of themain power cable into the room is sixteen feetab'ove' the flbor, as oneex'alinple: If notfor the-special suspension means provided hereirl; these-long power cables=woulda rest on the floor throughout most oftheir lengths:

As" above noted; each cable-supporting rail 50 has a selected number; two ormore, of associated cable-sup porting trolleys 521 Air external' arm *55is" pivoted at'SSzi to each *respective' vertical-plate 19 of each 'cable-suw porting trolley 52'! Thesearmsf 53 extend below'the frames-ofthe cable-supporting trolley/s52 A? saddle 54 is-pivoted to'thelower-ends'of the 't'wo armsSS' of each cable-supporting trolley 52, below its-frame: These"sad-' dles54 have grooveswhicmare parallP'torail'sf50 and I0} E'ach 'anterior'cable STissIidably supported in'the grooves-of two ermine-saddles 543 Between'its' ase socia-ted saddles 54, each anterior cable"57 has "a plurality of bights. These bights are maintained parallel to rails 50and10f-ihthis example: By providingwsufiicient number of-trolleys-Slj thesebights are maintainedfabove the workinglevel, and preferably above'the mainrailstlOi Thus; for convenient illustration; Fig. 5* shows" two main rails 10 and-*three associat'ed cabl-supportingrail 59f- Th eserails' 50' can -lac-located aboves'ai'd "rails 10at a suitable height, and close to the median line between said two rails 10. I

Each anterior cable 57 will then have an end-branch 57a, which will be close to the vertical position at all times, in all positions of the movable fixture-supporting rails 10a.

Each junction box 56 has a number of sockets or other connecting means, so that the lamps 47 of each fixture 46a can be connected to the source of electricity by respective intermediate or branch cables 59, which may be laced through the respective lazy-tongs 45, to prevent dangling into the working level.

As above noted, the main-rail trolleys 16 or other trolleys may be actuated by motors, instead of manually shifting or tilting the fixture-supporting rails 10a relative to main rails 10.

For convenience of illustration, the motor drive is shown in Fig. for only two associated main-rail trolleys 16, namely, for the left fixture-supporting rail a shown in Fig. 1.

Each of said two main-rail trolleys 16 has an electric motor (not illustrated) in a casing 70, which is external to an fixed to a respective vertical flange 19.

In the embodiment of Figs. 11 and 12, said motor has a motor-shaft 171, to which an actuating friction wheel 172 is fixed. Said wheel 172 has a frictional face or tire 173, which is pressed against the topface of the respective flange 15.

The electric motor is of the familiar reversible type, so that the main-rail trolley 16 can be driven in either direction along its main rail 10 by its motor. By thus actuating only one main-rail trolley 16, the associated fixturesupporting rail 1011 can be tilted in a horizontal plane relative to main rails 10. Two such frictional actuating wheels 21-21a can be provided, one at each side of the respective vertical and planar flange 12 of the respective main rail 10.

In the embodiment of Figs. 13 and 14, a gear 180 is fixed to motor-shaft 71. This gear 180 meshes with gears 181, which are fixed to the rotatable shafts or pivot pins 22 of the wheels 21. In such case, the wheels 21 may have friction faces. If desired, as above noted, the pins 22 may be fixed to their respective flanges 19 and the wheels 21 may be turnable on their non-rotatable pins 22. In such case, the gears 131 are fixed to wheels 21. There may be two gears 180, at respective sides of the respective vertical flange 12, in which case, each set of Wheels 21 at each side of flange 12 are thus connected to the motor-shaft 71.

If it is desired to operate the electric motors of each set or pair simultaneously and equally, the respective anterior or main power cable 57 is provided with a pair of motor-power Wires for said motors, in addition to the wires for conducting electric current to the lamps 47 or other electrical devices in order to provide a motor circuit which is independent of the lighting circuit.

Each motor is connected to its junction box 56 by an intermediate or branch motor-cable 274. In order to prevent these branch motor-cables 274 from dangling into the working level, a clamp 275a is fixed to the respective branch 275a of the respective anterior cable 57. There are two extended tension springs 275. One end of each tension spring 275 is fixed to clamp 275a. The other end of each extended tension spring 275 has a hook 275b, through which the respective intermediate motor-cable 274 extends slidably. When a fixture-supporting rail 10 is slid laterally relative to its fixture-rail trolleys 17, the respective junction box 56 approaches one of the motorcasings 270. However, the springs 275 are under sufficient tension and extension so that the respective spring 275 will then contract sufiiciently to hold the respective intermediate motor-cable 274 from dangling below the respective fixture-rail 10a.

