Kabuki stage setting release device

A Kabuki device to positionally maintain and release a stage setting responsive to electric current from a power source. A box-like body, defining a medial chamber with a slot communicating therewith, carries a solenoid in the chamber. A movable solenoid arm communicates with a spring biased lever arm that pivots on an offset axle to provide mechanical advantage to one end of the solenoid arm. One metal ring interconnected to the stage setting is inserted through the slot and is positionally maintained by a ring support pin carried by the pivoting lever arm. A finger hole defined in one end of the body allows manual manipulation of the lever arm for resetting. Jumper cables having plural electrical leads allow a plurality of devices to be interconnected in series in multiple predetermined groupings.

II. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

IIA. Related Applications

There are no applications related hereto heretofore filed in this or in any foreign country.

IIB. Field of Invention

This invention relates to partition control devices, and more particularly to a device for positionally maintaining a stage setting and releasing the stage setting in response to a remotely generated electric signal.

IIC. Background and Description of Prior Art

Stage setting release devices, commonly known as Kabuki devices, are used in the entertainment and media industries to positionally maintain depending stage settings, such as curtains, back drops, banners and scenery changes and to release the stage settings on cue and to open performances, change backgrounds and reveal new products. Although vertical drops are most common, stage settings may also be tensioned between biasing means at one edge portion and Kabuki devices at the opposing edge portion, so that upon release by the Kabuki devices the stage setting moves toward the biasing means horizontally across a stage.

Known Kabuki devices provide a push/pull solenoid and an associated elongately movable pin that are carried within the chamber of a peripherally defined body. The body defines a slot in the surface facing the direction of release of the stage setting in which a sector of a metal ring interconnected to an edge portion of the stage setting is carried. The elongately movable pin is interconnected to the solenoid at a first end portion. The second end and medial portions of the elongately movable pin extend transversely across the slot and through the medial void portion of the metal ring carried therein, so that the metal ring is supported directly upon the elongately movable pin. Actuation of the solenoid moves the solenoid arm which responsively moves the elongately movable pin toward the first end to a position whereat the pin no longer extends through the metal ring to release the metal ring from the slot to responsively release the stage setting.

Known Kabuki devices have various drawbacks and are prone to intermittent failures. Carrying the metal ring directly upon the elongately movable pin is a frequent cause of such failures because the weight of the stage setting, and the forces applied thereby, are transverse to movement of the elongately movable pin. These transverse forces increase friction that tend to cause the pin to bind, occasionally preventing pin movement and release of the metal ring and the stage setting. The binding may be exacerbated by use, as well as by misalignment of the solenoid arm and the pin. Increased friction also requires more electrical power for the solenoid to move the pin. Precision manufacturing is therefore essential, and rough handling of known Kabuki devices, during transport or otherwise, may decrease efficiency and reliability by altering the axial alignment of the solenoid arm and elongately movable pin.

Known Kabuki devices are also difficult to load because the elongately movable pin is not easily accessible. Generally a screwdriver or other thin elongate item must be used to move the pin rearwardly so that the metal ring may be placed in the slot and about the pin. Additionally there is no ready means to test whether the electrical circuit, created when plural Kabuki devices are interconnected in series, is complete, other than activating the device which releases the metal ring and the stage setting. Such testing is impractical once the devices and stage settings have been installed and raised for operation.

The present invention seeks to overcome these drawbacks to known Kabuki devices by providing an improved Kabuki device that is more reliable and durable, is easy to load and has an electrical circuit that may be tested without releasing the stage settings.

My improved Kabuki device releasably carries one metal ring of a stage setting, in a triangular ring chamber that communicates with a slot defined in the body on a ring support pin carried at one end portion of a spring biased pivoting lever arm. The pivoting lever arm provides mechanical advantage to the solenoid arm to ensure reliably consistent pin motion, eliminates friction caused by the transverse forces of the stage setting on the pin and reduces the electrical current necessary for the solenoid to release the stage setting.

