FIELD

[001] The present disclosure concerns cycloramas, such as for use in photography and film production.

BACKGROUND

[002] Cyclorama structures are useful for creating the appearance of an unlimited space having no horizon or wall intersections in photography and film applications. A cyclorama typically includes two angled walls that meet at a corner, and one or more curved panels or coves extending between the walls to conceal the corner to provide the appearance of an uninterrupted expanse. The cyclorama can also include one or more curved panels extending from the corner to conceal the intersection between the floor and the walls and/or between the walls and the ceiling. However, the curvature of the panels in the corner of a cyclorama is typically such that sound is focused by the panels in particular directions, resulting in amplification of sound along certain sight lines and deadening of sound along other sight lines. Similarly, the panels can reflect and focus light in particular directions, resulting in shadows or uneven lighting of a subject in or near the corner of the cyclorama. Accordingly, there is a need for improved cycloramas.

SUMMARY

[003] Certain disclosed embodiments concern modular panel members for cycloramas, and methods of making, assembling, and using the same. In a representative embodiment, a panel member comprises a concavo-convex body having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

[004] In another embodiment, a method comprises creating an image using a cyclorama including a panel member having a concavo-convex body with integrally-formed first and second side portions and an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

[005] In another representative embodiment, a cyclorama assembly comprises a first concavo- convex panel member having integrally formed first and second side portions and an

intermediate portion therebetween. The first and second side portions and the intermediate portion comprise a first radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further comprise a second radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The assembly further comprises a second concavo-convex panel member disposed adjacent one of the first or second side portions of the first concavo- convex panel member. The second concavo-convex panel member comprises the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The assembly further comprises a third concavo-convex panel member disposed adjacent an upper edge portion of the first concavo-convex panel member. The third concavo-convex panel member comprises integrally formed first and second side portions having the second radius of curvature in the X-Y plane.

[006] In another representative embodiment, a method comprises situating a first concavo- convex panel member between two angled walls. The first concavo-convex panel member has integrally formed first and second side portions and an intermediate portion therebetween. The first and second side portions and the intermediate portion comprise a first radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, the first and second side portions further comprising a second radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The method further comprises situating a second concavo-convex panel member adjacent one of the first or second side portions of the first concavo-convex panel member, the second concavo-convex panel member comprising the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The method further comprises situating a third concavo-convex panel member adjacent an upper edge portion of the first concavo-convex panel member, the third concavo-convex panel member comprising integrally formed first and second side portions having the second radius of curvature in the X-Y plane.

[007] In another representative embodiment, a method of making a panel member comprises applying a moldable material to a mold member, and applying pressure to the moldable material to form a concavo-convex panel member having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

[008] In another representative embodiment, a method of making a panel member comprises introducing a moldable material into a mold cavity to form a concavo-convex panel member. The concave-convex panel member has integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The method further comprises removing the panel member from the mold cavity.

[009] In another representative embodiment, a method of disassembling a cyclorama comprises positioning a tool comprising a handle portion and a blade portion such that the blade portion is between a panel member of the cyclorama and a support structure to which the panel member is secured. The method further comprises moving the tool such that the blade portion moves between the panel member and the support structure to unsecure the panel member from the support structure.

[010] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a set including a representative embodiment of a cyclorama.

[012] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view illustrating an embodiment of a cyclorama assembly including a corner panel member, a floor-to-wall panel member, and a wall-to-wall panel member.

[013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a floor-to-wall panel member.

[014] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the floor-to-wall panel member of FIG. 3. [015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a wall-to-wall panel member.

[016] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the wall-to-wall panel member of FIG. 5.

[017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a corner panel member.

[018] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the corner panel member of FIG. 7.

[019] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the corner panel member of FIG. 7.

[020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a mold member for making a floor-to-wall panel member.

[021] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a representative embodiment of a mold member for making a wall-to-wall panel member.

[022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a mold member for making a corner panel member.

[023] FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a method of making a panel member.

[024] FIG. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of a mold member.

[025] FIG. 15 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a method of making a panel member using the mold member of FIG. 14.

[026] FIG. 16 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a method of assembling a cyclorama.

[027] FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views of a tool for use with the cyclorama panels described herein.

[028] FIG. 19 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a method of using the tool of FIGS. 17 and 18.