If it is desired to control each motor individually, the

respective anterior cable 57 has two wires or a respective motor circuit for each motor, and each motor circuit has its own control switch at the remote-control station for starting, stopping and reversing each motor individually. In such case, each motor is independently supplied with current through its respective intermediate or branch motor-cable 27 4, so that each motor circuit is independent of the other motor circuit, and all the motor circuits are independent of all the lighting circuits.

All the main wires and cables 57 and 274 of the system can be thus maintained above the fixture-supporting rails 10a, with the exception of the intermediate or branch wires 59, which are maintained above the housings 46a. Even if the main wires or cables dangle below the fixturesupporting rails 10a, they can be kept at a safe level, such as six feet or eight feet above the level of the floor. By having the branch wires 59 through the supports 45, said branch wires are maintained upwardly from the housings 46a, to provide the necessary safety factor and to keep the working level unobstructed.

Numerous changes can be made in this embodiment, without department from the scope of the invention. Thus, the main rail 10 may be replaced by inverted T-rails. The annular rims 21a of the wheels 21 provide means for preventing any substantial horizontal twisting or sideways movement between a trolley and its rail. Other means could be substituted for this purpose. The invention is not limited to horizontal main rails 10, or to rails which have planar supporting surfaces, or to the specific shape of the I-rails illustrated herein.

The system can be used as an electrical supply system for any electrical devices.

Also, for some purposes, the supporting rails 10 and 10a are not necessarily overhead rails.

The trolleys are merely one means for providing easy movement relative to a rail, and equivalent means are included, whenever a trolley is mentioned in any claim. Thus, the trolleys may be replaced by slides. Also, the invention is not limited to parallel main rails 10 or to fixed main rails 10.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my applications Serial No. 377,885, filed Sept. 1, 1953, and Serial No. 480,243, filed January 6, 1955, both said applications being now abandoned.

What is claimed is:

1. In a studio lighting system, a fixed overhead horizontal supporting means, roller elements perpendicularly disposed on said supporting means for movement to and fro thereon, bracket means depending from the roller elements and rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the supporting means, roller members rotatably carried by the bracket means and arranged perpendicular to the supporting means, a beam element slidably carried by the roller members and horizontally supported thereby for axial movement, stop means at the ends of said beam element engageable with the roller members to limit the axial movement of the beam element thereon, 2. depending supporting element slidably mounted at its upper end on the beam element and movable from one end to the other end of the beam element, a light device carried by the lower end of the supporting element and having an electrical conductor cord attached thereto and terminating in an electrical connector and a plurality of longitudinally spaced electrical convenience outlets mounted on the supporting means and adapted to receive the electrical connector.

2. An electrical supply lighting system which comprises substantially horizontal main-rails which are longitudinally disposed and which are separated laterally from each other, main trolleys supported by and depending from said main-rails, auxiliary trolleys connected to and depending from said main-trolleys, said respective auxiliary trolleys being connected to respective maintrolleys by respective vertical pivots, auxiliary horizontal rails supported by and depending below said auxiliai'y trolleys, saidauxiliary rails being laterallydisposedand being laterally movable on the respective auxiliaryi trolleys; lbngitudi nall'y disposed" cable-supporting rails located above said main-rails; there being one cablesupporting rail associated with each saidauxiliary rail, fiicture=supporting trolleysmounted on said auxiliary rails and l supporting lighting-fixtures; respective junction boxesfixed t'osaid auxiliary rails, a; flexible power cable associated with eachjunction box; each ipower cable havinganifilet end which is adapted tobecormected to a source of electric power and an'outletleg which has an outlet er dwhiel'r is connected to a respective junction box; cabl trol-leys movahly supported 1 on said cable rails; each-said cable being supported by respective cable-trolleys above" said 'main rails up to said outlet leg; said outlet leg"dependhig from the respective cabletrolley toth'e respective junction box, and a wire connecting the respective junction bo'x to the respective lightingfixture.

3. A system accordifig to claim 2, iir-which each outlet leg is-between a pair ofmaimtrolleys, eachoutlet leg 1512 being" connectedwbove' its res ectivejunetion'bbx' tothe' respective main trolleys by lateral connections which includea tension spring at each sideofsai'd' outletleg:

R'efreucescited in the file of' th'is patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 837,084- Von Der Lippe Nov: 27, 1906- 1-,'443,382 Rapier Jan; 30, 1923- 1 ,48-8,651-' Schumacher Apr; 1, 1924 2;114;664* Gelb a Apr. 19, 1938 2,416,352 Seward Feb. 25, 1947 2,471,513" Bogle May'31, 1949 2,571,832- Chapin' Oct. 16, 1951 2,659,807 Wakefield Nov; 17, 1953 2,680,805 MacDonald June 8, 1954* 2,696,533 Hamrnenly. etal'. a--Dec-. 7, 1954 2,704,037 Babcocket al; Mar; 15, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS" 141,914 Great- Britain a Apr. 29, 19.20

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