A finger hole defined in an end cap of the body, adjacent the lever arm, allows manipulation of the lever arm to simplify loading my Kabuki release device. Interconnecting interlocking wiring connectors allow plural Kabuki devices to be interconnected with one another in series. A power indicator test light is releasably attachable to each series connected group of Kabuki devices to test the connectivity of each series circuit without activating the solenoids.

My invention does not reside in any one of these identified features individually, but rather in the synergistic combination of all of its structures, which give rise to the functions necessarily flowing therefrom as hereinafter specified and claimed.

My Kabuki stage setting release device generally provides a body defining a medial chamber with a slot communicating through the body of the chamber, and carries a connector to releasably fasten the body to a support structure. An electrical series current provides a solenoid carried within the medial chamber of the body operatively communicates through a switch to an external power source that supplies electric power to cause the solenoid to move a solenoid arm. A spring biased lever arm carried in the medial chamber, having a first end portion connected to the solenoid arm and a second end portion carrying a ring support pin, pivots on an axle responsive to motion of the solenoid arm to release a metal ring supported in the body slot upon the ring support pin. A finger hole defined in the body allows manual manipulation of the lever arm to load the metal ring onto the ring support pin. Cable jumpers, having a releasable electrical plug connector at each opposing end portion, operatively interconnect at least one group of Kabuki devices in a series circuit. A power indicator test light may be releasably engaged with each group of Kabuki release devices in a series circuit to test the circuit without activating the solenoids.

In providing such a device it is:

A principal object to provide a Kabuki device that uses a solenoid to power a pivoting lever arm to create mechanical advantage to release a metal ring supporting a positionally maintained stage setting.

A further object is to provide such a device that lessens friction between the metal ring interconnected to the stage setting and a ring support pin supporting the metal ring to reduce friction and the likelihood of device failure.

A further object is to provide such a device that requires less electrical power for operation to allow more devices to be interconnected in a single series circuit.

A further object is to provide such a device that uses multiple contact plug-type electrical connectors so that plural groups of a set of devices may be operated independently with a single wiring harness.

A further object is to provide such a device that may be loaded without the use of ancillary tools.

A further object is to provide such a device that allows a circuit formed by plural series interconnected devices to be tested with a second power indicator test light circuit without actuating the solenoids.

A still further object is to provide such a device that has recessed electrical connectors on the body to protect the connectors from damage during transport installation and use.

A still further object is to provide such a device that is of new and novel design, of rugged and durable nature, of simple and economic manufacture and otherwise is well suited to the uses and purposes for which it is intended.

Other and further objects of my Invention will appear from the following specification and accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In carrying out the objects of my invention, however, it is to be understood that its structures and features are susceptible of change in design and arrangement with only one preferred and practical embodiment of the best known mode being illustrated in the accompanying drawings and specified as is required.

V. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As used herein, the term “forward”, its derivatives, and grammatical equivalents refer to that portion of the Kabuki device closest to first end11b. The term “rearward”, its derivatives, and grammatical equivalents refer to that portion of the device closest to second end11c. The term “top”, its derivatives and grammatical equivalents refer to that portion of the device carrying hinged scaffold clamp12. The term “bottom”, its derivatives and grammatical equivalents refer to that portion of the device defining slot24.

The term “stage setting” includes curtains, partitions, screens, backdrops, banners and other similar sheet-like flexible structures used in stage performances and product introduction displays. Stage settings commonly are moved from a pre-established position by reason of the force of gravity, or in other directions by biasing means.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, my Kabuki device has a peripherally defined rigid box body11defining medial chamber11a(FIG. 10) and having first rearward end11band second forward end11c. A transverse slot24communicating through the box body11to chamber11ais defined in the bottom11eof the body11, spacedly adjacent first rear end11b, through which a sector of metal ring72(FIG. 10not shown) that is attached to a stage setting (not shown) is inserted. Releasable fasteners11dsecure first end cover20and second end cover21to body11and also positionally secure base40carrying solenoid30(FIGS. 7-8) in medial chamber11a. Finger hole26is defined in the first rearward end cover20to communicate with chamber11ato allow an operator to insert a finger therethrough to manually manipulate pivoting lever arm55(FIG. 5) to load the Kabuki device with metal ring72.