[029] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cyclorama. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[030] Cycloramas comprising a plurality of modular panel members can be useful for quickly setting up, breaking down, or reconfiguring a set or stage for photography or film applications. Exemplary embodiments of cycloramas comprising modular panel members are disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,893,447.

[031] FIG. 1 illustrates a set, such as a film or photography set, including a representative embodiment of a cyclorama 100. The cyclorama can have a support structure configured as first and second walls 102, 104 that intersect one another at a corner 106. The cyclorama 100 can further include an absolute horizontal reference such as a floor 108 extending along an X-Y plane (note Cartesian axes shown), and a corner cove structure generally indicated at 107. A plurality of curved panel members can extend between the walls and/or between the floor and the respective walls to conceal the intersections therebetween to provide the appearance of an unlimited space. For example, the cyclorama can include a plurality of curved floor-to-wall panel members 110 extending between the floor 108 and the respective walls 102, 104 to conceal the intersection between the floor and the walls. Additionally, in some embodiments, the floor-to-wall panel members can be configured to extend between the respective walls 102, 104 and the ceiling of the studio at the top of the cyclorama to conceal the intersection therebetween.

[032] The cyclorama can also include a plurality of curved wall-to-wall panel members 112 extending between the respective walls 102, 104 to form the cove structure 107. The floor-to- wall panel members 110 and the wall-to-wall panel members 112 can be modular. Accordingly, the cyclorama can be constructed having any suitable length and/or height dimensions, and can be couplable to one another and/or to the respective walls to facilitate of assembly and disassembly.

[033] The cyclorama can further include a curved corner panel member 114 to which the adjacent floor-to-wall panel members 110 and the adjacent wall-to-wall panel members 112 can be coupled. In certain embodiments, the corner panel member can have a concavo-convex shape, with the concave surface facing away from the walls 102, 104 and the convex surface facing toward the walls. The corner panel member 114 can extend horizontally between the walls 102, 104, and vertically between the floor 108 and the respective walls 102, 104 such that a lower edge 116 contacts and/or is secured to the floor and at least a portion of an upper edge 118 contacts and/or is secured to the walls. [034] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the corner panel member 114 can include first and second side portions 120, 122, and an intermediate portion 124 therebetween. The first side portion 120, the second side portion 122, and the intermediate portion 124 can be integrally formed with one another such that the corner panel member 114 comprises a one-piece unitary construction. The first and second side portions 120, 122, and the intermediate portion 124, can be curved in the Y-Z plane such that the corner panel member can conceal the intersection of the floor and the walls at the corner 106. To this end, the first and second side portions 120, 122, and the intermediate portion 124 can each have a radius of curvature illustrated with respect to horizontal axes corresponding to each respective portion.

[035] For example, the first side portion 120 can have a radius of curvature RIA illustrated with respect to a horizontal axis 126 such that the portion of the lower edge 116 associated with the first side portion contacts the floor and the portion of the upper edge 118 associated with the first side portion contacts the wall 102 (see FIG. 1). The second side portion 122 can have a radius of curvature R ₂ A illustrated with respect to a horizontal axis 128 such that the portion of the lower edge 116 associated with the second side portion 122 contacts the floor 108 and the portion of the upper edge 118 associated with the second side portion contacts the wall 104. The intermediate portion 124 can also have a radius of curvature R ₃ illustrated with respect to a horizontal axis 130 such that the portion of the lower edge 116 associated with the intermediate portion contacts the floor 108 and the portion of the upper edge 118 associated with the intermediate portion extends between the walls 102, 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the radii of curvature RIA, R2A, and R ₃ of the first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion, respectively, can be substantially equal such that the upper and lower edges 118, 116 of the corner panel member are continuous along the floor and between the walls, respectively. In certain embodiments, the first and second side portions 120, 122 and the intermediate portion 124 can have respective degrees of curvature of between about 60 to about 90 degrees in the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the first, second, and intermediate portions can be non-parabolic.

