Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Mason Daryl Lev

Thomas F Laduke

Steven M Chapman

Mark A Reichow

Bryan Lee Jolley

Jeffrey A Davis

An acoustical screen that can be utilized in a variety of applications including as part of a projection screen to cover and hide the presence of an audio speaker. The acoustical screen is formed using multiple hole sizes, e.g., three or more hole diameters or outer dimensions if not round. These differently-sized holes are placed in pseudo-random positions so that there is no perceivable repeating pattern of hole placement in the acoustical screen. By avoiding an ordered grid of holes of a single diameter as in prior speaker grills, the new acoustical screen disguises the visible reflection pattern through non-uniformity. It also provides an improved acoustic transmission surface that allows sound with a greater variety of wavelengths to pass while reflecting a less pronounced echo. The acoustical screen will be in demand for use in entertainment venues using projection systems with speakers positioned behind a front projected screen.

Accoustically and visually optimized projection screen

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 reflective element 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 first edge sandwiched there between. The first edge retention assembly includes fasteners passing through slots to couple the first and second plates together.

Growing community of inventors

Signal Hill, CA, United States of America

Mason Daryl Lev