A hinged scaffold clamp12is releasably fastened to the top portion of the body11, spacedly adjacent the first end11b, by nut-bolt type fastener14. The hinged scaffold clamp12has base portion12awith a lower planar surface to fit upon top11fof body11and an upper arcuate surface to fit upon a cylindrical support. The base portion12acarries arcuate pivoting portion12bby means of hinge axel pin13extending between interconnecting hinge portions of the scaffold clamp portions12aand12bformed in their forward end portions. The pivoting portion12bextends rearwardly and downwardly only to an arcuate distance spacedly adjacent to base portion12ato define a gap therebetween and terminates with a radically outwardly extending fastening ear12c. The fastening ear12cdefines the medial notch27in its outer end portion to fastenably receive threaded clamp bolt15pivotally carried by the forward end portion of base portion12aof scaffold clamp12. Wing nut17carried by the clamp bolt15releasably closes and fastens the scaffold clamp12on a support structure (not shown) by securing together the opposing portions12a,12bof the scaffold clamp12. Safety wire18, carried by base portion12aand formable into a loop thereabout, carries releasable connector19at the non-secured end portion to fasten about a support structure to provide safety redundancy in securing the body11to the support structure (not shown).

Holes22,23are defined in each side portion of the body11spacedly adjacent second rearward end11cto releasably carry first wiring plug connector31and second wiring plug connector34, respectively, therein. Annular recesses32,35are formed in the body11about each hole22,23so that the first and second wiring plug connectors31,34are recessed into the body11for protection from damage.

Base40(FIGS. 7,8) is carried in the medial chamber11aof body11and secured therein with plural releasable fasteners11d(FIGS. 1,2) extending through holes (not shown) defined in the body11. Base40is formed of nonconductive, nonmagnetic material such as wood or plastic, to a generally rectilinear configuration having first forward end40a, second rearward end40b, first elongate lateral edge40cand second elongate lateral edge40d. An “L” shaped lever block bracket48that defines medial slot47is fastened to base40, adjacent the first forward end40a, with plural releasable fasteners49a. Similar opposed lever blocks46are fastened to the lever block bracket48at each opposing side of the notch47with releasable fasteners49bso that lever slot50is defined between the two spacedly adjacent lever blocks46. Each lever block46defines an aligned lever arm axle hole52extending transversely therethrough and a triangular recess53(FIG. 9) in a bottom corner portion adjacent the lever slot50and first forward end portion40aof the base40. The triangular recesses53(FIG. 9) defined in each lever block46and the lever slot50therebetween define generally trapezoidal ring chamber51with a shorter top (not shown) oriented toward the top of the body11and longer base that communicates with the slot24defined in the bottom of the body11. The trapezoidal configuration of the ring chamber51positionally centers a sector of metal ring72that is inserted therein during loading of the Kabuki device.

As seen inFIG. 9pivoting lever arm55, having upper end portion55aand a lower end portion55b, is pivotally carried in the lever slot50on a lever arm axle56(FIGS. 9,10). The lever arm axle56extends transversely through the lever arm55spacedly adjacent the lower end portion55bso that mechanical advantage is provided to lower end portion55brelative to movement of upper end portion55a. Laterally extending portions of lever arm axle.56are carried in similar opposed arm axle holes52defined in the lever blocks46. In the preferred embodiment, the position of lever arm axle56, through lever arm55, provides a three-to-one mechanical advantage between opposing end portions55a,55bof lever arm55. Ring support pin57is carried at lower end portion55bof lever arm55to extend perpendicular to lever arm axle56rearwardly into and across ring chamber51at first forward end40aof base40.

Pulling solenoid30having body30aand movable arm30bis releasably fastened to the top surface of base40between the first and second edge portions40c,40dand adjacent the second end portion40bby mounting brackets42and plural releasable fasteners43, extending therebetween. Movable arm30bextends forwardly from body30aand is drawn rearwardly toward body30awhen electric current is supplied to a coil (not shown) within body30a. Connection plates38carried on opposing lateral portions of arm30bjournal solenoid chain connecting bolt-nut combination45extending therebetween at forward end portions distal from body30a. Chain links44interconnects solenoid chain connecting bolt-nut combination45and chain connecting pin58at upper end portion55aof lever arm55so that movement of the solenoid arm30bis communicated to upper end portion55aof lever arm55.

