CYCLORAMA INFINITY WALL KIT AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of prefabricated wall designs, and, more particularly, to a cyclorama infinity wall kit and method of installation.

Description of Related Art

Radius wall designs are gaining in popularity as more homeowners look for creative ways to escape the monotony of flat walls. Prefabricated wall design kits allow for the easy customization of any radius wall design to detailed specifications. Examples include wall niches, fireplace canopy hoods, balcony rims, specialty wall designs, and cyclorama infinity walls, to name a few.

Cyclorama infinity walls are a way to provide a professional backdrop with the illusion of tremendous depth, which is vital in the creation of certain special effects in the video and photography industries. Cyclorama infinity walls, also known as cyc walls or infinity coves, are a specialized type of background commonly used in photography, film, and video production to create the illusion of an endless backdrop without any visible corners or edges. Traditionally, cycloramas are recessed at curved areas in a building to provide the illusion of a larger space. Cycloramas were historically used by performance theaters to trick the eyes of patrons, most often to fake a sky scene above the stage. Later, in the 19th century, cycloramas were used as backgrounds for massive paintings designed to be stretched over the interior of a rounded building, thereby giving the illusion of standing in a realistic scene. Early cyclorama infinity walls were often constructed using plaster, wood, or canvas stretched over a curved frame. Over time, materials such as fiberglass, foam, and specialized wall coverings became popular choices for constructing cyclorama infinity walls due to their lightweight nature and ease of installation. A modern cyclorama is a blank, modular walled background with curved surfaces and seamless corners that creates an infinity effect. This effect makes a studio seem larger than it is and allows users to easily hide external equipment off-screen. Cycloramas are also integral in producing the well-known effects employed by green or blue screen technologies. Today, cycloramas are utilized on film sets, news studios, and music videos, as well as utilized by photographers and commercial directors to create neutral and endless-looking backgrounds. Cycloramas also effectively reflect and manipulate light and shadows within a studio.

While the visual production benefits of cyclorama infinity walls are readily apparent, the labor cost to construct and install them can be significant. Cyclorama infinity walls are notoriously time consuming to build from scratch. These walls require skilled craftsmanship to ensure smooth surfaces and seamless transitions between the floor, walls, and ceiling. In response, prefabricated cyclorama infinity walls have recently gained popularity. With the prefabricated cyclorama walls the installation can be completed in mere hours instead of days, amounting to considerable savings on labor costs.

Most contemporary prefabricated cyclorama wall systems are comprised of polystyrene panel components that assemble together, not wood framing components. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,447 to Opp et al. discloses a cyclorama that is comprised of molded cove sections for use adjacent the floor and ceiling of a studio or other site. Similarly, U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,221,566 and 10,599,011 to von Tegan disclose modular panel members for cycloramas, and methods of making, assembling, and using the same. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 11,952,786 to Resnic discloses systems and methods for converting a faceted room with sharp break angles between adjoining walls, ceiling, and floor into a cyclorama via connected panels. In comparison, Australian Patent Application No. 2020100456 to Chernih discloses a cyclorama modular system made of upright and horizontal wall members with curved transitioning sections that can be assembled and disassembled so as to be easy to transport and erected temporarily on-site. The cyclorama system of Chernih does not attach to existing walls.

Other contemporary prefabricated cyclorama infinity walls are often sold as customizable kits. The kits comprise the curved framing components of the cyclorama infinity wall. Installing a cyclorama infinity wall begins with framing the walls from scratch. Once framed, the curved framing components, called corners, are fastened to the frame, starting at the ends of the frame. Next, the wall-to-wall arches are fastened to the frame at the corner. Either a T-Nailer or a narrow crown stapler must be used to fasten the curved framing components to the frame. Such work can be dangerous to the unskilled craftsman and requires a certain level of woodworking expertise.