[036] In addition to the curvature in the Y-Z plane, the first and second side portions 120, 122 can also be curved in the X-Y plane. For example, the first side portion 120 can have a radius of curvature RIB defined with respect to a vertical axis 132, and the second side portion 122 can have a radius of curvature R ₂ B defined with respect to a vertical axis 134. In this manner, the first and second side portions 120, 122 can extend in a curvilinear fashion from the intermediate portion 124 to contact the respective walls 102, 104 and respective floor- to- wall panel members 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the radii of curvature RIB, R2B can be substantially equal such that the first and second side portions 120, 122 can be symmetrical about the intermediate portion 124. In certain embodiments, the first and second side portions 120, 122 can have respective degrees of curvature substantially equal to angles defined between the walls 102, 104 and the intermediate portion 124. For example, with reference to FIG. 9, the first side portion 120 can define an angle θι between the intermediate portion 124 and an edge 123 of the first side portion. In certain embodiments, the angle θι can be from about 20 to about 60 degrees, depending upon the angle of the walls. In some embodiments, the angle θι can be about 45 degrees.

[037] The second side portion 122 can also define an angle θ ₂ between the intermediate portion 124 and the respective edge 125 of the second side portion. In certain embodiments, the angle θ ₂ can be from about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 02 can be about 45 degrees. In this manner, the first and second side portions together can provide a degree of curvature of about 90 degrees.

[038] In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature of the first and second side portions and the intermediate portion in the Y-Z plane and the curvature of the first and second side portions in the X-Y plane can be different. In other words, the radii RIA, R2A, and R ₃ can be equal to one another, but unequal to the radii RIB and R2B . By making the radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane different from the radii of curvature in the X-Y plane, light incident on the corner panel member 114 is more uniformly reflected or diffused from the corner of the cyclorama, rather than focused along particular sight lines, as in many cyclorama structures with equal radii in the X-Y and Y-Z planes. This reduces or substantially eliminates shadows, and facilitates more even lighting of the panels of the cyclorama. The unequal radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Y plane can also provide more uniform sound propagation from the corner cove 107 by reflecting or dispersing sound incident on the corner panel member 114. This can reduce sound amplification along particular sight lines and sound deadening along certain other sight lines relative to the corner cove 107.

[039] For example, in some embodiments, a ratio between the radius of curvature of the first and second side portions in the X-Y plane and the radius of curvature of the first and second side portions and the intermediate portion in the Y-Z plane can be from about 1.1: 1 to about 10: 1, such as about 1.1: 1 to about 3: 1, about 1.1: 1 to 2: 1, about 1.1: 1 to 1.5: 1, or about 1.2: 1. Thus, in one representative embodiment, the radii RIB and R ₂ B can be about 36 inches, and the radii RIA, R ₂ A, and R ₃ can be about 30 inches. In another representative embodiment, the radii RIB and R ₂ B can be about 48 inches, and the radii RIA, R2A, and R ₃ A can be about 40 inches. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that the radii can have any suitable

dimensions. Additional perspective and side elevation views of the corner panel member 114 are illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively.

[040] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the floor-to-wall panel members 110 can comprise a radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane equal to the radii RIA, R2A, and R ₃ A such that the lower edges are flush with the floor 108 and the upper edges are at substantially the same height as the upper edge 118 of the corner panel member 114. In certain embodiments, the floor-to-wall panel members can have a degree of curvature that is substantially equal to an angle defined between the floor and the walls (e.g., between about 60 to about 90 degrees). FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate perspective and side elevation views of a representative floor-to-wall panel member 110.

[041] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the wall-to-wall panel members 112 can extend between the walls 102, 104, and can define respective first and second side portions 136, 138. The side portions 136, 138 of the wall-to-wall panel members can be curved in the X-Y plane to interface with the respective walls 102, 104, and to conceal the intersection of the walls at the corner 106. Thus, the respective side portions 136, 138 can have radii of curvature in the X-Y plane substantially equal to the radii RIB and R ₂ B of the corner panel member 114. This can allow the wall-to-wall panel members 112 to interface with the upper edge 118 of the corner panel member 114 to form the corner cove 107. Because the wall-to-wall panel members 112 extend upwardly from the corner panel member 114, they need not be curved in the Y-Z plane. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate respective perspective and plan views of a representative embodiment of a wall- to-wall panel member 112.

[042] The wall-to-wall panel members 112 can further comprise an intermediate portion 140 corresponding substantially to the intermediate portion 124 of the corner panel member 114, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, the intermediate portion 140 is not curved in the Y-Z plane such that the combined intermediate portions 140 of one or more wall-to-wall panel members 112 (see, e.g., FIG. 1) define a planar region 142 extending substantially along the center of the corner cove structure 107. The planar region 142 can have any suitable width and/or height, and can disperse or disrupt the transmission of sound waves and/or light waves reflected into the cove 107 by the curved side portions of the wall-to-wall panel members and the corner panel member. In particular embodiments, the planar region 142 can have a width W of from about 1 inch to about 120 inches (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the width dimension W can be from about 1 inch to about 48 inches. In some embodiments, the width dimension W can be about 12 inches.