As shown inFIG. 8, spring59communicates between one lever block46and solenoid chain connecting bolt-nut combination45. Fastening screw60positionally secures the forward end portion of the spring59to the one lever block46to bias arm30bto a forwardly extended position. When in the forwardly extended position, solenoid arm30bpivots the lever arm55into a position whereat ring support pin57, carried at lower end portion55bof lever arm55, extends rearwardly into and across ring chamber51so that metal ring72may be positionally maintained in the ring chamber by support pin57.

First and second wiring plug connectors31,34, preferably are Neutrik Model NL4MP distributed by Neutrik USA, Inc., of 195 Lehigh Ave., Lakewood, N.J. 08701-4527, each having generally cylindrical plug bodies31a,34a, defining medial plug receptacles31b,34bcarries plural spaced electrical contacts and having fastening flanges31b,34bthereabout defining plural fastener holes31d,34d. First and second wiring plug connectors31,34are releasably carried, in a recessed position, in holes22,23defined in side portions of the body11and are positionally secured by releasable fasteners33engaged in holes31d,34ddefined in flanges31b,34band extending through body11.

As seen inFIG. 11first and second wiring plug connectors31,34are wired in series electrical communication with each other and with the solenoid30of the associated Kabuki. Common lead80interconnects with first wiring plug connector31with the solenoid30and with the second wiring plug connector34providing a common ground for the solenoid30. Power lead81communicates in series with first wiring plug connector31, solenoid30and second wiring plug connector34. Upon actuation electric current is transmitted from switchable controller74, through power cable81to first wiring plug connector31, solenoid30and second wiring plug connector34. The electric signal causes solenoid30to actuate, pulling solenoid arm30band upper end portion55aof lever arm55toward solenoid body30awhich responsively pivots lower end portion55bof lever arm55forwardly to release metal ring72from ring support pin57and allow the metal ring72to move from the ring chamber51.

As shown inFIG. 12, plural pass through power leads82may be used in a wiring harness for multiple Kabuki devices to create groups of Kabuki devices that act uniformally within the group but independently of other groups.FIG. 12shows two such groups of Kabuki devices11and11a. Pass through power lead82interconnects first wiring plug connector31and second wiring connector34, but bypasses solenoid30. Plural pass through power leads82may be used in a wiring harness to allow the creation of plural sub-groups also known as channels, of series interconnected Kabuki devices which can be independently actuated by passing current from controller74through the appropriate pass through lead82.

Each Kabuki device is provided with a visible identifier (not shown), such as a unique number, color or letter identifying power lead81that communicates with the solenoid30for that particular Kabuki device11,11a. The visible indicator allows an operator to group Kabuki devices into channels that may be actuated at the same time in response to the same electrical signal.

Each jumper cable83has a plug connector84, preferably the aforesaid Neutrik NL4FC, at each opposing end portion. Each plug connector84is generally cylindrical, carries plural electrical contacts (not shown) and is configured to operatively engage with receptacles31c,34cof first and second wiring plug connectors31,34carried by the body11. Each plug connector84has a known locking protrusion (not shown) that engages with a cooperating groove (not shown) defined in the first and second wiring plug connectors31,34to prevent inadvertent disconnections and ensure that plug connectors84and first and second wiring plug connectors31,34are properly aligned for operative engagement and interconnection. The alignment ensures the electrical connections are predictable using visual indicators (not shown) on the body11.

As shown inFIG. 11, jumper cable85is used to operatively interconnect a first Kabuki device to the controller74by engaging one plug connector84of the cable jumper83to a mating receptacle (not shown) on the controller74, and engaging the second plug connector84of the jumper cable85with one of the wiring plug connectors31,34of the Kabuki device. Similar jumper cables85may be used to interconnect plural Kabuki devices in a series circuit with jumper cables85operatively engaging and extending between adjacent Kabuki devices (FIG. 12).

