GB190924645A - Improvements in or relating to Means for Raising and Lowering Curtains and other Scenery in Theatres, Music Halls, and like Places. - Google Patents

Abstract

24,645. Connor, L. Oct. 27. Theatrical appliances. -Relates to apparatus for raising and lowering curtains, scenes, &c., and consists of an arrangement by which any one or set of a series can be operated at will. The scenes are suspended by cords passing over pulleys, and each is operated through a cord 10 connected to one of a series of slippers 13 travelling in vertical guides and capable of being raised and lowered by a cross-frame 18 carried on pillars, which are moved up and down by hydraulic or other mechanism. The crossframe 18 carries a series of pivoted catches 26<a> which normally stand clear of projections 13b on the slippers, but by an electrically-controlled device can be thrown outwards so as to engage the projection when the frame is raised. When a slipper is in the latter position, the frame in ascending carries it up, and hence raises the corresponding scene, until a projection 13<a> on the slipper passes a corresponding catch 26 mounted on a fixed beam 15, the catch engaging the projection when the beam 18 descends and thus retaining the slipper in its raised position. The catches 26<a> and 26 are operated by weights 27 acting through links 29 and toggle levers &c., these weights being normally held in inoperative position by an electrically-controlled catch 39. The weights are raised by arms 44<a>, 44<b> on shafts which are mounted respectively on the frame 18 and beam 15 and are rocked during the upward travel of the frame 18 so as to re-set the weights. Slot and spring connexions allow the weights to be moved upwards without affecting the position of the catches 26, 26<a>. The weights may be released mechanically if preferred. To lower a scene, the corresponding weight actuating the upper catch is released when the frame 18 is in its raised position, thus allowing the slipper to fall on to the catch carried by this frame. Adjustments are provided to regulate the extent to which the scene is lowered. Specification 26,231/07, [Class 20, Buildings &c.], is referred to.