Ramp Diagrams

Here are diagrams from typical drive-in installations. Grading the field in this manner permits a clear, unobstructed view of the screen from cars parked anywhere on the lot. This was the basis for the original drive-in theatre patent: a series of ramps arranged in a semi-circle around the screen, each succeeding ramp a little higher than the one in front of it. This way, patrons can see over the top of the cars in front of them.

Typical field dimensions.

WHY ARE RAMPS NECESSARY?
The purpose of the ramps are to allow drivers to align the fronts of their cars vertically with the screen. As the car is advanced onto the ramp, the screen will come into view. The angle is adjusted by forward or back movement of the car on the ramp, so that both front and rear seat occupants can enjoy a clear view of the screen through the windshield.

Ramp dimensions from typical installations. Proper grading and overall ramp design is critical to the successful operation of a drive-in.

Of course, individual site topography dictates the actual grading cuts and/or fills, and a complete land survey is required for new installations. Regrading is also necessary for theatres that erected additional screens about the existing field. There actually are theatres that have added a second screen at the rear of the lot and are parking cars backward to view it! This is inexcuseable. Needless to say, these installations have the capacity for 75% more business on these screens, if they would only regrade their lots.

An illustration of how ramp dimensioning, grading, and screen height, combine to create unobstructed sightlines through every windshield in the theatre. The dashed line indicates the property's original grade and reveals cuts and fills for this section.

 

Proper aiming of the screen is diagrammed and formulated in this drawing. This procedure delivers maximum reflected light to the parking area. Otherwise, much of the screen image light would be wasted to the night sky.