[043] In certain embodiments, the side portions 136, 138 of the wall-to-wall panels can have respective degrees of curvature substantially equal to angles formed between the respective walls 102, 104 and the intermediate portion 140. For example, with reference to FIG. 6, the first side portion 136 can define an angle ai between the intermediate portion 140 and the edge of the first side portion 136. The angle ai can be from about 20 to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle ai can be about 45 degrees, similar to the angle θι of the first side portion of the corner panel member 114. The second side portion 138 can also define an angle a ₂ between the intermediate portion 140 and the edge of the second side portion. The angle a ₂ can be from about 20 to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle a ₂ can be about 45 degrees, similar to the angle θ ₂ of the second side portion of the corner panel member 114.

[044] As stated above, the modular floor-to-wall panel members 110 and wall-to-wall panel members 112 can be couplable to the corner panel member 114, to the floor 108 and/or the walls 102, 104, and/or to one another to facilitate assembly and disassembly. In some embodiments, the panel members can be coupled to one another by any suitable means such as fasteners, any of various mating flange or keyway arrangements, etc. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel members can comprise flanges 160 located on the sides of the panel members (see, e.g., FIGS. 3-8). The flanges 160 can define a plurality of openings 162 for receiving fasteners to fasten adjacent panel members to one another. The flanges also serve to provide integrity and strength to the corner cove assembly to help ensure that the panel members retain the desired curvature along the length of the interfaces between respective panel members.

[045] In some embodiments, the panel members can also be coupled to the respective walls 102, 104 instead of, or in addition to, the adjacent panel members. In the illustrated

embodiment, the first and second side portions 120, 122 of the corner panel member 114 can include respective notch portions 144, 146 such that the corner panel member defines respective lateral edge portions 148, 150 and an upper edge portion 152 comprising the edge 118. The flanges 160 of the corner panel member can extend from the notch portions 144, 146, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this manner, the corner panel member 114 can interface with and/or be coupled to the adjacent floor-to-wall panel members 110 and/or the adjacent wall-to- wall panel member 112.

[046] In certain embodiments, the panel members can include peripheral recessed portions extending along the perimeter of the panel members. For example, with reference to FIG. 2, the wall-to-wall panel member 112 can include recessed portions 170A, 170B extending along the respective side portions 136, 138. The corner panel member 114 can include recessed portions 172A, 172B located along the periphery of the notches 144, 146 of the first and second side portions 120, 122, respectively. The floor-to-wall panel members 110 can include recessed portions 174 extending along at least the upper edge of the panel members. The respective panel members can also comprise respective primary surfaces. For example, the panel member 112 can comprise a primary surface 178, the panel member 114 can comprise a primary surface 180, and the panel members 110 can include respective primary surfaces 182.

[047] Proceeding specifically with reference to the wall-to-wall panel 112 for purposes of illustration, the recessed portions 170A, 170B can extend a specified distance from the edge of the panel member 112 (e.g., 2 inches), and can define secondary surfaces 176A, 176B offset from the primary surface 178 (e.g., in the direction of the walls 102, 104 of FIG. 1,

respectively). The recessed portions of the panel member 114 and the panel members 110 can also define secondary surfaces (e.g., 173A-173B and 175, respectively) offset from the primary surfaces of the respective panel members. In some embodiments, the secondary surfaces 176A, 176B can be offset from the primary surface by a specified depth (e.g., about 1/8 inch). The depth can be related to a thickness of one or more materials (e.g., tape such as sheetrock tape, mud, plaster, etc.) that may be applied to the secondary surfaces when assembling the cyclorama. By making the depth of the recessed portions 170A, 170B approximately equal to the thickness of the materials to be applied to the recesses when the panels are assembled, the surface of those materials in the recessed portions can be made substantially even with the primary surface 178 after assembly. Thus, the panels can be joined, taped, mudded, and otherwise finished such that the interfaces between adjacent panel members, the floor, and/or the walls are covered, obscured, or otherwise rendered substantially undiscernable in the finished cyclorama.