Therefore, there is a need for a cyclorama infinity wall kit without panels that embodies the benefits of the existing prefabricated kits while still improving the installation methods. The result is a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit that is easier, and, therefore, less costly to install.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cyclorama infinity wall kit and installation method embodying the principles of the invention solve practical problems found in the prior art kits by reducing installation timing and costs without the use of panels. The prefabricated pieces of the cyclorama infinity wall kit may be coupled to straight framing lumber installed directly on the pre-existing walls and floor of a studio. The standard prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit comprises at least the following pieces per wall intersection: a set of floor coves, a set of corner bases, a set of wall corners, a plate, and at least one ledge. The wall corners, plate, and ledge may be made to fit any wall intersection ranging from 90 to 135 degrees. The floor coves may be positioned at equal distances along parallel horizontal straight framing lumber installed directly on the walls and floor. The ledge and the wall corners may be positioned at the wall-intersection. The ledge bridges or couples the wall intersection gap between the horizontal straight framing lumber installed directly on each wall. The ledge may be coupled to the two parallel vertical straight framing lumber pieces. Similarly, the plate bridges or couples the wall intersection gap between the two perpendicular horizontal straight framing lumber pieces installed directly on the floor. The plate may provide attachment slots for the corner bases. The ledge may provide an attachment slot for the corner bases. The wall corners may be positioned at equal distances along parallel vertical straight framing lumber installed directly on two perpendicular walls.

The floor coves may be configured to seamlessly couple the floor to the wall to create the infinity optical effect. The floor coves may be crescent like in shape with a concave arch extending from one end to the other end. Each floor cove has two channel slots located along the inside face that act as attachment slots for the straight framing lumber. The corner bases may be configured to seamlessly couple the floor to two perpendicular walls at the wall-corner intersection to create the infinity optical effect. The corner bases may also be crescent like in shape with a concave arch extending from one end to the other end. Each corner base may have two channel slots located along the inside face configured as attachment slot to the ledge and the plate, respectively. The plate may sit on the floor at a wall-intersection between the horizontal straight framing lumber installed directly on the floor. The plate may be configured to provide lower guidance to the corner bases and to bridge or couple the horizontal straight framing lumber. On the outside face of the plate may be a number of corner base channel slots that may be configured as attachment surfaces for the corner bases. On each end of the plate may be a single floor channel slot configured to accommodate a horizontal two-by-four piece of straight frame lumber installed on the floor. The ledge may sit on the walls at a wall-intersection between the horizontal straight framing lumber installed directly on the walls. The ledge may be configured to provide upper guidance as an attachment slot to the corner bases and to bridge or couple the horizontal and vertical straight framing lumber installed directly on the walls. The ledge may have a curved-arch shape configured to bridge or couple two perpendicular pieces of straight frame lumber. On the inside face of the ledge may be two wall channel slots configured as attachment slots to the vertical straight framing lumber. The wall corners may be configured to seamlessly connect or couple a first wall to a second wall. The wall corners may be crescent like in shape with a concave arch extending from one end to the other end. Each wall corner may have two wall channel slots located along the inside face configured as attachment slots for the vertical straight framing lumber. Further, the floor coves, corner bases, wall corners, and ledges may comprise pocket holes configured as optional means by which the various parts of the kit can be installed.

According to an installation method of the present invention, the first step may be installing the vertical straight frame lumber on the existing walls from floor to ceiling. Then the first of the prefabricated pieces of the kit, namely at least one ledge, may be installed to the vertical straight frame lumber. Then the plate may be installed to the floor. It is important that the ledge and the plate are installed before the corner bases. Next the horizontal straight frame lumber of various lengths may be installed on the existing walls and floor. Then, starting on the right-hand side of the cyclorama wall, the floor coves may be installed along the horizontal straight frame lumber along the first wall. Next, starting from right to left, the corner bases may be installed on the ledge and plate. Then, starting from right to left, the coves may be installed along the horizontal straight frame lumber along the second wall. Next, the wall corners may be installed along the vertical straight from lumber. These steps may then be repeated at each additional wall-intersection. Finally, the installation may be completed by adding, as needed, blocking, straps, or ties for drywall backing or framing reinforcement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit installed on a frame, as known in the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit installed on two walls, embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit installed on two walls, embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a focused view of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit installed on two walls, embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a focused view of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit installed on two walls, embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a focused view of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit installed on two walls, embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view of a floor cove of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a view of a corner base of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a view of a plate of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a view of a ledge of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a view of a wall corner of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method of installing a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit embodying the principles of the present invention; and