Power indicator test light71(FIGS. 12 and 13) is used to test the continuity of a series circuit having plural interconnected Kabuki devices. The power indicator test light71may operatively engage with any wiring plug connectors31,34but preferably interconnects with the last Kabuki device in a series circuit that is most distal from controller74. Power indicator test light71has light bulb71athat illuminates when electric current is supplied to it. Light bulb71ais in electrical communication with the common ground lead80and power test lead83so that when electrical power is supplied through the power test lead, light bulb71awill light if the common ground lead circuit80through a series connected Kabuki devices is completed. The illumination of light bulb71aprovides visual evidence of the circuit integrity without operating the solenoids30of the Kabuki device to release stage settings they may be supporting.

Having described the structure of my Kabuki stage setting release device, its operation may be understood.

At least one Kabuki device is releasably fastened to a supporting structure (not shown), such as a scaffolding rod that has not yet been raised into position. Hinged scaffold clamp12is opened by loosening wing nut17and pivoting clamp securing bolt15out of notch27defined in pivoting portion12bof clamp12. A portion of the scaffolding rod is positioned between pivoting portion12band base portion12aof scaffold clamp12, clamp securing bolt15is pivoted back into notch27and wing nut17is tightened to secure scaffold clamp12and the Kabuki device to the scaffolding. If more than one Kabuki device is to be used for the same stage setting drop, each Kabuki device being used should have the same visual indicator (not shown) and must have the same jumper cable85interconnection thereon so that every Kabuki device in the circuit will be identifiable and actuate in response to receipt of the same electric signal.

The stage setting, having one or more spaced metal rings72along an edge portion for support, is positioned adjacent to Kabuki devices. The operator inserts a finger through finger hole26defined in first end cover20and pushes upper end portion55aof lever arm55rearwardly to overcome the biasing of spring59. As upper end portion55aof lever arm55moves rearwardly, lower end portion55bof lever arm55pivots forwardly so that the ring support pin57is withdrawn rearwardly from the ring chamber51. The adjacent metal ring72attached to the stage setting (not shown) is partially inserted into slot24defined in the bottom portion of body11and into ring chamber51. The trapezoidal configuration of ring chamber51positionally centers metal ring72in ring chamber51. The operator releases pressure on upper end portion55aof lever arm55causing spring59to move the lower end portion55bof lever arm55rearwardly so that ring support pin57extends into and across ring chamber51and through a medial portion of metal ring72. The described process is repeated for each Kabuki device to be used in the stage setting drop group.

Jumper cables85having plug connector84at each opposing end are positioned between adjacent Kabuki devices. A protrusion (not shown) on each plug connector84is aligned with a groove (not shown) defined in each first and second wiring plug connector31,34and plug connectors84are engaged with the wiring plug connectors31,34. Upon engagement, plug connectors84are rotated axially into a locking position that positionally maintains the interconnection of connectors84and31, and connectors84and34. The locking position establishes operative electrical communication between the electrical contacts carried by plug connectors84and first and second wiring connectors31,34and establishes an operative series electrical circuit therebetween. The above described process is repeated for each Kabuki device in the series circuit. A similar jumper cable85is used to interconnect the first Kabuki device in the series circuit with controller74(FIG. 11).

Power indicator test light71may be interconnected with the first or second wiring plug connectors31,34of the Kabuki device most distant from controller74. Light bulb71aof power indicator test light71will illuminate when an electrical signal is transmitted through the power test lead83which verifies the integrity of the electrical connections without actuating solenoids30.

After the interconnection of jumper cables85to the Kabuki devices the scaffolding may be raised into operative position. Upon cue, switches86on the controller74are activated to transmit electric power through jumper cables85and to the interconnected Kabuki devices causing solenoids30to actuate and release the desired stage setting.

The foregoing description of my invention is necessarily of a detailed nature so that a specific embodiment of the best mode may be set forth as is required, but it is to be understood that various modifications of details, and rearrangement, substitution and multiplication of parts may be resorted to without departing from its spirit, essence or scope.

Having thusly described my invention, what I desire to protect by Letters Patent, and