[048] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the recessed portion 170A of the panel member

112, the recessed portion 172A of the panel member 114, and the recessed portion 174 of the respective panel member 110 can be contiguous when the panels are assembled. When tape and/or mud are applied to the secondary surfaces of the respective recessed portions, the surface of the tape and/or mud along the extent of the contiguous recessed portions can be made substantially even with the primary surfaces 178, 180, 182. In this manner, the interfaces between the respective panel members 112, 114, 110, and between the panel members and the walls, can be covered, obscured, or otherwise rendered substantially undiscernable. It should be understood that the panel members can include recessed portions along any suitable edge portion, including edge portions interfacing with the floor, the walls, the ceiling, and/or with adjacent panel members. Furthermore, the recessed portions can have any suitable width dimension and/or depth dimension. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-8, the secondary surfaces of the recessed portions can also include holes or openings 184 to accept fasteners 185 (e.g., nails, screws, etc.) to fasten the panel members to the floor and/or to the walls.

[049] In some embodiments, the panel members described herein can comprise, for example, any of various moldable materials, such as polymers, plastics, such as ABS plastic, resin, fiberglass, or foam, to name a few. The panel members can also be made from any machine- workable material, including any of various metals (e.g., aluminum), foam, wood, etc. Certain disclosed working embodiments were made from ABS plastic and fiberglass.

[050] In a representative embodiment, the wall-to-wall panel members 112 can have a height dimension H of about 48 inches, and the floor-to-wall panel members can have a length dimension L of about 48 inches, although the panel members can have any suitable height and length dimensions, as desired. An exemplary embodiment can include two wall-to-wall panel members 112, a corner panel member 114, and seven or eight floor-to-wall panel members 110, although a person of ordinary skill will understand that this is variable, and that the disclosed cycloramas can include any suitable number of the various panel members.

[051] In some embodiments, the panel members can be made by, for example, introducing

(e.g., as by injection molding) a moldable material into a mold cavity having the shape of the desired panel, and removing the panel from the mold cavity after allowing the material to cure.

In some embodiments, the panel members can be made by applying a moldable material to the exterior of a mold member having a surface comprising the shape of the desired panel member, and forming the material into the shape of the mold member. Moldable material such as fiberglass can be applied to the surface of the mold member together with a resin, and pressure can be applied to the moldable material by, for example, placing the mold in a vacuum bag and drawing a vacuum such that the moldable material is urged against the surface to form a panel member having the shape of the mold. In some embodiments, resin can be applied to the form, moldable material such as fiberglass can be applied to the form over the resin, and the combination can be drawn against the form by application of vacuum.

[052] For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a representative embodiment of a mold member 200 having a surface 202 comprising the shape of a floor-to-wall panel member. By way of further example, FIG. 11 illustrates a representative embodiment of a mold member 300 having a surface 302 comprising the shape of a wall-to-wall panel member. By way of further example, FIG. 12 illustrates a representative embodiment of a mold member 400 having a surface 402 comprising the shape of a corner panel member. When making a panel member, moldable material can be applied to the surface of the appropriate mold member, and the moldable material can be urged or otherwise caused to conform to the shape of the surface by applying pressure to the material. In certain examples, pressure can be applied to the moldable material by placing the mold member in a vacuum bag and drawing a vacuum in the bag. In other examples, the moldable material can be caused to conform to and take on the shape of the mold member by vacuum forming, in which the moldable material is urged against the surface of the mold member by a vacuum drawn through one or more openings in the surface of the mold member to form a respective floor-to-wall, wall-to-wall, or corner panel member.

[053] FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a method of making a panel member. Although the method proceeds with reference to the corner panel mold member 400 for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that the method can be used in combination with any of the mold members described herein.

[054] At block 502, a moldable material can be applied to a mold member, such as the mold member 400.

[055] At block 504, pressure can be applied to the moldable material to form a concavo-convex panel member having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion can have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions can have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y- Z plane. The corner panel member can then be removed from the mold member 400 for postprocessing, such as trimming excess material, finishing, polishing, etc., as necessary. In alternative embodiments, a panel member having the desired shape can be milled from a block or billet of material, or stamped from sheet stock.