FIGS. 13 to 23 depict various steps of method of installing a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit embodying the principles of the present invention.

The following terms and associated numbers are used throughout this disclosure for the convenience of the reader: Prior art prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 100, prior art frame 101, prior art corners 102, prior art nailer arch 103, prior art radius wall-to-walls 104, prior art radius walls-to-floor 105, prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 200, straight frame lumber 201, walls 202, floor 203, floor coves 204, corner bases 205, wall corners 206, plate 207, ledge 208, attachment surfaces 209, floor-channel-slot 210 of the floor cove, wall-channel-slot 211 of the floor cove, first mark 212 of floor cove floor-channel-slot, second mark 213 of floor cove floor-channel-slot, first mark 214 of floor cove wall-channel-slot, second mark 215 of floor cove wall-channel-slot, pocket holes 216, corner base ledge-channel-slot 217, corner base plate-channel-slot 218, first mark 219 of corner base plate-channel-slot, second mark 220 of corner base plate-channel-slot, first mark 221 of corner base ledge-channel-slot, second mark 222 of corner base ledge-channel-slot, plate corner-base-channel-slot 223, plate floor-channel-slot 224, ledge first wall-channel-slot 225, ledge second wall-channel-slot 226, first mark 227 of ledge first wall-channel-slot, second mark 228 of ledge first wall-channel-slot, first mark 229 of ledge second wall-channel-slot, second mark 230 of ledge second wall-channel-slot, wall corner first wall-channel-slot 231, wall corner second wall-channel-slot 232, first mark 233 of wall corner first wall-channel-slot, second mark 234 of wall corner first wall-channel-slot, first mark 235 of wall corner second wall-channel-slot, second mark 236 of wall corner second wall-channel-slot, installation method 300, first step 301 of installation method, second step 302 of installation method, optional step 302A of installation method, third step 303 of installation method, fourth step 304 of installation method, fifth step 305 of installation method, sixth step 306 of installation method, seventh step 307 of installation method, eighth step 308 of installation method, and ninth step 309 of installation method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To promote an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the claimed invention is thereby intended. The present invention includes any alterations and further modifications of the illustrated devices and methods described and further applications of principles in the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

FIG. 1 depicts a prior art prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 100 installed on a frame 101. The prior art kits 100 only comprise the curved framing components of the cyclorama wall yet must be installed on a frame 101. Framing of the walls and floors is left to the customer. These prior art kits 100 comprise several prefabricated pieces that must be individually installed to a frame 101 with a nail or screw gun. These pieces include: prior art corners 102, a prior art nailer arch 103, prior art radius wall-to-walls 104, and prior art radius wall-to-floors 105.

