Optical: systems and elements – Projection screen
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-08
2001-12-04
Mahoney, Christopher E. (Department: 2851)
Optical: systems and elements
Projection screen
C359S449000, C348S840000, C248S200000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327082
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to moldings and particularly to moldings used for making a frame to support a screen upon which an image is projected.
2. Prior Art
In the prior art there exist moldings to form a frame to support an image projection screen. These moldings are generally rectangular or square in cross section. As a result of their shape, they have several disadvantages as described herein below.
Since they are generally wide and the image projection screen is stretched over a wide portion of the prior art moldings, the molding covers a significant area around the periphery of the projection screen. As a result, it is difficult to manufacture screens in a modular manner since if you were to assemble two or more screens together, the wide areas where the moldings exist can block or distort the image, particularly when rear projection is being utilized. Still further, the flat surfaces tend to scatter any light which hits them as a result of overscan from the projector, resulting in unwanted stray light from the projected image. Still further, since the prior art moldings cannot be arranged in a modular fashion without deterioration of the image projected, the prior art screens are generally limited to a flat surface.
In an attempt to minimize the blocking of the image problem in the prior art, smaller moldings have been used. However, these smaller moldings often fail to sufficiently hold the screen in place due to wind and/or shrinkage of the screen due to thermal contraction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a molding for a frame for an image projecting screen which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a molding for a frame for an image projection screen which is modular in construction and the individual screen elements supported by the frame can be joined together to form overall larger displays or displays of curved shape without any apparent divisions between the individual screen elements.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a molding for a frame which provides sufficient strength to firmly hold the screen while minimizing the blockage of the image.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a molding for a frame which absorbs unwanted stray light and is suitable for rear projection.
In keeping with the principles of the present invention, the objects are accomplished by a unique molding for a frame for an image projection screen wherein the molding is wedge-shaped in cross section with the narrowest of the wedge shape engaging with a rear surface of the image projection screen. A surface of the molding adjacent the narrowest end includes an attachment surface for the image projection screen and the widest end of the wedge shape includes means for coupling at least two moldings together. The attachment surface of the molding is connected to the image projection screen by means of a transparent adhesive ribbon which can be easily and quickly applied.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4668046 (1987-05-01), Yatabe et al.
patent: 4895429 (1990-01-01), Iwahara et al.
patent: 5299017 (1994-03-01), Furuno
patent: 5580145 (1996-12-01), Yamada et al.
patent: 5604632 (1997-02-01), Sawai
patent: 5818639 (1998-10-01), Furuya
patent: 6000668 (1999-12-01), Mannick
patent: 6081375 (2000-06-01), Furuya et al.
Koda & Androlia
Mahoney Christopher E.
Stewart Filmscreen Corporation
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