[056] In another embodiment, any of the panel members described herein can be made in an injection molding process. FIG. 14 illustrates a representative embodiment of mold 600 including first and second portions 602, 604. The first mold portion 602 can define a mold cavity 606, which can have the shape of the any of the panel members described herein.

[057] FIG. 15 is a process flow diagram illustrating another representative embodiment of a method of making a panel member, such as a corner panel member, using the mold 600 of FIG. 14. At block 702, a moldable material can be introduced into a mold cavity to form a concavo- convex panel member having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion can have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions can also have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

[058] At block 704, the panel member can be removed from the mold cavity.

[059] The disclosed cyclorama embodiments can provide several surprising and significant advantages over known cycloramas. As stated above, the unequal radii of curvature of the corner panel member 114 in the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Y plane can reduce or eliminate the focusing of light incident on the corner panel member 114 along particular sight lines, resulting in more uniform lighting of the panel members. This can provide the illusion of an infinite space without a ground or floor, a sky, or a horizon, which can be desirable when creating images (e.g., live film broadcasts, recorded films or movies, or still photographs) of subjects on a set incorporating the cyclorama.

[060] For example, the even lighting of the cyclorama facilitated by the shape of the corner panel member and the other panel members described herein can be crucial when using chroma key composite techniques in green and/or blue screen applications. In such applications, uniform lighting of the cyclorama is required in order to distinguish the cyclorama background from the subject (e.g., a person or product) being imaged. For example, in some chroma key composite techniques, the cyclorama can be painted (e.g., green, blue, etc.). An image of a performer or subject on the set in front of the colored cyclorama can then be distinguished by software and combined (e.g., superposed) with a different background (e.g., a special effect background) that replaces the portions of the image occupied by the colored cyclorama. The unequal radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Y plane of the panel members, along with the intermediate portions 124 and 140 of the panel members 114 and 112, respectively, can promote even lighting of the primary surfaces of the panel members, reducing shadows and highlights. This, in turn, can allow the subject to be more readily distinguished from the cyclorama background, which can be critical to achieving a high resolution image of the subject when superposed on the special effect background. For example, the improved ability to distinguish the subject from the cyclorama provided by the panel members described herein can result in a higher resolution image near the edges of the subject, and can also promote higher resolution of fine features, such as the hair of an actor or newscaster, which is typically difficult to distinguish from the background.

[061] The unequal radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Y plane of the panel members, and particularly of the corner panel member 114, can also reduce or eliminate the focusing of sound incident on the corner panel member 114 along particular sight lines, resulting in more uniform sound propagation from the corner cove 107. The planar region 142 defined by the intermediate portions of the respective wall panel members 112 can also promote uniform sound propagation from the cove 107 and reduce the amplification or deadening of sound along particular sight lines or trajectories relative to the cyclorama.

[062] Additionally, by integrating the first and second side portions and the intermediate portion of the corner panel member 114 into a single unit, along with the corresponding unitary wall-to-wall panel members 112, the cyclorama 100 can be quickly and easily assembled, disassembled, or reconfigured (e.g., to increase or decrease the dimensions). For example, using a corner panel member 114 in combination with an appropriate number of floor-to- wall and wall-to-wall panel members 110, 112, a cyclorama having walls 12 feet in length and a height of 10 feet can be constructed by a single person in about 1-2 hours. By contrast, other cycloramas of similar dimensions can require two workers 8 hours to construct.

[063] An additional advantage of the modular construction of the cyclorama, and particularly of the unitary construction of the corner panel member and the corresponding unitary wall-to- wall panel members, is that a separate support frame for the panel members apart from the walls is not required. Many cycloramas require erecting a support frame prior to attachment of the panel members. However, because the unitary corner panel member and the wall-to-wall panel members are symmetrical, the panel members can be fastened directly to one another and/or to the walls or the floor of the cyclorama without an additional support frame. This can substantially reduce the time and effort required to construct the cyclorama and/or to reconfigure the cyclorama (e.g., to increase or decrease height and/or length dimensions of the cyclorama) for different applications. By fastening the panel members to one another along the respective flanges, the flanges can also provide structural strength and support to maintain the desired curvature along the length of the panel members.