The first step in the installation of the prior art kits 100 is the framing of the walls to create the frame 101. An eight-foot wall comprises, for example, ten two-by-four-by-eight lumber pieces framed as a standard square wall. The length of the lumber pieces can vary depending on the desired size of the walls. A frame 101 of standard prior art kit 100 requires two to three walls for installation. A standard wall-frame 101 is comprised of a bottom horizontal lumber piece on the floor, a top horizontal lumber piece at the top of the wall, and a variable number of vertical studs spanning the bottom to the top. The quantity of studs is variable per wall because they are spaced along the lumber pieces at 16 inches on center. In effect, the longer the wall the more studs are needed. The studs provide the necessary fastening surfaces for installation of the prefabricated pieces of the prior art kit 100. The two to three walls are then fastened to each other at the ends to form a semi-enclosed room. The two to three walls are further fastened to a floor piece that can be made of plywood or fastened directly to the concrete slab foundation. Traditionally there is no ceiling and no fourth wall of this structure, although there may be a fourth wall if the walls intersect at or near 135 degrees. All fastenings are made with a nail or screw gun. The framing of the walls takes time and professional woodworking skills to accomplish properly. Because the prior art kits 100 must be fastened to a frame 101, the cost of building the frame 101 increases in proportion to the size of the studio that will host the prior art wall kit 100.

After the frame 101 is constructed, the prefabricated pieces of the prior art kit 100 are fastened to the frame 101. The radius wall-to-floor pieces 105 are the first to be fastened to the frame 101. Each radius wall-to-floor piece 105 is fastened or anchored to a vertical two-by-four lumber 201 piece of a wall at one end and to the plywood floor or foundation at the other end. Each radius wall-to-floor piece 105 is fastened at constant intervals from the next radius wall-to-floor piece in line with the equidistance vertical two-by-fours of the walls. The space between the radius wall-to-floor pieces 105 should be no more than 16 inches. Next, the nailer arch 103 is fastened to two walls at the vertical two-by-fours closest to the end where the walls meet each other. In a standard prior art installation, two nailer arches 103 are required; one at each wall-corner. Next, the wall-to-wall pieces 104 are fastened to the walls at constant intervals from the top of the walls down to the nailer arch 103. Next the corners 102 are fastened to the nailer arches 103 at one end and to the floor at the other end. At this point, the prior art prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 100 is successfully installed on the frame 101. A drywall finish is often applied at this stage to achieve the desired effect.

A prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 200 installed on two perpendicular walls and embodying the principles of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. One of the main advantages of the cyclorama wall kit 200 of the present invention is the prefabricated pieces are not required to be fastened to a constructed frame 101. Instead, the prefabricated pieces may be fastened to straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on the pre-existing walls 202 and floor 203. The lack of a need for a constructed frame 101 greatly reduces the installation time and associated lumber and labor costs.

A prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 200 embodying the principles of the present invention comprises, per each wall intersection, a set of floor coves 204, a set of corner bases 205, a set of wall corners 206, a plate 207, and at least one ledge 208. Each wall intersection or corner requires a plate 207 and at least one ledge 208. The number of floor coves 204, corner bases 205, and wall corners 206 is dependent on the length and height of the walls 202 hosting the cyclorama infinity wall kit 200. In a preferred embodiment, the pieces of the cyclorama infinity wall kit 200 embodying the principles of the present invention may each be comprised of two layers of glue laminated 18 mm birch plywood, although other similar woods may be substituted.

FIG. 4 is a focused view a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 200 embodying the principles of the present invention installed on two perpendicular walls 202. FIG. 4 depicts the floor coves 204 positioned at equal intervals along the parallel horizontal straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on the walls 202 and floor 203. The parallel horizontal straight framing lumber 201 stretch from the end of the wall 202 and floor 203 on one end to a predetermined distance from the wall-intersection, which creates a gap at the wall intersection.

FIG. 5 is another focused view a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 200 embodying the principles of the present invention installed on two walls 202. FIG. 5 depicts two ledges 208 and a plate 207 positioned at the wall intersection. The ledges 208 may bridge or couple the wall intersection gap between the horizontal straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on each wall 202. The ledges 208 may be installed to the two parallel vertical straight framing lumber 201. Similarly, the plate 207 may bridge or couple the wall intersection gap between the two perpendicular horizontal straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on the floor 203. The plate 207 and the ledges 208 may provide attachment surface 209 for the corner bases 205.

