GB2240047A - Combination puppet theatre - Google Patents

Abstract

An easily assembled dual height stage puppet theatre, incorporating a frame 10 which can be easily assembled from plastic joints and tube. Two stages that also form the storage box and various curtains and backdrops. A shaped material cover printed on the front face, once placed over the frame, is sufficient in height in order to completely obscure an average adult and the complete assemble is large enough to obscure one adult and one child. <IMAGE>

Description

COMBINATION PUPPET THEATRE This invention relates to an easily assembled ,dual stage, puppet theatre Puppet theatres have been in existence for many years, used by professionals for entertaininq children at holiday resorts and parties.These are normally heavy structures wiz one stage at a height suitable for glove puppets only.

The other type of theatre suitable for use with strings puppets are low level units sometimes incorporating scene material.

A dual stage puppet theatre comprising ar easily assembled plastic frame , large enough to contain one adult and one child , with fire retardant cover and curtains , and an upper and lower stage made from either compressed cardboard or plastic A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 shows in perspective the frame ,which is assembled from plastic tube and joints; Figure 2 shows in exploded view the two stages ,backdrop and curtains; Figure 3 ow the three designs of plastic -onnectors; Figure 4 shows the cloth material which is used to cover the frame.

Referring to the drawing the frame as shown in Fig 1 comprises of 14 lengths of rigid plastic tubing (800mm long) and 12 lengths of rigid plastic tubing (600mm long) joined together by eight 3 way ,four 3 way tee ,and four 4 way plastic connectors as shown in Fig 3. Four additional lengths are clipped in place in order to support the two backdrops 11 upper stage 12 and the upper stage theatre curtains 13 Figure 2 shows the two stages 14 which are produced from either compressed cardboard or plastic ,these are also used to store all the parts once the theatre has been taken apart The four curtains 15 which are made from flame retardent material are mounted to the horizontal tubing above the two stages in order to open and close.

The two backdrops 16 which are made from slighty transparant material (in order to allow the puppeteer to see the audience can also be used to mount various scenes which could either be pre-printed or supplied ready for colouring on paper or cloth The shaped cover as illustrated in Fig 4 has two large apertures and a small peep holc on the front face and has strip of velcro on the two rear entrance flaps iri order to pull the shapcd material cover tight once it has been placed over the frame .mis cover is printed on the front face and has decorative material sown along the top of the two apertures which form the openings for the staaes.All the material used is fire resistant Ancilliary equipment may be incorported sl;ch as props,stage furniture,battery powered 12volt liahting,cassette tapes and boos containing stories. Additionally a kit of parts may be included in order to assist in the manufacture of puppets and scenery.

Modification to a toy shop desian will also be possible by the fitting of a different cover .This would have a large aperture at the centre of the front and would be printed accordingly . I ower stage could then be raised to form the counter.

Claims (2)

1. A dual stage puppet theatre comprisin an easily assembled plastic frame ,large enough to contain one adult and one child ,with fire retardant cover and curtains ,and an upper and lower stage made from either compressed cardboard or plastic.

2. Modification to a toy shop will also be possible by the fitting of a different cover. This would have a large aperture at the centre of the front and would be printed accordingly. The lower stage could then be raised to form the counter.