[064] Another advantage of the embodiments described herein is that by reducing the number of panel members required to construct the cyclorama, the number of joints or interfaces between panels can be reduced. This can provide significant advantages over known systems because slight misalignments between panels can result in undesirable features or defects in the background of a film image or a photographic image that must be corrected or removed (e.g., by software) during production. Such defects can be of particular concern when performing green and/or blue screen imaging techniques. For example, the techniques most commonly used to remove such cyclorama defects from the image involve reducing the resolution of the film or photographic image in order to obscure the defect in the cyclorama. Reducing the resolution of the image also reduces the image quality of the subject. Thus, making the first, second, and intermediate portions of the corner panel members 114 and the wall-to-wall panel members 112 into respective unitary constructions reduces the number of joints between panels and provides a corresponding reduction in the number of defects or artifacts in an image that must be removed or corrected during production.

[065] FIG. 16 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a method of assembling a cyclorama using any of the panel member embodiments described herein. At block 802 a first concavo-convex panel member can be situated between two angled walls. The first concavo-convex panel member can have integrally formed first and second side portions and an intermediate portion therebetween, and can have radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane and the X-Y plane that are unequal, as described above.

[066] At block 804, a second concavo-convex panel member can be situated adjacent one of the first or second side portions of the first concavo-convex panel member. The second concavo-convex panel member can comprise the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

[067] At block 806, a third concavo-convex panel member can be situated adjacent an upper edge or top portion of the first concavo-convex panel member. The third concavo-convex panel member can comprise integrally formed first and second side portions having the second radius of curvature in the X-Y plane.

[068] In some embodiments, at least one floor-to-wall panel member configured as a wall-to- ceiling panel member can be disposed between a respective wall and a ceiling of the cyclorama. Additional floor-to-wall, wall-to-wall, and/or wall-to-ceiling panel members can be added to the cyclorama to achieve the desired dimensions.

[069] When the panel members have been positioned and secured to the walls, the floor, and/or to one another, any spaces or seams between adjacent panel members can be concealed. For example, the recesses and any spaces between adjacent panel members can be concealed with fiberglass tape, and finished with a joint compound or "topping mud" (e.g., CGC or USG Durabond® Brand 90 Setting-Type Joint Compound available from CGC Corporation). The panel members can then be sanded, sealed, and painted, as desired. In some embodiments, the joints or spaces between panel members can be concealed only with joint compound.

[070] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a representative embodiment of a tool 900. The tool 900 can be, for example, a chisel, and can comprise a handle portion 902 and a blade portion 904. The handle portion 902 can have a grip portion 906, which can be knurled to allow a user to grip the grip portion without slipping. The blade portion 904 can include a blade edge 908, which can be made from any suitable metal material such as hardened steel. In some embodiments, the blade portion 904 can be removable for servicing or replacement. In other embodiments, the blade portion can be secured or integrally formed with the handle portion. The tool 900 is useful for, for example, quickly and efficiently disassembling a cyclorama. For example, by moving the blade edge 908 between an edge portion of a panel member and a substrate (e.g., a floor or wall to which the panel member is secured), the blade edge can cut through or sever fasteners, tape, mud, etc., holding the panel to the substrate. This can be particularly advantageous for removing fasteners because they are frequently covered by mud, tape, etc., applied to the panel members over top of the fasteners, making location and removal of the fasteners difficult and time-consuming.

[071] A representative method of disassembling a cyclorama using the tool 900 is described with reference to the process flow diagram illustrated in FIG. 19. At block 1002, a user can position the tool such that the blade edge is between a panel member of a cyclorama and a support structure to which the panel member is secured. [072] At block 1004, the user can move the tool such that the blade edge moves between the panel member and the support structure to unsecure the panel member from the support structure.

[073] FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a cyclorama 1100 including a plurality of alternating first and second panel members 1102, 1104 arranged between two angled walls 1106, 1108 to form a curved cove structure 1110. The first panel members 1102 can be curved in the Y-Z plane while being straight in the X-Y plane. The second panel members 1104 can be curved in the Y-Z plane and curved in the X-Y plane. In some embodiments, the second panel members 1104 can have a degree of curvature in the X-Y plane similar to the degree of curvature described above with respect to the side portions of the corner panel member 114 and the wall-to-wall panel members 112. In some embodiments, the degree of curvature can be from about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees, or about 22 degrees. In this manner, the curvature of the second panel members 1104 in the X-Y plane can be additive such that the combined curvature of the second panel members is substantially equal to an angle defined between the walls 1106, 1108 (e.g., about 90 degrees). In some embodiments, the second panel members can include peripheral side portions extending along a length of the panel members (e.g., in the z-direction) that are not curved in the X-Y plane. These peripheral side portions can interface with the first panel members 1102, and can be taped and mudded to conceal the interface of the first and second panel members. The cyclorama can also include one or more floor-to- wall panel members 1114 extending between the floor 1112 and the respective walls 1106, 1108.