FIG. 6 is yet another focused view a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 200 embodying the principles of the present invention installed on two perpendicular walls 202. FIG. 6 depicts the wall corners 206 positioned at equal intervals along the parallel vertical straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on the two walls 202. The parallel vertical straight framing lumber 201 may be installed directly on the walls 202 and may stretch from the top of each wall 202 to the floor 203.

The floor coves 204 of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 7, may be configured to seamlessly connect or couple the floor 203 to the wall 202 to create the desired optical effect. The floor coves 204 may be crescent like in shape with a concave arch extending from one end to the other end. The radius of the floor coves 204 may depend on the specific needs of the customer. Standard floor coves 204 may have a radius of either 18 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, or 36 inches. Custom floor coves 204 of larger or smaller radius are possible and within the contemplated scope of this disclosure. FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary floor cove 204 with a radius of 24 inches. The exemplary floor cove 204 has a length and height of approximately 21.56 inches. The exemplary floor cove 204 has an end width of approximately 0.125 inches. Each floor cove 204 may have a floor-channel-slot 210 and a wall-channel-slot 211 located along the inside face that may be configured as attachment surfaces 209 for the straight framing lumber 201. In this specific example, each channel slot 210/211 is located at approximately 9.56 inches from each end of the floor cove 204. At a first mark 212 of the floor-channel-slot 210, the floor cove 204 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a first direction for approximately 1.56 inches. At a second mark 213 of the floor-channel-slot 210, the floor cove 204 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a second direction for 3.5 inches. At a first mark 214 of the wall-channel-slot 211, the floor cove 204 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a second direction for approximately 1.56 inches. At a second mark 215 of the wall-channel-slot 211, the floor cove 204 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a first direction for 3.5 inches. The floor and wall-channel-slots 210/211 may create attachment surfaces 209 for the floor coves 204 to attach to the straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on the walls 202 and floor 203. On a face of the floor coves 204 located near the edges of the channel slots 210/211 may be pocket holes 216 for fastening the floor coves 204 to the straight framing lumber 201. Other fastening means, such as wood glue, are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

The corner bases 205 of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 8, may be configured to couple the ledge 208 to the plate 207 and wall corners 206 to the floor 203 at the wall intersection to create the desired optical effect. The corner bases 205 may be situated at the wall intersection. Like the floor coves 204, the corner bases 205 may be crescent like in shape with a concave arch extending from one end to the other end. Like the floor coves 204, the radius of the corner bases 205 may depend on the specific needs of the customer. As a general principle, the radius of the corner bases 205 may match the radius of the floor coves 204. FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary corner base 205 with a radius of 24 inches. The exemplary corner base 205 has a length of approximately 22.338 inches and a height of approximately 24 inches. The exemplary corner base 205 has a floor-end width of approximately 0.125 inches and a wall-end width of 0.778 inches. Each corner base 205 may comprise a ledge-channel-slot 217 and a plate-channel-slot 218 located along the inside face configured as attachment surfaces 209. The exemplary corner base 205 has a plate-channel-slot 218 located at approximately 9.56 inches from the floor-end of the corner base 205 and a ledge-channel-slot 217 located at approximately 12 inches from the wall-end of the corner base 205. At a first mark 219 of the plate-channel-slot 218, the corner base 205 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a first direction for approximately 1.48 inches. At a second mark 220 of the plate-channel-slot 218, the corner base 205 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a second direction for approximately 3.5 inches. At a first mark 221 of the ledge-channel-slot 217, the corner base 205 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a second direction for approximately 1.52 inches. At a second mark 222 of the ledge channel slot 217, the corner base 205 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a first direction for 2.836 inches. The plate-channel-slot 218 may create an attachment surface 209 for the corner bases 205 to attach to the plate 207. Similarly, the ledge-channel-slot 217 may create an attachment surface 209 for the corner bases 205 to attach to the ledge 208. On a face of the corner bases 205 located near the edges of the channel slots 217/218 may be pocket holes 216 for fastening the corner bases 205 to either the plate 207 or the ledge 208. The channel slots 217/218 of the corner bases 205 may be sized to fit to either the plate 207 or the ledges 208.

The plate 207 of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 9, may sit on the floor 203 at a wall intersection between the horizontal straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on the floor 203. The plate 207 may be configured to provide lower guidance to the corner bases 205 and to bridge or couple the horizontal straight framing lumber 201 to create the desired optical effect. Specifically, the plate 207 may have a curved shape designed to bridge or couple two perpendicular pieces of horizontal straight frame lumber 201 installed on the floor 203. The exact dimensions of the plate 207 may depend on the specific needs of the customer. The dimensions of the plate 207 may naturally match the dimensions of the corner bases 205. FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary plate 207 with an end-to-end length of approximately 31.113 inches, configured to match a corner base with a radius of 24 inches. The outside face of the plate 207 may be configured with a number of corner-base-channel-slots 223 that act as attachment surfaces 209 for the corner bases 205. The exact number of corner-base-channel-slots 223 is dependent on the relative size of the corner that needs to be bridged. The exemplary plate 207 seen in FIG. 9 comprises five corner-base-channel-slots 223 that may be configured to accommodate two corner bases 205 per slot 223. Each corner-base-channel-slot 223 may be positioned at equal intervals along the outside face of the plate 207. On each end of the plate 207 may be a floor-channel-slot 224 configured to accommodate a horizontal piece of straight frame lumber 201 installed on the floor 203.

The ledge 208 of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 10, may sit on the walls 202 at a wall intersection between the horizontal straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on the walls 202. The ledge 208 may be configured to provide upper guidance as an attachment surface 209 to the corner bases 205 and to bridge or couple the horizontal and vertical straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on the walls 202 to create the desired optical effect. The ledge 208 may have a curved-arch shape configured to bridge or couple two perpendicular pieces of straight frame lumber 201. The dimensions of the ledge 208 may generally match the dimensions of the corner bases 205. FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary ledge 208 with an end-to-end length of approximately 43.134 inches and a radius of approximately 32.154 inches, configured to match a corner base 205 with a radius of 24 inches. On an inside face of the ledge 208 may be a first wall-channel-slot 225 and a second wall-channel-slot 226 configured as attachment surfaces 209 to the vertical straight framing lumber 201. Each wall-channel-slot 225/226 may be located at approximately 12.5 inches from each end of the ledge 208. At a first mark 227 of the first wall-channel-slot 225, the ledge 208 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a first direction for approximately 1.56 inches. At a second mark 228 of the first wall-channel-slot 225, the ledge 208 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a second direction for 3.5 inches. At a first mark 229 of the second wall channel slot 226, the ledge 208 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a second direction for approximately 1.56 inches. At a second mark 230 of the second wall channel slot 226, the ledge 208 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a first direction for 3.5 inches. These wall-channel-slots 225/226 may create attachment surfaces 209 for the ledge 208 to attach to the vertical straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on the walls 202. On a face of the ledge 208 located near the edges of the channel-slots are pocket holes 216 for fastening the ledge 208 to the vertical straight framing lumber 201. The outside face of the ledge 208 may be configured as an attachment surface 209 for the ledge channel slot 217 of the corner base 205 to sit upon. In a preferred embodiment, two ledges 208 are doubled-up at each wall intersection.