[074] By arranging the first and second panel members 1102, 1104 in an alternating fashion, the cyclorama can provide the illusion of an unlimited space and can render the curvature of the cove structure 1110 substantially undiscernable. More specifically, by arranging the second panel members 1104 alternatingly with the first panel members 1102, the straight profile of the first panel members in the X-Y plane can make the relatively low degree of curvature of the second panel members in the X-Y plane difficult or impossible to discern. This, in turn, can provide the illusion that the curved corner structure 1110 is not curved. Additional panel members corresponding to the first and second panel members 1102, 1104 can be arranged on top of the first and second panel members in the cove structure, where the panel members corresponding to the first panel members are rectangular and the panel members corresponding to the second panel members are curved in the X-Y plane. [075] In some embodiments, the first and second panel members can have radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 described above. In some embodiments, the second panel members can have radii of curvature in the X-Y plane. In some embodiments, the radii of curvature of the second panel members in the X-Y plane can be different from or unequal to the radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane. In some embodiments, respective first and second panel members of the curved corner structure 1110 can be a single unitary construction.

Example 1

[076] Exemplary cyclorama embodiments used by, for example, Adidas America, Inc., the University of South Florida, the University of Tennessee, and PBS Hawaii in photography and film production include a corner panel member 114 described above, two wall-to-wall panel members 112 positioned one on top of the other above the corner panel member, and seven floor-to-wall panel members 110. Four floor-to-wall panel members were positioned on one side of the corner panel member, and three floor-to-wall panel members were positioned on the opposite side of the corner panel member. The radii RIA of the corner panel members were between about 18 inches and about 60 inches, and the radii RI _B were between about 21 inches and 72 inches.

General Considerations

[077] For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatuses, and systems should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatuses, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

[078] Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. As used herein, the terms "a", "an" and "at least one" encompass one or more of the specified element. That is, if two of a particular element are present, one of these elements is also present and thus "an" element is present. The terms "a plurality of and "plural" mean two or more of the specified element.

[079] As used herein, the term "and/or" used between the last two of a list of elements means any one or more of the listed elements. For example, the phrase "A, B, and/or C" means "A," "B," "C," "A and B," "A and C," "B and C" or "A, B and C."

[080] In the following description, certain terms may be used such as "up," "down," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an "upper" surface can become a "lower" surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object.

[081] As used herein, the term "coupled" generally means physically coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items absent specific contrary language.

[082] As used herein, the terms "integrally formed" and "unitary construction" refer to a construction that does not include any welds, fasteners, or other means for securing separately formed pieces of material to each other.

[083] In some examples, values, procedures, or apparatus may be referred to as "lowest," "best," "minimum," or the like. It will be appreciated that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection among many alternatives can be made, and such selections need not be better, smaller, or otherwise preferable to other selections.

[084] Some of the figures provided herein include an orientation system that includes an x- axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis that are mutually orthogonal to one another. It should be understood that the orientation system is merely for reference and can be varied. For example, the x-axis can be switched with the y-axis and/or the object or assembly can be rotated. [085] As used herein, the term "X-Y plane" refers to a plane defined by an x-axis and a y-axis that extend along an absolute horizontal reference, such as a floor on which a panel member is situated when in a functional position.

[086] As used herein, the term "Y-Z plane" refers to a plane defined by the y-axis of the X-Y plane and a z-axis that is mutually orthogonal to the x- and y-axes, and that is perpendicular to the absolute horizontal reference.

[087] As used herein, "curved in the X-Y plane" means that a two-dimensional projection of a body or a portion of the body, such as a panel member, onto the X-Y plane has a curved profile.

[088] As used herein, "curved in the Y-Z plane" means that a two-dimensional projection of a body or a portion of the body, such as a panel member, onto the Y-Z plane has a curved profile.

[089] As used herein, the term "degree of curvature" refers to an angle of an arc defined by the surface of a curved portion of a panel member.

[090] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is defined by the following claims.