The wall corners 206 of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 11, may be configured to seamlessly couple perpendicular walls 202 to create the desired optical effect. The wall corners 206 may be crescent like in shape with a concave arch extending from one end to the other end. The radius of the wall corners 206 may depend on the specific needs of the customer. The dimensions of the wall corners 206 may naturally match the dimensions of the corner bases 205. FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary wall corner 206 with a radius of approximately 32.844 inches and an end-to-end length of approximately 42.409 inches, configured to match a corner base 205 with a radius of 24 inches. Each wall corner 206 may comprise a first wall-channel-slot 231 and a second wall-channel-slot 232 located along the inside face that may be configured as attachment surfaces 209 for the vertical straight framing lumber 201. In this example, each wall-channel-slot 231/232 is located at approximately 11.987 inches from each end of the wall corner 206. At a first mark 233 of the first wall channel slot 231, the wall corner 206 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a first direction for approximately 1.56 inches. At a second mark 234 of the first wall channel slot 231, the wall corner 206 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a second direction for 3.5 inches. At a first mark 235 of the second wall channel slot 232, the wall corner 206 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a second direction for approximately 1.56 inches. At a second mark 236 of the second wall channel slot 232, the wall corner 206 indents at a ninety-degree angle in a first direction for 3.5 inches. The first and second wall-channel-slots 231/232 may create attachment surfaces 209 for the wall corner 206 to attach to the vertical straight framing lumber 201 installed directly on the walls 202. On a face of the wall corners 206 located near the edges of the wall-channel-slots 231/232 may be pocket holes 216 for fastening the wall corners 206 to the vertical straight framing lumber 201.

It must be said that the relative locations of all the aforementioned channel slots will be proportional to the radius of the respective pieces. Even so, the dimensions of the wall and floor-channel-slots of the various pieces should be sized to fit to standard straight framing lumber 201. In a preferred embodiment, each corner of each channel-slot comprises rounded corners or fillets to allow the lumber 201 pieces to fit flush into the slots.

FIG. 12 depicts various exemplary steps of an installation method 300 of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 200 embodying the principles of the present invention. The first step 301 of the installation method 300 is to fasten or install vertical straight frame lumber 201 on to the existing walls 202 from the floor to the ceiling. The second step 302 is to install a ledge 208 to the vertical straight from lumber 201. The third step 303 is to fasten or install a plate 207 to the floor. The fourth step 304 is to fasten or install horizontal straight frame lumber 201 on the existing walls 202 and floor 203. The fifth step 305 is to install the floor coves 204 along the horizontal straight frame lumber 201 along a first wall 202. The sixth step 306 is to fasten or install the corner bases 205 to the ledge 208 and the plate 207. The seventh step 307 is to install the floor coves 204 along the horizontal straight frame lumber 201 along a second wall 202. The eighth step 308 is to install the wall corners 206 along the vertical straight frame lumber 201. The ninth step 309 is to repeat steps one through eight at each wall-intersection.

FIGS. 13 to 23 depict various steps of an installation method 300 of a prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit 200 embodying the principles of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 13, the first step 301 is installing vertical straight frame lumber 201 on the existing walls 202. Two lines of straight frame lumber 201 are installed vertically to the walls 202 near the wall intersection. The distance from the wall-intersection to the vertical straight frame lumber 201 lines is may be determined in proportion by the desired radius of the floor coves 204. For example, for a floor cove with a radius of 24 inches, the vertical straight frame lumber 201 may be positioned 18 inches from the wall intersection. The vertical straight frame lumber 201 lines may extend along the total height of the wall 202 from floor to ceiling.

After the vertical straight frame lumber 201 has been installed, pieces of the kit may be installed. Second step 302 is seen in FIGS. 14-15. Therein the ledge 208 may be installed to the two vertical lumber 201 pieces on the walls 202 at the wall-channel-slots. The ledge 208 may be installed at a specific height proportional to the height of the corner bases 205. In an example, the ledge 208 is installed at a height of approximately 12 inches above the floor, so as to accommodate a corner base 205 with a radius of 24 inches. As seen in optional step 302A depicted in FIG. 16, it may be preferrable for two ledges 208 to be doubled-up for improved stability with the second ledge 208 installed underneath the first ledge 208. As seen in FIG. 17, in the third step 303, the plate 207 may be positioned at the wall intersection to bridge or couple two pieces of horizontal lumber 201. In an example, the plate 207 may be installed at a distance of approximately 12 inches from the wall 202, so as to accommodate a corner base 205 with a radius of 24 inches. The plate 207 may be installed to the existing floor 203. It is important that the plate 207 and the ledges 208 are installed before the corner bases 205.

As seen in FIG. 18, in the fourth step 304, one line of horizontal straight frame lumber 201 may be installed to the floor 201 at a predetermined distance from the wall 202. Then another line of straight frame lumber 201 may be installed horizontally to the wall 202 at the same predetermined distance from the floor 203. The location of the horizontal straight frame lumber 201 on the floor 203 and the wall 202 may be determined by the desired radius of the cyclorama wall. In an example, the horizontal straight frame lumber 201 is installed at a distance of approximately 12 inches from the wall 202 or floor 203, so as to proportionally accommodate a floor cove 204 with a radius of 24 inches. The horizontal straight frame lumber 201 lines on the floor 203 and the walls 202 may extend from the ends of the walls 202 and floor 203 to a predetermined distance from the wall intersection. The distance from the wall intersection to the horizontal straight frame lumber 201 lines may be determined by the desired radius of the cyclorama wall itself. The steps of installing the straight frame lumber 201 directly to the existing walls 202 and floors 203 reduces installation costs and time compared with the prior art step of constructing a frame 101.

After the horizontal straight frame lumber 201 has been installed, the remainder of prefabricated pieces of the kit may be installed to the straight frame lumber 201 in an exemplary right-to-left manner. As seen in FIG. 19, in the fifth step 305, starting on the right-hand side of the cyclorama wall, the floor coves 204 may be installed to the horizontal straight frame lumber 201 installed on the walls 202 and floor 203. Each floor cove 204 is installed to a piece of horizontal lumber 201 already installed on the wall 202 and floor 203 at the wall and floor-channel-slots, respectively. For best stability, each floor cove 204 is installed at constant intervals from the next floor cove 204. For example, the space on center should be no more than 16 inches. The first floor cove 204 may be installed at the end of the wall 202 while the last floor cove is installed at the end of the horizontal lumber 201 piece so as to be adjacent to the plate 207. In a preferred embodiment, two floor coves 204 are doubled-up at the end of the horizontal lumber 201 piece for greater fastening surface area for the finishing material at the wall-intersection.

As seen in FIG. 20, in the sixth step 306, starting from right to left, the corner bases 205 may be installed to the ledge 208 and the plate 207 at the ledge-channel-slot and the plate-channel-slots, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, two corner bases 205 are doubled-up per corner-base-channel-slot of the plate 207 for greater fastening surface area for the finishing material at the wall intersection. Then, as seen in FIG. 21, in the seventh step 307, starting from right to left, the floor coves 204 may be installed along the horizontal straight frame lumber 201 along the second wall 202 in the same manner as the first wall 202.

As seen in FIG. 22, in the eighth step 308, the wall corners 206 may be installed to the vertical straight frame lumber 201 already installed on the walls 202. Each wall corner 206 is installed to a piece of vertical lumber 201 installed on each wall 202 at the wall-channel-slots. Each wall corner 206 is installed at constant intervals from the next wall corner 206. For example, the space on center should be no more than 16 inches. The first wall corner 206 may be installed at the top of the wall 202 while the last wall corner 206 may be installed at the point along the vertical lumber 201 where the corner bases 205 sit. In a specific example of a corner base 205 with a height of 24 inches, the last wall corner 206 is installed at a height of 24 inches from the floor 203. In a preferred embodiment, two wall corners 206 are doubled-up at the point along the pieces of vertical lumber 201 where the corner bases 205 sit for greater fastening surface area for the finishing material at the wall-corner.

FIG. 23 depicts the improved prefabricated cyclorama infinity wall kit successfully installed. As the ninth step, steps one through eight may be repeated at each wall intersection. A drywall, wire lath, or plaster finish can then be applied to achieve the desired infinity effect.